We are a public/private partnership with a mission of working to address priority health issues of youth on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. All of our programs focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and are designed to engage participants across the lifespan through diverse and varied platforms, in order to create the greatest and most sustainable impact possible for our youth and communities. Since 2013, we have successfully served thousands of individuals across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We also maintain an open-door policy for program observation and cooperative learning.

Let’s Go! Gulf Coast currently operates within Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock Counties and we utilize an inclusive, multi-setting approach to combat childhood obesity which allows the programs to serve people of all genders, age, races, ethnicities, physical ability, and socioeconomic status.

Executive Director

Kelsey Keel, PhD, MPH

Director

Dr. Keel received her Bachelor of Science degree from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York in Biology, with minors in Chemistry and International Studies. She went on to receive her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. She later returned and earned her PhD in Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Dr. Keel is proud to have recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary serving as Executive Director of Let’s Go! Gulf Coast and looks forward to the continued progress and evolution moving forward!

Since moving to South Mississippi over a decade ago, I have been overwhelmed with the sense of community, support, and love that there is along the coast.  Having studied and worked in various public health sectors from New York, Botswana, Louisiana, and finally to Mississippi, I have learned first-hand how important a role community plays in our health.  I have been overjoyed serving as Director of the MS Gulf Coast Youth Health Coalition since July 2014 and watching how our work has been slowly and steadily impacting our communities.  I live in Pass Christian with my husband, Stephen, our two young children, and our miniature golden doodle.  I understand how life is always changing and how important it is to strive for and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle.  As a mom, I always try to positively role model healthy behaviors, whether it’s eating fruits and veggies, doing yoga, making meal preparation fun, going for runs, or making infused water – I always try to include the little ones, even if it’s sometimes challenging!  Being able to work with other families all along the coast has been such an honor.  Hearing your stories, accomplishments, and even setbacks, with living the 5-2-1-0 message have been so inspiring and such a motivator to continue our work.  Partnering with dozens of individuals and organizations across the coast, that are also tirelessly committed to combating childhood obesity, has consistently demonstrated the strong sense of community and compassion that we have along the coast.  This keeps me focused on making our communities where we live, learn, work, and play the absolute best they can be!

alan sudduth, chair

The many years I’ve spent working alongside other Mississippi Gulf Coast volunteers and the time I’ve served as Chevron’s Corporate Affairs Manager for Mississippi have motivated me to find ways to better my community and my state. I’m fortunate to have a community, a company, and a career all focused on enhancing the lives of those around us. I cannot think of a better way to carry out that mission than by participating in Let’s Go! Gulf Coast. This organization not only pursues a mission fundamental to the success of our state’s outlook from a health perspective but also achieves tangible results in improving the quality of life for our future Mississippi workers, parents, and leaders.

Tiffany Alsbury

Bio to come!

Lisa Birmingham

Lisa Birmingham serves as the Director of Grants and Scholarships for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, where she has proudly worked since 2005. Let’s Go! Gulf is a Fund of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Lisa serves as a valuable liaison between the two organizations. At the Foundation, Lisa is responsible for grant administration, scholarship administration, accounts payable, and various other office duties. She has always had a passion for volunteerism and has spent her career working with various non-profits and schools. Lisa has always called the Mississippi Gulf Coast home.

Paul Donnell

As a Graphic Designer at Keesler Federal Credit Union, I am a dedicated marketing expert and passionate advocate for personal health and mental wellness. I firmly believe that our community thrives when it is in good health. I understand that one of the most effective ways to encourage positive change is by crafting the right message to connect with and inspire our community.

As a father, I am committed to providing my child with the best opportunity for a healthy lifestyle. I am thrilled to join the efforts of Let's Go! Gulf Coast in amplifying this message to positively impact our youth.

In addition, I serve on the Board of the American Advertising Federation and am a member of Coast Young Professionals and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Brandon Ellis

My name is Brandon Ellis, and I am a dedicated advocate for Let's Go! Gulf Coast. My family has deep roots in Jackson County, spanning eight generations. I attended the University of Mississippi, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, and I hold a Master’s in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. Currently, I serve as the Compliance Team Leader at Plant Daniel for Mississippi Power Company, overseeing environmental and laboratory functional areas.

I am actively involved in environmental community efforts such as Renew Our Rivers and Jackson County Hazardous Household Waste Collection Day. Additionally, I sit on the Environmental Stewardship Council for Mississippi Power, called ConServe. I am married to Meagan Ellis, and we have two children, Jaxon (10) and Adaline (2). I am always looking for new ways to get involved in the community, and the mission of Let's Go Gulf Coast hits home for me, especially as a father of young children.

Through my involvement with Let's Go Gulf Coast, I am committed to combating childhood obesity and fostering healthier habits among the youth in the Mississippi Gulf Coast region. My dedication to community service and wellness drives my efforts to make a lasting difference for the next generation.

Kelli Javens

Bio to come!

jamal Martin

Bio to come!

erica schrock

As a native of Mississippi, mom of two young boys, and Director of Philanthropy for Transplant for Ochsner Health, I’m committed to making our beautiful coastal community a healthy place to live, work, and play. While southern traditions, such as sweet tea and fried foods, are part of our roots and culture, Mississippians also care about community. That desire for my community of dear friends, family, and neighbors to live a healthy lifestyle, drives my commitment to the coalition to fight obesity in our state, starting with our children. Our children are our future. Let’s Go Gulf Coast does an amazing job teaching our children how to make smart choices for a healthy lifestyle. From eating habits to physical activity to proper hydration, and minimal screen time, they find creative ways to keep our kids educated and open to trying new things that not only directly benefit them but hopefully their families too!

Katarina scott

I’m fortunate in my role as Chevron’s External Affairs Representative to be able to get involved in organizations that better our community. I’m so encouraged by the work Let’s Go! Gulf Coast is doing to achieve results in lowering our state’s childhood obesity rate. As a mom to a young son, childhood health is extremely important to me. With better access to information, parents will have the tools to start healthy habits with their children early, setting them up for long-term success.