Dr. Trina N. George
State Director for Mississippi
Dr. Trina N. George has spent her career working on behalf of rural communities to increase economic development in Mississippi. Filled with a passion to serve, she was previously employed as the Special Projects and Community Outreach and Development Coordinator in the Office of Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02). This experience allowed her to directly engage and support the surrounding communities of western Mississippi, assisting constituents with rural housing, water, wastewater, and infrastructure requirements. Her hands-on experience collaborating with federal, state, and local governments to develop rural communities prepared her for her appointment as the USDA Rural Development State Director for Mississippi in 2009 with the Obama Administration. This opportunity enabled Dr. George to continue her service to the people of Mississippi, facilitating programs that resulted in the distribution of over billions in federal loan and grant funds to rural communities. In addition to her professional dedication to public service, Dr. George has served as a president of the Parent Teacher Association, an AmeriCorps volunteer, a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America, and an active member in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
She is the proud parent of three, all of whom are serving their country in the Armed Forces. Dr. George earned her Ph.D. from Walden University in Public Policy and Administration. She holds a master’s degree from Mississippi State University and a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi Valley State University. She also has a specialized certification in Creating Collaborative Solutions: Innovations in Governance from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Executive Education and a professional certificate in Management and Leadership from the NeighborWorks Training Institute of America in Washington, D.C.