JMAA Strengthens Community Engagement through Area Golf Events

By LSherie Dean, Director of Communications, Marketing & Public Relations
Jackson Municipal Airport Authority

JMAA’s team for the Jackson State tournament consisted of (from left) JSU golfing great Erica Payton, Belhaven University’s Dr. Sharrieffah Bridges, JMAA CEO Rosa M. Beckett and Larry Cowan, former NFL player and JSU Hall of Famer.

The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) recently demonstrated its ongoing commitment to community engagement and to supporting local initiatives by participating in two notable events: the annual Mayor’s Cup and the Jackson State University W.C. Gorden/Ashley Robinson Golf Tournament.

Mayor’s Cup at Pete Brown Golf Facility
Held August 30 at the Pete Brown Golf Facility in Jackson, just across from the historic Hawkins Field Airport, the annual Mayor’s Cup was a fun and impactful event to support the facility’s continuous improvement. JMAA was represented by a talented three-person team consisting of Anthony Dean; Melissa Dean, CEO and COO of AD Marketing, LLC and Eric Stewart, JMAA Director of Information Technology.

The Mayor’s Cup is more than just a tournament – it’s a community initiative designed to enhance the Pete Brown Golf Facility, ensuring it remains a premier location for golf enthusiasts in Jackson for years to come.

“Your dollars will go directly to golf course improvements in the form of added equipment needed to continue keeping the course in the best shape it has been in years,” said Chokwe A. Lumumba, Mayor of the City of Jackson.

JMAA’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting local initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Jackson. The Pete Brown Golf Facility is a cherished part of the community, and JMAA is proud to contribute to its improvement and growth.

Jackson State University W.C. Gorden/Ashley Robinson Golf Tournament
To kick off the 2024 Jackson State University football season, JMAA also took part in the prestigious Jackson State University W.C. Gorden/Ashley Robinson Golf Tournament on September 4. This annual event at the picturesque Lake Caroline Golf Club brought together community leaders, alumni and supporters to celebrate and support Jackson State University’s rich legacy in higher education and athletics. JMAA was honored to partner with its world-class airline partner, Southwest Airlines. JMAA’s team was led by JMAA CEO Rosa M. Beckett and included JSU golfing great Erica Payton; Dr. Sharrieffah Bridges of Belhaven University and Larry Cowan, former NFL player and JSU Hall of Famer. The team’s participation highlights JMAA’s ongoing partnership with Jackson State University, focused on advancing both academic and athletic programs.

“We had a fantastic time at the W.C. Gorden/Ashley Robinson Golf Tournament,” says Beckett. “JMAA is proud to support events like these that benefit higher education and the advancement of athletics at Jackson State University. Our partnership with JSU allows us to contribute to the betterment of our community through educational opportunities and athletic excellence.”

The tournament is integral to supporting the future of Jackson State University’s athletic programs, ensuring that the next generation of student-athletes can access top-tier resources and opportunities.

Continued Commitment to Community Engagement
Both the Mayor’s Cup and the W.C. Gorden/Ashley Robinson Golf Tournament reflect JMAA’s deep-rooted commitment to fostering relationships within the community and supporting initiatives that make Jackson a better place to live, work and play. JMAA is dedicated to creating lasting, positive impacts across the city by engaging in events that enhance local facilities and support higher education. JMAA thanks all who flew into and out of JAN, the state’s busiest airport, to attend these events.