NATCHEZ — Ariel Gardner has joined Natchez, Inc., the economic development entity for Natchez and Adams County, as Office/Communication manager. Ariel, a native of Vidalia, brings a wealth of knowledge to this position through her undergraduate studies at Southern Miss and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, her work with the Natchez Garden Club, Fall and Spring Pilgrimage, retail businesses and other organizations.

“Natchez Inc. is fortunate to add Ariel to our team,” Chandler Russ, Natchez Inc. executive director, said. “We are certain that she will be a valuable asset to the area and our economic development efforts. She has tremendous determination and is truly passionate about the region and wants to be a part of its future, which will add to and complement our organization. Ariel’s addition completes our staff and we are excited with this final addition,” said

Ariel has a degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Political Science from Southern Miss and completed two years of Accounting from University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

During her undergraduate studies, Ariel began working with various service and volunteer organizations such as the Pi Beta Phi sorority, the Order of Omega, and the Criminal Justice Association.

She is an active member with the Mississippi Economic Development Council, the Southern Miss Alumni Association and Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Organization. During her free time, she enjoys reading, working out, spending time with friends, and supporting USM Golden Eagle athletics.