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At first glance, Brett’s career has spanned a wide range of experiences and industries. But if you look closely, you will see it has been consistently marked by service.

A year abroad in Spain unlocked a curiosity and empathy in him for other cultures and people different from himself that has continued to impact his life and work to this day. After earning degrees in Spanish and International Development from the University of Southern Mississippi, Brett worked in Community Development with the Peace Corps in South America, followed by work in training management and human resources upon his return to the United States.

The catalyst for Brett’s interest in drug reform came by way of two very different experiences. The first is the impact opioid use disorder has had on his close relative who has been in more than a decade long battle with opioid addiction and is now in recovery.

The second experience came during his time in human resources. After recruiting a great fit candidate for a position at the company, he was prohibited from hiring him because the applicant had a felony drug possession charge in his past. From Brett’s perspective, the applicant lost and the company lost that day.

Those experiences launched Brett into volunteer advocacy work that landed him at an End It For Good community discussion. As they say, the rest is history.

As the CEO at End It For Good he has returned to full-time humanitarian work as he and his teamwork to help the people of Mississippi consider how current drug laws adversely impact individuals, families, businesses, communities, and law enforcement, alike.

Brett has always had a passion for helping people and has a deep curiosity for traveling and experiencing the culture, art, and food of countries in places like Europe and South America. Brett is a 6th generation Mississippian and a 5th-generation Hattiesburger. In his free time, you will find Brett either volunteering at community events in downtown Hattiesburg, bike-riding the Longleaf Trace, or hanging out with friends and family. Contact at brett@enditforgood.com

MINUTES: May 10, 2022

Lynn Walton presided over the meeting. Richard Topp provided the opening prayer and Sean Priebe led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lynn led the club in the Four Way Test. The meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in Hattiesburg and via Zoom.

Lynn reminded members that board election has been completed and everyone on the ballot was elected. She also reported that the district conference is coming up on April 19 – 21. She encouraged members to attend the Biloxi event. Hattiesburg will host the 2023 conference on April 21 – 23 on the USM campus. She encouraged the club to work with the Petal and the Sunrise club and provide a table at the food fest next year. Volunteers are needed to work on the conference and the food fest. She also reminded members that it is time to nominate the Rotarian and Non-Rotarian of the year. If you have a candidate for one or both of these awards, please let Lynn know.

Mark Killingsworth then introduced today’s guest speaker, Steve Casteel. Steve is the Senior Pastor at Heritage United Methodist Church. He has been a pastor for the past 42 years. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University and Emory University.

Pastor Casteel has a real passion for leadership development and community involvement. His personal mission statement is “live loved.” He noted that covid eroded much of our community over the past two years and encouraged Rotarians to help him rebuild the community. He has founded a non-profit organization, Store Soup, with a focus on doing just that. He encouraged us to look around and discover a way we can help bring the community back. He notes that every community has needs and needs leaders.

He wants us to use our vision to see where the needs are, the approach the needs with integrity and passion. He encouraged everyone to re-connect to your community. Find a non-profit working on community needs and then invest yourself.

There being no further business to come before the club, Lynn thanked Pastor Casteel for his presentation and then adjourned the meeting with our motto: “Service Above Self.”

May 24, 2022 - Missy McGee, State Representative for Mississippi House District 102

Missy McGee is the Representative of Mississippi House District 102 - Forrest and Lamar counties. Her committee membership includes Medicaid, Elections & Apportionment, Universities & Colleges, Transportation, and she is also Vice-Chairman of the Public Health Committee.

Missy is a graduate of Hattiesburg High School. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, as well as her Masters Degree in Speech Communication, at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Missy is a former instructor of Speech Communication from USM, and she is also a former Legislative Assistant to Senator Trent Lott. She is a lifetime member of the USM Alumni Association, a lifetime member of the Hattiesburg Junior Auxiliary, and a member of the Leadership Pinebelt Alumni. Missy's community involvement also includes the Area Development Partnership and Hattiesburg Dixie Youth Baseball. Missy has served on numerous boards for civic organizations and foundations, and she is also a member of Main Street United Methodist Church.

Missy is married to Sean McGee and have two sons, Patrick and Jackson.