2026 Winners - Emerging Leaders

Bill-Yates-(2)

Bill Yates

William G. Yates, Jr. (Bill) was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Graduating from Philadelphia High School, he attended the University of Mississippi where he received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Juris Doctor Degree. He is a registered Professional Engineer and a member of the Mississippi Bar.

Bill and his father founded W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company in 1964 while Bill was still attending Ole Miss. Upon graduation from law school, Bill served two years with the U.S. Army in Europe where he received the Army Commendation Award for outstanding performance and attained the rank of Captain. Bill returned to Mississippi in 1967, and under his leadership Yates Construction became Mississippi’s largest general construction firm. Bill now serves as Executive Chairman of The Yates Companies, Inc., which is ranked annually by Engineering News Record as one of the nation’s top contractors.

Bill is Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Economic Council, Past-Chairman of the Board and member emeritus of the University of Mississippi Foundation, and Past President of the Mississippi World Trade Center. He is past member of the Board of Directors of Trustmark Corporation, the Board of Directors of Trustmark National Bank, and the Board of Directors of Boyd Gaming. Bill has served as both Director and President of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Mississippi, and he has also been a National Director of the Associated Builders and Contractors.

Bill’s achievements and awards include: National Significant Sig Award from the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Sigma Chi Hall of Fame, Ole Miss Alumni Hall of Fame, Mississippi Business Hall of Fame, Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame, Mississippi Associated Builders & Contractors’ Hall of Fame as well as its Construction Man of the Year, inductee of the Newcomen Society of the United States, National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Hope Award, University of Mississippi’s Engineer of Distinction, and Innovate Mississippi’s Legend Award.

Bill is an active member of the First Methodist Church of Philadelphia where he has served on various committees. He is Past Chairman of the Administrative Board and Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Bill and his wife, Nancy, celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. They have a son, William G. Yates, III, and a daughter, Carolyn Voyles (married to Jason Voyles) and four grandchildren: Abby, Gully, Jack, and Charlie.

Reeves

Tate Reeves

Tate Reeves is the 65th Governor of Mississippi. Since taking office, Mississippi has achieved nation-leading educational gains known as the “Mississippi Miracle,” record private-sector investment totaling $85 billion, and the six largest economic development projects in state history. Under his leadership, the state has reached an all-time low unemployment rate multiple times, and passed the largest tax cut and teacher pay raise in Mississippi history.