SHAPING A BRIGHTER FUTURE for BUSINESS & COMMUNITIES

A new era in Economic Development, Strategic Planning, & Site Location Services.

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Founded by experienced business and economic development professionals Tray Hairston, and Shane Hooper, Paragon Advisors is dedicated to enhancing economic development through innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships

Founded by an experienced business and economic development professional, Shane Hooper, Paragon Advisors is dedicated to enhancing economic development through innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships

The PARAGON ADVISORS Mission

Our mission is to deliver tailored, location-specific strategies rooted in data-driven insights, industry best practices, and extensive real-world experience. We believe successful collaboration is built on active listening, meaningful relationships, and effective engagement with stakeholders.

Our Suite of Services

Economic Development Strategies: Crafting tailored plans to drive growth and sustainability for communities.

Site Selection: Identifying optimal locations for businesses and industries, considering both their current and future needs.

Marketing and Communications: Developing strategies to effectively promote our clients’ initiatives and objectives.

Workforce Development Solutions: Aligning workforce capabilities with business requirements to enhance productivity.

Feasibility Studies: Assessing the viability of projects to ensure informed decision-making.

Organizational Structure: Optimizing organizational frameworks for improved efficiency and effectiveness.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Planning: Integrating ESG principles into business strategies for sustainable impact.

Incentives: Navigating complex incentive landscapes to maximize client benefits.

Capital Stack Optimization: Identifying financing solutions for projects.

Crisis & Disaster Management and Issue Advocacy: Preparing clients to effectively manage crises and disasters and to advocate for their interests effectively.

Site Development: Guiding projects from conception to completion with a focus on best practices.

About Us

Tray Hairston

Tray Hairston, CEcD, Esq., is a licensed attorney and economic development/site location consultant. Tray has served as counsel and economic development advisor to Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and has been recognized by Mid-South Super Lawyers® for Government Finance (2016-2023), Mississippi College School of Law as Young Lawyer of the Year (2013), and Mississippi Business Journal as one of its Top 40 under 40 (2012–2013). In addition, The Bond Buyer publication recognized Tray as one of the 28 “Rising Stars” throughout the country within the public finance field.

Tray was also named to Southern Business & Development’s Under 50 Economic Developers to Watch in its Summer 2024 edition. Most recently, Tray participated in the Harvard University Kennedy School’s Eff ective Leadership Across Sectors Program, a leadership training program designed and led by Harvard faculty consisting of an advanced education opportunity off ered exclusively to Delta Leadership Institute (“DLI”) alumni, who are members of the Delta Leadership Network – a post-DLI community of nearly 700 community leaders representing public, private and nonprofit sectors from across the Delta Regional Authority’s eight-state region.

Tray is a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers, International Economic Development Council, Southern Economic Development Council and Mississippi Bar Association. He is also on the International Economic Development Council Board of Directors. He received his undergraduate degree from Tougaloo College, his MBA from Belhaven College, and his Juris Doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law. Tray is also a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council. In his role as a CEcD, Tray provides economic development consulting advice to communities and site selection consulting to companies throughout the U.S.

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Shane Hooper

Shane Hooper is the co-founder of Paragon Advisors LLC, bringing over two decades of experience in economic and community development to provide solutions for our clients. He holds a Master of Science in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi and an undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University. Shane’s career is distinguished not only by his expertise in economic development but also by his service as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Throughout his career, Shane has led municipal efforts to create jobs, attract capital investment, and grow local economies. His leadership has been instrumental in a wide range of community development initiatives, from housing and education support to enhancing quality of life and improving places where people live and work. Shane’s work has spanned numerous sectors, including multi-use developments, housing solutions, revitalization efforts, retail recruitment, and the preparation and marketing of industrial parks.

One of Shane’s key achievements was spearheading the property selection and site preparation for an industrial park, which culminated in the successful recruitment of the municipality’s largest advanced manufacturer. His ability to nurture relationships and drive significant capital investment has led to increased employment opportunities and economic growth in the regions he has served.

Shane is also deeply committed to education and workforce development. He has served on two statewide boards of directors for over 10 years, helping shape policy for a variety of institutions, including large research universities, historically black colleges and universities, community colleges, and state-funded vocational institutions. He believes strongly in the direct correlation between educational attainment, workforce development, and long-term economic prosperity.

Outside of his professional life, Shane enjoys spending time with his wife, Sarah, and their three children. The family loves traveling and is also kept busy by their two Springer Spaniels, Max and Millie.

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Shane Hooper

Shane Hooper is the co-founder of Paragon Advisors LLC, bringing over two decades of experience in economic and community development to provide solutions for our clients. He holds a Master of Science in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi and an undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University. Shane’s career is distinguished not only by his expertise in economic development but also by his service as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Throughout his career, Shane has led municipal efforts to create jobs, attract capital investment, and grow local economies. His leadership has been instrumental in a wide range of community development initiatives, from housing and education support to enhancing quality of life and improving places where people live and work. Shane’s work has spanned numerous sectors, including multi-use developments, housing solutions, revitalization efforts, retail recruitment, and the preparation and marketing of industrial parks.

One of Shane’s key achievements was spearheading the property selection and site preparation for an industrial park, which culminated in the successful recruitment of the municipality’s largest advanced manufacturer. His ability to nurture relationships and drive significant capital investment has led to increased employment opportunities and economic growth in the regions he has served.

Shane is also deeply committed to education and workforce development. He has served on two statewide boards of directors for over 10 years, helping shape policy for a variety of institutions, including large research universities, historically black colleges and universities, community colleges, and state-funded vocational institutions. He believes strongly in the direct correlation between educational attainment, workforce development, and long-term economic prosperity.

Outside of his professional life, Shane enjoys spending time with his wife, Sarah, and their three children. The family loves traveling and is also kept busy by their two Springer Spaniels, Max and Millie.

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