Michelle Lowery Gussman is originally from Charleston, Mississippi, where she grew up alongside her twin brother, Michael. Charleston is also home to actor Morgan Freeman, whose generosity helped fund her high school auditorium. Michelle’s own ties to the community included teaching Freeman’s granddaughter cheerleading while serving on her high school team. She went on to earn both a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Business, and a Master of Arts in Higher Education–Student Personnel from the University of Mississippi. While at Ole Miss, she was an active member and leader in Phi Mu Fraternity, one of the nation’s oldest sororities, and worked for fellow Charlestonian Ed Meek, who led the university’s Public Relations office—where she got her start writing articles and facilitating game day marketing promotions.

Building on her early leadership experiences in Phi Mu, Michelle spent nearly 20 years at LSU guiding student organizations and championing leadership development. During her tenure, she advised Student Government and planned signature campus events and traditions such as Fall Fest, the LSU Ring Ceremony, and Groovin’—Student Government’s annual concert. She also helped shape S.T.R.I.P.E.S., a first-year transition camp that introduced students to the history of the university, encouraged involvement in campus life, and taught the cheers performed at football games. In addition, she served five years on the LSU State Senate, beginning as a senator and later elected Treasurer in her second year before completing a three-year progressive presidential term as President-Elect, President, and Past-President.

After LSU, Michelle continued to broaden her impact through roles in nonprofit and state government settings. She worked for the national office of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, where she further developed her organizational consulting skills while supporting 149 chapters and two national committees. She later served as Communications Manager for the Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, promoting the state’s natural beauty and resources through strategic messaging and public engagement. In that role, she also represented Louisiana Seafood at the Kentucky Derby’s Taste of the Derby event alongside chefs from across the state. These experiences sharpened her ability to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives and to build trust across diverse audiences.

Building on her foundation in higher education and nonprofit leadership, Michelle expanded her expertise through agency and association work. At Feigley Communications, she sharpened skills in account management, creative leadership, and mixed-method campaigns. She later coordinated the Parade of Homes with the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge, gaining insight into managing member records, billing, and sponsorships. Drawing on this breadth of experience across higher education, nonprofits, agency work, and state government, she launched MLG Consulting, a Baton Rouge–based firm helping organizations refine strategy, elevate messaging, and activate meaningful change. Michelle carries that same commitment into the life she shares with her husband and step-children, grounding her work in legacy and community pride.