"Ever since our children started in Biloxi Public Schools nine years ago, we have felt fortunate to live in Biloxi and to have such a good school system," says Allison Buchanan, who last month became the newest member of the Biloxi school board. “Everything I've learned over this past month reinforces that feeling, and gives me great optimism that our school system has a very bright future.”

Buchanan, who was appointed by Mayor A.J. Holloway, has been president of Buchanan Group Marketing, Communications and Design in Biloxi since 1991. She is married to attorney Patrick R. Buchanan and the couple has two children, Hawtin and Frances, who attend Biloxi Public Schools.

Buchanan has served as president and treasurer of the North Bay Elementary School PTA, and served on the Strategic Planning Committee for Biloxi Public Schools in 2006-2007.

She also served on the Biloxi Little League board, and has coached cheerleading and basketball teams. She is currently secretary of the BHS Diamond Club and a member of the Lady Indians Softball boosters. She has taught Sunday School at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer since 1997 and chairs the Sunday School team.

Before returning to Mississippi in 1990, Buchanan had award-winning marketing positions with Pillsbury, the Berkshire Corp. and Ecolab.