2026 Keynote Speakers

Dr. M. Craig Moffett, D.O. is a family medicine physician, healthcare leader, and entrepreneur dedicated to improving access, dignity, and quality of care for individuals across the healthcare continuum. He is a physician with North Mississippi Health Services, where he provides care to patients in the clinic, hospital, and nursing home settings. He also serves as Medical Director for multiple long-term care facilities, Associate Medical Director for hospice services, and Physician Champion for post-acute care initiatives, focusing on quality improvement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered outcomes. In addition to his clinical leadership roles, Dr. Moffett is the co-founder and owner of Doctors Inn Care Homes, a Mississippi-based personal care and assisted living organization built on the principles of dignity, respect, and holistic well-being for seniors. His work bridges medicine, leadership, and community-based solutions for vulnerable populations. Dr. Moffett’s professional journey is deeply informed by his personal lived experience. Growing up with dyslexia, dysgraphia, attention-deficit disorder, and being on the autism spectrum, he learned early the challenges—and strengths—that come with neurodiversity. These experiences shaped his approach to medicine, leadership, and advocacy, emphasizing inclusion, adaptability, and recognizing potential where others may see limitation. Today, Dr. Moffett frequently speaks at professional, educational, and community events to raise awareness about learning differences and neurodevelopmental conditions. Through his story, he aims to encourage individuals, families, and institutions to better understand disability not as a barrier to success, but as a dimension of human diversity that deserves support, accommodation, and respect. Dr. Moffett lives and practices in rural Mississippi, where he remains committed to service, mentorship, and advancing opportunities for individuals of all abilities to thrive.

With a dynamic career in educational leadership spanning 28 years, Chris Chism stands as a transformative figure in the Pearl Public School District. As a Mississippi State University alumnus with a deep expertise in educational technology and data-driven instruction, Chris has carved a niche in educational excellence. His commitment to data utilization, systems analysis, and artificial intelligence in education is evident in his speaking engagements, where he has delivered over 135 presentations state-wide, influencing policies and practices that encompass classroom instruction, leadership, systemic change, and best practices for leaders.In his role as Superintendent, Chris's visionary leadership is reflected in the accolades and recognitions bestowed upon him and the institutions he leads. Notably, he was twice honored as Administrator of the Year by the Pearl Public School District and recognized as a Practitioner of Distinction by the University of Mississippi School of Education. His innovative approach to education has not only resulted in Pearl High School's significant improvement in graduation rates but also in achieving one of the highest rates in the state, especially for special education students. Pearl has been ranked as an “A” district in the three years he has been at the helm.Chris’s influence extends to his work with Mississippi Professional Educators and his active role as a board member and Mississippi Professional Educators Past President, shaping educational policy and administration. He has also served as President of Pearl Kiwanis and still serves as Past President and board member. His dedication to academic, athletic, and fine arts excellence is highlighted by Pearl High School's 43 state championships under his 7-year tenure, all while maintaining a strong academic record as demonstrated by the numerous “Scholar Athletic Teams” recognitions.Chris has been a pivotal leader in community service, spearheading record-setting food drives and supporting the elderly through initiatives like “Team Up to Clean Up” during the pandemic. His professional journey has been marked by notable awards, including the induction into the East Mississippi Community College Athletics Hall of Fame, and being celebrated as an Administrator of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.More recently, Chris has traveled all over the southeast and to Washington D.C. to lend his expertise on artificial intelligence to many different groups. Since last November, he has given over 100 presentations on AI and its use within both the educational setting and many other fields as well. This includes 37 schools and school districts. More recently, Chris presented to the Joint Task Force on AI at the Mississippi Capitol, and he has been on the radio and television discussing practical uses of this new technology.

More information coming soon!