Business, Culture and Media 2023

Thomas Duff is a native of Columbia, Mississippi. Along with his brother Jim, Tom is co-owner of Duff Capital Investors, the largest privately-owned business in Mississippi. With revenues of $4.5 billion, Duff Capital Investors employees over 6,000 Mississippians and an additional 10,000 employees nationwide.

Mr. Duff received his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a dedicated supporter of higher education. The Duffs have made significant contributions to elevate educational opportunities in Mississippi as evidenced by the centers located on three university campuses: The Jim and Thomas Duff Athletic Center at the University of Southern Mississippi, the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation at the University of Mississippi and the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities and Department of Kinesiology at Mississippi State University.

Mr. Duff is a strong believer in giving back to the community, as demonstrated by his service on numerous boards. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Mississippi Power Company, Trustmark National Bank and serves as President of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he has served as a youth Sunday School teacher for 25 years. Mr. Duff is a resident of Hattiesburg and is the father of two children and seven grandchildren.