Business, Media and Culture 2017

Though he’s largely spent his career behind the scenes, few lawyers in Mississippi have more influence than Paul Hurst.

Paul is Of Counsel with the Butler Snow law firm, where his areas of emphasis include corporate relations, economic development, and business strategies. He also partners with Governor Haley Barbour on business and policy matters, as well as political activities at the state and federal level.

Until its acquisition by Community Health Systems, Paul served as Senior Vice President of Health Management Associates, one of the nation’s largest hospital systems. In that position, Paul coordinated corporate and government relations, strategic planning, management of healthcare industry policy challenges, and crisis mitigation efforts.

Prior to joining the private sector, Paul was Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel for Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. His responsibilities included management of a 40 member staff, serving as primary liaison to state agencies and legislative officials, and helping to coordinate Mississippi’s recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and his law degree from the University of Mississippi, he began his legal career as a clerk for Judge L.T. Senter, Chief U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi.

Paul enjoys a robust pro bono practice and serves on numerous boards. He formally served on the Board of Trustees for the Mississippi Public Employees’ Retirement System, was selected for inclusion in Top 40 Under 40 by the Mississippi Business Journal in 2007, and early in his legal career was named Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year by the Jackson Young Lawyers.  Paul is an Elder at First Presbyterian Church, and serves on the Board of Trustees for Reformed Theological Seminary.