E28 - Blending Law, Leadership, and Local Impact, with Tray Hairston

It’s one thing to land a big project… It’s another to build a legacy. 

In this episode, Certified Economic Developer Tray Hairston, partner at Butler Snow LLP, shares how he’s built a career at the intersection of law, finance, and community-building. 

From structuring billion-dollar bond deals to mentoring the next generation of talent, Tray explains how understanding both the legal and human aspects of economic development can unlock more effective and inclusive projects.

Key Takeaways:

• Why understanding the public side of deals makes you a stronger partner in complex projects
• How a mentor Tray never met shaped his career—and how that influence now guides the way he mentors and builds deep relationships with the next generation.
• What’s really driving brain drain, and how EDOs can create communities worth staying in
• How returning to his roots became the key to unlocking his purpose and influence

About the Guest:

Tray Hairston is a partner at Butler Snow LLP, where he focuses on public finance and economic development. A certified economic developer (CEcD), Tray has served as bond counsel for cities and counties across Mississippi and the Southeast. Before joining Butler Snow, he served as Counsel and Economic Development Advisor to Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. He brings a unique blend of legal expertise and economic insight to projects that shape communities and drive long-term growth. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/trayhairston). 

The EDO Breakthrough podcast is brought to you by PPR Strategies. PPR Strategies is a strategic consulting firm working specifically with EDOs and other place-based organizations. We share the unique stories of communities through communications, strategic planning, marketing, media relations, and more.

Visit us at pprstrategies.com/edobreakthrough to learn more and to submit a question for a future episode.

Produced and edited by SpeakEasy Productions.