Marketing rep Mike Pruitt unmasked as ump and former USM mascot

If you live in the Pine Belt, pay close attention next time you’re at a high school baseball or softball game to the umpire behind home plate.

It might be Mississippi Power’s Mike Pruitt.

“I love sports, but much more so as a participant than spectator,” Pruitt said. “Within the last few years, I’ve gotten involved with officiating volleyball at the high school level and at Southern Miss.”

It’s also possible you’ve interacted with Pruitt in his role as the Pine Belt’s major accounts marketing representative, working with hospitals and governmental accounts from Picayune to Walnut Grove.

He’s been with Mississippi Power for 31 years, and earlier this year, Pruitt earned a Marketing Big Six focus area award for the Nurture External Relationships category.

“I am the liaison, single-point-of-contact for my segment’s major account customers and the company,” he said. “That means I also rely heavily on our internal resources and subject matter experts for specific technical information on work that satisfies the myriad of needs for our customers. It’s great to work with employees that are professionals in their roles. Our customers recognize that every day.”

Pruitt was tough to recognize at times while in college at Southern Miss, spending two years as a varsity cheerleader, and one year as “Seymour,” the college’s mascot.

“You can do anything when people can’t see your face,” he said.

Growing up, Pruitt was exposed to the Mississippi Power brand during his elementary school days.

“I remember the company provided us with paper book covers,” he added. “The company was highly regarded in the community, and after college I knew I wanted to be a part of a company that conducted its business the way Mississippi Power did, and still does. I interviewed four times over three years and my first opportunity came with a marketing job opening in Laurel.”

These days Pruitt also makes the most of his spare time. He can be found spending time with his wife Cara and daughters Caroline and Lucy, or in service on the Lamar County School Board, a position he’s held for 11 years.

“I have a passion for education in our state,” he said. “I believe our local schools are the economic development driver in our communities and success in our schools is critical to the success of our state.”