Over the past several years there has been some confusion regarding the difference between The G. V. “Sonny” Montgomery Foundation and the Meridian based Montgomery Institute. 

The G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Foundation was established by the late Congressman G. V. “Sonny” Montgomery to provide a vehicle to direct funds from his estate to support specific programs and areas of his interests during his long life of public service, and to do so in the spirit of the motto adopted by its board members — Carrying the Legacy Forward.   

According to its Web site, The Montgomery Institute was established with a vision for East Mississippi and West Alabama to help produce Communities with good jobs, good schools, and good quality of life led by informed, principle-centered citizen leaders who collaborate in a regional approach to development. 

While both organizations honor Sonny Montgomery’s legacy of leadership and service, they are separate entities.   They cooperate on projects of mutual interest when appropriate, but the Foundation and the Institute exist for different purposes and pursue different objectives.     

This statement is made simply to clarify the distinction between the two organizations. 



The G. V. “Sonny” Montgomery

Foundation Board of Directors: 

Robert J. Bailey, President  

Ann Brock

Louise Cave

Brad Crawford

William P. Elliott 

Bo Maske, Vice President

Kyle Steward

Alex Weddington

Ralph E. Young, Jr.