History
In 2005, Southaven Mayor Charles G. "Greg" Davis was elected to his third term facing no opposition. During his time as Mayor, Southaven, Mississippi has experienced unprecedented growth in population, revenue, industrial and commercial development and many other areas that now make Southaven a premier place to live and do business.
Greg Davis, a product of the DeSoto County School system, graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, Greg began a successful career in engineering and consulting. However, when Southaven's Representative to the Mississippi Legislature, John Grisham retired to devote himself full-time to writing, Greg Davis ran and won the seat vacated by John Grisham. From 1991-1997, Greg Davis served as the youngest State Representative and served on various committee's including Public Health and the prestigious Appropriations Committee.
Forgoing a successful future as a State Representative, Greg Davis saw the need to serve closer to home and returned to Southaven and was elected mayor in 1997. As Mayor, Greg Davis has led Southaven into a new era of growth and prosperity. Since his election in 1997, thousands of new jobs have been created and Southaven has quickly become a leader in economic and community development. Under Mayor Davis' leadership, Southaven has been awarded more than $25 million in grant funds and has developed the premier parks and recreation facilities in America. Also, in keeping with his conservative values and excellent fiscal stewardship, Mayor Davis was successful in bringing the first ever tax rebate to the citizens of Southaven. His tax rebate program was the first municipal tax rebate of any kind in the history of the State of Mississippi and promises to serve as a model of true fiscal responsibility.
Greg Davis was selected to serve as one of six national delegates for the American Council of Young Political Leaders. Through this selection, Mayor Davis traveled to Tanzania on a "good will" tour to help promote democracy and free enterprise. Mayor Davis also serves on the Economic and Development Policy Committee of the National League of Cities and is a previous Chairman of the Legislative Committee for the Mississippi Municipal League.
Greg Davis is an active member of Heartland Baptist Church in Southaven and was selected by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of Mississippi's Top 40 Under 40. Mayor Davis and his wife, the former Suzann Savage of Columbus, Mississippi, are the proud parents of three young daughters.
Faith and Family
Greg and Suzann will celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary this June. The two met in the spring of 1988 at Mississippi State University. A campaign actually brought the couple together. “Greg was running for Student Body President, and I told a friend I would help. Little did I know that she would be sent home with pneumonia, and I would become the Freshman Chair of his campaign! I was instantly impressed with his values, character and concern for the University students. I didn’t know a lot about him at first, but my first impression still holds true today—people either completely love him or totally disagree with him; but everyone respects him. If you asked a question you knew you were going to get an honest answer, not what was politically correct at the time”, Suzann states.
The couple married at First Christian Church in Columbus, MS, Suzann’s hometown. The preacher who married Greg’s parents, along with Suzann’s lifelong preacher, united the couple June 1, 1991.
Almost 18 years, 3 children, and a few moves around Southaven, you can find Greg and Suzann happily married and living on Davis Road between both their parents. The Davis household, complete with 6 dogs and 2 cats, is always eventful. “Greg is a wonderful husband and girl-daddy,” Suzann says, “he can fix a broken toilet ---- and do one of the best ponytails you have ever seen!”
Greg, Suzann, and the girls are charter members of Heartland Church on Stateline Road. “God has really blessed us with a great church family,” stated Greg, “we are continually learning and experiencing more of God’s awesome glory every week.”
Kendyl, 13, the oldest of the three girls, is a carbon copy of her daddy! Kendyl is an Honor student in the 8th grade at Desoto Central Middle School. Kendyl has been an All-star Competitive cheerleader for Southaven Wildcats for 5 years. Kendyl has been very active at DCMS by being a student body officer, member of the science club, choir, cheerleader, and currently her new love is volleyball. She says that she plans on going to Mississippi State for undergrad and then to Harvard for law --then she wants to come home and be Mayor then Gov!! (Greg better watch out!)