Patrice "Michelle" Whittle

By day, I am operations manager for the largest natural gas utility in the United States.  I currently have just over 50 employees under my leadership and am responsible for operations in the central to northeastern part of Mississippi.  In the (very) early mornings, late evenings and sometimes at noon I instruct classes at our local gym.  My passion is exercise!  I have completed 7 full marathons and countless halves and shorter races (normally placing in my age group).  After a torn meniscus a few years ago, I have slowed down on my long distance running and become more involved in group exercise classes, small groups, strength training and cycle classes.  I have 2 grown children, both of which are engaged and will be starting their own families in the near future.  Also, I am within 3 years of retiring from my 35 year career in the natural gas business and hope to turn my passion for exercise into post retirement work.