HOUSTON – Michael Howard, CEO of Howard Industries, was recently named an Ernst and Young (EY US) Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Gulf South Award winner.
 
A Jones College Athletic Foundation Board of Directors member, Howard received the award exactly 25 years after his father and company founder, Billy Howard Sr., received the same honor.
 
The Howard family has been a major supporter of Jones College academics and athletics for many years. 
 
Michael Howard was the only one of 13 recipients from Mississippi to be chosen.
 
The EY awards honor visionary leaders of high-growth companies driving innovation, growth and prosperity for future generations. The Gulf South program celebrates entrepreneurs from central and south Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. For 40 years, EY US has celebrated ambitious entrepreneurs who are transforming industries, impacting communities and creating long-term value. 
 
Regional winners were selected by an independent panel of past winners, top CEOs and business leaders. Judges evaluated candidates on long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven commitment, and significant growth and impact.
 
These regional award winners will now move on to be considered for the Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards, set to be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation's most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur of the Year National Overall Award winner will then represent the US as they compete for the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year™ Award in June 2026.