Page 46 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2026

Face of
Gulfport
Main Street
KRISTEN GARRIGA
Kristen Garriga serves as Executive Director of the Gulfport Main Street Association, where her passion for community and marketing come together to energize downtown Gulfport.
Born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Garriga brings both deep local roots and a strong professional background to her role, helping downtown businesses grow while attracting new investment and opportunity to the area. With experience in marketing and real estate, she plays a key role in supporting long- term economic development and shaping a vibrant, walkable downtown.
She is especially proud of the events, markets, and festivals that bring downtown to life throughout the year—creating spaces where residents, visitors, and small businesses can connect. Known among friends and colleagues as bubbly, outgoing, and tireless, she never meets a stranger and is always the first to jump in and lend a hand.
A lifelong Coast resident, Garriga lives in Pass Christian with her husband, Brent, their three children, and two dogs. When she’s not working, she can often be found on a Mardi Gras float, attending concerts, cheering at her children’s sporting events and dance competitions, or spending time on the water with her family.
Gulfport Main Street 2408 14th St., Gulfport 228.819.2099
www.downtowngulfport.org director@downtowngulfport.org
46 | January 2026
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living