As an Instructor of Forensic Science at The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security, Ms. Kristi Johnson, utilizes her education and practical experience to instruct students in introductory and advanced forensic topics.  Ms. Johnson’s practical experience stems from 12 years as a Crime Scene Investigator and Evidence Custodian on the MS Gulf Coast.  As a CSI, Ms. Johnson spearheaded efforts to advance investigative techniques for cold cases, especially missing and unidentified persons, across the coast and beyond and continues these efforts at USM.  She is a board member for the Mississippi Division of the International Association for Identification, a professional organization for law enforcement and forensic scientists.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

Dr. Anastasia Holobinko serves as the Vice-President and Treasurer of Reunite Mississippi, bringing nearly a decade of experience as a forensic anthropologist and a strong record of leadership in cold case innovation and advocacy. During her tenure in public service Dr. Holobinko founded an interagency cold case group and led the submission of more than 30 cases for Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG)-work that resulted in multiple successful identifications and long-awaited answers for families. Her experience spans skeletal analysis, program development, interagency coordination, and the integration of emerging forensic technologies into investigative workflows. Dr. Holobinko is dedicated to strengthening community partnerships, improving access to advanced identification technology, and ensuring that every case is approached with dignity, transparency, and care.

Lori Massey is the CEO of Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers and a member of the Mississippi Crime Stoppers Advisory Board. On a national level, Lori serves as Secretary for CSUSA, and in the past, she has held the position of Regional Director for Regions 5 (MS, AL & LA) and 6 (KY, TN, AR). In 2020, she was honored with the Crime Stoppers USA Chairman’s Award.

As a frequent speaker at community events and conferences, she is dedicated to educating people on the operations of Crime Stoppers. She played a crucial role in initiating the University Cold Case Project on the Coast. She considers securing the state’s first Community and Crime Fighting kiosks, along with implementing the Cold Case Playing Cards for inmates, as her most significant accomplishments to date. As a trainer at the Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy, she addresses cadets regarding the mission of Crime Stoppers.

Lori serves on the boards of the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, Tunnels to Towers Biloxi, and Reunite Mississippi.

Hunter is a forensic autopsy technician and the forensic anthropologist at the Dekalb County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Anthropology from the The University of Southern Mississippi and is currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Anthropology at Georgia State University.

As part of his graduate work, Hunter is developing research on indigent burial practices, focusing on how medicolegal systems and community partnerships can provide more dignified processes and better resources for families navigating loss without financial means.

Hunter developed and published an Honors thesis titled “Adults Matter Too: An Examination of State Adult Missing Persons Policies and Procedures to Implement a Best Practices Handbook.” Addressing the adult missing persons epidemic, this work provides a comprehensive handbook to assist investigators in locating missing adults and includes an extensive national resource guide. The thesis earned the prestigious Excellence in Research Award from the Honors College and was presented at the Mississippi Division of the International Association for Identification conference in April 2024.

Austin Barnett began his law enforcement career in 2012. Austin currently serves as the Captain of Criminal Investigations, at the Stone County Sheriff’s Office. Austin received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. Austin has held positions in corrections, patrol, field training, and investigations.

Frank is a digital forensics professional with 18 years of law enforcement experience investigating complex cases. He has spent more than three years managing a Digital Forensics Lab at MCI, where he supports law enforcement partners through advanced forensic analysis, technical guidance, and operational leadership. Over the course of his career, he has served as a detective, crime scene investigator, instructor, and practicing digital forensics analyst.

As an experienced lab manager, Frank oversees access to forensic tools and software, develops and updates standard operating procedures, writes manuals, designs and delivers training courses, and ensures compliance through audits and inventory management. He supports ICAC initiatives, reviews and assists with grant-related efforts, evaluates emerging technologies, and coordinates vendor-specific training. In addition to his leadership role, he remains an active analyst, regularly conducting device extractions and data analysis. He also serves as a civilian member of the Mississippi Attorney General’s Cyber Fraud Task Force and acts as a liaison for law enforcement and military partners.

Chief Keyes began his law enforcement career in 1990 as a patrolman with the Hattiesburg Police Department after graduating from the Hattiesburg Police Academy. Over his 35+ years in the field, he served in various roles, including narcotics agent, street crimes officer, detective, and lieutenant. In 2005, he became a Patrol Shift Commander until 2006, when he joined the University of Southern Mississippi Police Department as the founding director of the Cold Case Unit, C.A.T.S. He was promoted to Detective Captain and later to Assistant Chief of Police in 2018. In 2019, he was appointed Assistant Vice President for Public Safety/Chief of Police.

Chief Keyes received several honors, including the USM Gold Leaf Award in 2015 and the Special Service Award in 2017. He holds an Instructor Certificate from the Mississippi Board on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training and was named Hattiesburg PD’s Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 1993 and 1995. He serves on the boards of the Mississippi Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Hattiesburg Rape Crisis Center.