About: Rusty Qualls

Rusty Qualls is a proven leader with deep roots in service, business, and community advancement. Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and raised with the values of hard work and accountability, Rusty has built a life around leadership, integrity, and results.

At 18, Rusty earned his first degree through the Air Force Academy pathway, completing an Associate Degree in Administration and Managerial Studies. This achievement gave him a solid foundation in management, organizational structure, and strategic operations, preparing him for a career of leadership in both the private and public sectors.

By 23, Rusty had already stepped into a top leadership role as a General Manager for a manufacturing business that specialized in the construction of boats and barges. He successfully managed project budgets exceeding 3.5 million dollars, coordinated production operations, and led cross-functional teams to meet demanding goals for safety, quality, and efficiency. His ability to oversee complex budgets and maintain operational discipline earned him respect across all levels of the organization.

Over the following 20 years, Rusty established himself as a trusted expert in supply chain and logistics management. His leadership in this field reflects a long record of consistency and excellence. He has maintained a perfect audit record for more than a decade, meeting all compliance standards month after month and closing every fiscal year with accurate reporting and accountability. Rusty’s approach to leadership emphasizes precision, teamwork, and transparency, ensuring that every operation under his direction runs efficiently and responsibly.

Rusty’s record speaks to a lifetime of building strong systems, developing people, and creating sustainable success. His professional journey, from managing multimillion-dollar industrial projects to leading top-performing supply chain teams, demonstrates a rare combination of technical knowledge and community-focused leadership.

Today, as a candidate for Shelby County Mayor, Rusty Qualls is committed to bringing that same discipline and accountability to local government. His priorities include expanding economic opportunity, improving workforce development, and ensuring that government operates with transparency and efficiency for every resident of Shelby County.

Rusty believes leadership is not about titles but about service. His life’s work reflects a commitment to excellence, fairness, and faith in the potential of people when given the right tools and opportunities to succeed.