Daija Arrington

Daija Arrington serves as Office Manager for the Planning Division at the City of Hattiesburg, where she oversees a team of five, including planners and a historic planner. In this role, she serves as a vital link between local government and the community, guiding residents and new business owners through property questions, zoning requirements, business site selection, public hearings, and floodplain issues. Her work helps map out a clear path for entrepreneurs and citizens alike, from their initial inquiries through to resolution.

Daija's path to municipal government was shaped by nearly a decade of customer service and advocacy experience. She began her career as a licensing technician for the state of Wisconsin, working with cosmetologists and barbers, before returning to her home state of Mississippi. There, she joined the Communication Workers of America, where she supported call center employees as part of a labor union, and later took on program coordination and organizing work with the AFL-CIO, managing volunteer teams and community outreach efforts. This foundation in public service and communication ultimately led her to Hattiesburg's Planning Division, where she has spent the past several years building on those skills in a government setting.

A lifelong learner, Daija holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Business Analytics and Economic Development, expected in August 2027. She has earned her Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential and is working toward becoming a Certified Floodplain Manager and a Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt. Her professional growth is complemented by active involvement in organizations such as the National Society of Leadership and Success and the National Planning Association, with memberships in the Mississippi State Planner Organization and the Floodplain Management Association also in progress. Outside of her career, Daija is devoted to her three children and enjoys reading and do-it-yourself projects. She credits her drive to a desire to build a lasting legacy for her family and community, guided always by her core values of communication, inspiration, and loyalty.