Hobson Waits began working for the Mississippi Electric Power Association lobbying for rural development and working with youth programs that they supported. As Executive Vice President of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi from 1983to 2006, he spurred the consolidation of independent electric power associations into one statewide association, the securing of 0% federal loans to rural communities for economic development and the passage of the Cooperative Extension Community Development Club program. Many MS youth attended National 4-H Congress in Chicago under the sponsorship of the Electric Power Associations of MS. He took the lead in securing thousands of dollars annually for the 4-H Cooperative Business Leadership Conference and tour.
Waits has been a long time 4-H volunteer leader. He has served on the MS 4-H Advisory Council for 35 years as a member, president and board of trustees member. As chair of the 4-H board, he led in developing the 4-H Legislative Day that promotes 4-H and Extension, the construction of the 4-H learning center and museum and the acquisition of 63 acres of valuable investment property. Waits oversaw a nearly 100% growth in the Foundation’ financial holdings, including attracting new major donors, and helped raise thousands of dollars for 4-H and youth support after Hurricane Katrina. Upon his retirement, over $37,500 were donated in his honor to support the 4-H learning center.  
