Executive Branch

Governor As the 65th Governor of bachelor’s degree in economics. Mississippi, Tate Reeves is a He holds the Chartered Financial conservative leader who has Analyst designation. focused on the principles Tate and his wife Elee Williams of guarding the taxpayers’ Reeves, a Tylertown native, dollars, improving educational are the proud parents of three opportunity, and growing new daughters, Tyler, Emma and careers so that the state’s best Madeline. The Reeves family and brightest can stay and raise attends Galloway Memorial their families at home. United Methodist Church. Tate is a strong supporter of Duties: The Governor is the public safety and Mississippians’ Chief Executive Officer of the Second Amendment Rights. He state, charged with executive is proud to have the support of direction and supervision of Mississippi’s pro-life community as he fights for the general administration of the State. In the rights of the unborn. this capacity, he or she sees that the laws In 2003, Tate was elected as the first are faithfully executed, supervises the Republican and youngest treasurer in the official conduct of executive officers, acts as state’s history. His business training in the commander-in-chief of the state militia, and banking sector made him the state’s foremost appoints officials as prescribed by law. advocate for balancing the state budget while The Governor is responsible for the minimizing state debt. presentation of a balanced budget to the He was elected in 2011 and re-elected four Legislature and approval or veto of legislation years later as lieutenant governor, managing passed by the Legislature. He or she may call the state Senate. His conservative management extraordinary sessions of the Legislature when helped fill the state’s “rainy day fund” and he or she deems it necessary, and may issue reduce the overall debt burden. He fought pardons, executive orders, and extraditions of for transparency in how agencies spend tax fugitives from other states. dollars and stronger reporting requirements on The office provides staff assistance and liaison taxpayer-funded incentive programs. in all areas of state government administration His commitment to long-term growth that and researches agency programs and policies. creates better careers led Tate to propose A number of officers are appointed by the the largest tax cut in state history through Governor. Among these are the Adjutant the Taxpayer Pay Raise Act, which lowered General, the Commissioner of Public Safety, and the personal income tax and allowed more the chief executive officers of the departments Mississippi employers to invest in jobs and of Banking and Consumer Finance, Mississippi better compete in the global marketplace. Development Authority, Environmental Quality, Tate’s upbringing in Florence’s public schools and the State Tax Commission. The Governor made him driven to reform the education system also appoints members to numerous executive to increase opportunity for all Mississippians. He and administrative boards and commissions worked to increase investment in the classroom who, in turn, appoint executive officers to and enacted reforms to save money, strengthen the departments they lead. Some of these achievement and clearly communicate school departments are Finance and Administration, performance. Health, Corrections, Education, and the State Personnel Board. The Governor serves a term Tate is past chairman of the Republican of four years and may be re-elected for an Lieutenant Governors Association. He served additional term. Miss.Const. 1890, Article 5, §§ as a member of the inaugural Hunt-Kean 116-125. Miss. Code Ann. § 7-1-1 et seq. (1972). Leadership Fellows program focused on education issues. He also has been named Contact Information: a Legislator of the Year by the Mississippi Office of the Governor Municipal League. P.O. Box 139, Jackson, MS 39205 Tate is a Rankin County native and a graduate (601) 359-3150 of Florence High School. He is an honors [email protected] graduate of Millsaps College and holds a www. governorreeves.ms.gov 1 Lieutenant Governor Elected in November 2019 Mississippians statewide to with more than 60 percent provide information about the of the vote, the Honorable new requirement. Delbert Hosemann is A military veteran of the U.S. serving as Mississippi’s 33rd Army Reserve, Hosemann’s Lieutenant Governor. During commitment to military voting his campaign, he advocated has been recognized by the for increasing transparency in U.S. Department of Defense. State government, supporting In 2015, he was invited among small businesses, shoring up a delegation of Secretaries of Mississippi’s roads and bridges, State to visit remote areas of providing better access to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait healthcare, ensuring every child to promote increasing voter has access to a high quality public education, turnout among military men and women. and building a skilled workforce for the future. Mississippi leads the Nation in allowing online In his first legislative session presiding over voting for servicemembers. the 52-member Mississippi Senate, he has As a business lawyer and small business remained committed to making Mississippi owner, Hosemann has always emphasized the an even better place for our children and importance of economic development in our grandchildren. In addition to tackling State. As part of an overall Business Reform community mental healthcare and prison Plan, Hosemann facilitated policy groups to reform, Hosemann has overseen Senate action revamp how Mississippi attracts, retains, and to increase teacher pay, streamline the State’s grows business and industry. Through various workforce development efforts, and support proposals to the Legislature, Mississippi now law enforcement. has the leading securities, charities, and First elected to public office in 2007, limited liability company laws in the Nation. Hosemann previously served three terms as Hosemann’s landmark recommendation on Secretary of State. A true fiscal conservative, trademark laws received global recognition he is renowned for maximizing the agency’s by the International Trademark Association. productivity and emphasizing quick, accurate Hosemann also drafted the nation’s premier customer service on a smaller budget than the Athlete Agent Act which governs sports agents previous administration. in Mississippi. Dedicated to ensuring the integrity of In October 2015, the Secretary of State’s every Mississippian’s vote, Hosemann was Office launched Y’all Business, a website lauded for his commitment to fair and honest which set the national standard for aggregate elections in Mississippi. During his tenure as demographic, economic, and consumer Chief Elections Officer, the Secretary of State’s information. The agency was awarded the Esri Office dispatched observers in the State to the 2016 SAG award, among other state, national, polls and increased training opportunities for and international accolades. In January 2016, local election officials. Hosemann also twice the agency initiated Mississippi Business One succeeded in the U.S. Supreme Court in the Stop Shop (BOSS), which assists entrepreneurs fight to redistrict the State Legislature. in starting and registering their business in Since the 2014 Primary Election, every Mississippi. Mississippian who votes at the polls is As Secretary of State, Hosemann also required to present an acceptable form of served as State Land Commissioner. Shortly photo identification before casting a regular after taking office in 2007, he fulfilled a major ballot. To date, Mississippi is one of the only campaign promise to make all 16th Section states to implement Voter ID without federal leases (more than 600,000 acres) available for intervention or litigation, saving millions in inspection on the agency’s website. Increased taxpayer dollars. Through an award-winning transparency has allowed school boards to voter education campaign, Hosemann reached make better financial decisions in determining

2 Lieutenant Governor DELBERT HOSEMANN lease amounts, and has given Mississippians Amendment, and served as chairman of the greater access to public hunting and other Republican Secretaries of State Committee. lands. A major source of funding for public In his spare time, Hosemann is an avid schools in Mississippi, 16th Section land hunter and jogger. He is a lifetime member revenue topped $1 billion during Hosemann’s of the National Rifle Association, and belongs tenure. to the Delta Wildlife Foundation and Ducks Funds generated from tidelands leases and Unlimited. He has competed in both the New assessments have also reached record amounts York Marathon and the Boston Marathon, under Hosemann’s leadership. In 2012, a represented Mississippi in the Senior Olympics, $1 million donation secured by Hosemann and participated in the Mississippi Blues resulted in the acquisition and preservation Marathon and Half-Marathon. of tidelands. In 2013, Hosemann obtained A Warren County native, Hosemann’s funding from a coalition of state and federal professional background is in Business and sources to purchase more than 200 acres of Taxation Law. He earned his bachelor’s degree Cat Island, a protective barrier island located in business from the University of Notre off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After years of Dame, his Juris Doctor from the University of negotiation, Hosemann finalized the acquisition Mississippi School of Law, and his Master of of an additional 492 acres of Cat Island in 2016. Laws in Taxation from New York University. He Hosemann’s persistence in protecting is a former partner of Phelps Dunbar, LLP, and investors led to $200 million nationwide was selected to the Best Lawyers in America for settlement agreement in a securities lawsuit 18 consecutive years . initiated by the State of Mississippi. Because Hosemann has been married to his wife of his involvement in complex securities Lynn for 49 years. They are extremely proud of issues, the National Association of Secretaries their three children: Kristen, Chad, and Mark; of State tapped Hosemann to co-chair the and grandchildren Grace, Nora Lynn, Carson, organization’s Securities Committee. Charlie, Manse, Charlotte, and Howard Delbert. Throughout his public service career, Duties: In addition to the Governor, the Hosemann has worked tirelessly to provide Mississippi Constitution makes provision for children with autism and other developmental a Lieutenant Governor who acts as president disorders with better access to health of the state Senate. The Lieutenant Governor insurance and services. Autism Speaks, the presides over the Senate, rules on points of order, nation’s leading autism science and advocacy appoints standing committees of the Senate, organization, awarded Hosemann the Executive appoints all select and conference committees as of the Year award in 2018. ordered by the Senate, and refers all bills. He or Previously, Hosemann served as chairman she serves as a member of the Senate Rules and of the Board of Mississippi Blood Services, Joint Legislative Budget Committees, votes only treasurer of the Jackson Medical Mall in cases of ties, speaks from the floor while the Association, and member of the Board of Senate is in Committee of the Whole, and signs all Directors for the Jackson State University finally approved bills and resolutions. Development Foundation. He is a member of The Lieutenant Governor serves a term the North Jackson Rotary Club and is a Paul of four years and may be re-elected for an Harris Fellow. His accomplishments include additional term. Miss. Const. 1890, Article 5, §§ receiving the George L. Phillips Community 128-132, and 136. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 5-1-13, Service Award from the U.S. Department 5-1-43, and 5-1-47 (1972). of Justice for his efforts in the Hurricane Katrina First Responder Assistance Project. Contact Information: He was awarded the J. Tate Thigpen Award Office of the Lieutenant Governor for exemplary leadership, support, and P.O. Box 1018 commitment to the American Red Cross. Jackson, MS 39215 Hosemann has also been awarded the Kirk (601) 359-3200/f(601) 359-4045 Fordice Freedom Award by the National Rifle [email protected] Association for his support of the Second www.ltgovhosemann.ms.gov

3 Secretary of State MICHAEL WATSON Secretary of State Michael Trent Lott. That experience David Watson, Jr., was born strengthened his desire to one and raised in Mississippi. He day enter public service in order is a husband to his loving wife to improve the quality of life for Lauren, father of three beautiful all Mississippians. young daughters, the son of a shipyard worker and bank teller. As Secretary of State, Michael After his work as a pipe fitter, is focused on protecting the Michael’s father entered the integrity of our elections by ministry and continues to serve continuing strong enforcement as pastor at Liberty Church in of Mississippi’s Voter ID law. Gautier. His mother passed away Michael is also dedicated to shortly before Michael became Mississippi’s bringing about a more efficient and effective thirty-sixth Secretary of State. state government by working to reduce regulations and red tape so small businesses can Prior to taking office as Secretary of State grow and flourish in a free market economy. As in January 2020, Michael served three terms a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Michael in the State Senate where he represented understands the importance of properly District 51 in Jackson County. During his time managing Tidelands and other public lands. He in the Mississippi Legislature, he authored the is committed to keeping the decisions in the Fetal Protection Act, which strengthened the hands of local officials as much as allowed by penalties for injuring an unborn child. He also law while monitoring these decisions to ensure wrote Mississippi’s first comprehensive law to Mississippians receive fair value. tackle illegal immigration, as well as legislation to allow alternate-track diplomas—one of the During his campaign for Secretary of State first efforts to return a focus to career and in 2019, Michael announced a landmark technical training for high school students. proposal to fix Mississippi’s process for issuing More of Michael’s proposals came to fruition and renewing driver’s licenses. To address in the State Senate, including the Catastrophe this growing problem, Michael developed the Savings Accounts which allows for pretax savings innovative “SIP” plan, which stands for “Service, accounts to be used on deductibles or other Information and Professionalism,” that would catastrophe-related expenses, and the Equal move the driver’s services division (commonly Opportunity for Students with Special Needs referred to as the DMV) from the Mississippi Act that provides scholarships for parents with Department of Public Safety to be under the a special needs child, allowing them the ability direction and management of the Secretary of to choose which education option best fits their State’s office. Michael is continuing his work child. In addition, Governor asked to make the SIP plan a reality by supporting Michael to introduce the legislation adding “In legislation transferring the DMV to the Secretary God We Trust” to our state seal. During his time of State’s office so he can implement technology in the State Senate, Michael became known as and customer service improvements to speed up a conservative fighter for his work to preserve the process for people obtaining or renewing a Mississippians’ rights and religious liberties, and driver’s license, and to help resolve delays in the to limit government overreach and spending. commercial driver’s license system. Michael brings these same conservative principles to the Secretary of State’s office. During his time in the private sector, Michael opened his own firm where he focused on A graduate of Pascagoula High School and business law, construction law and probate law. the University of Mississippi, where he earned He is a member of the National Rifle Association a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (NRA), the American Council of Young Political and a law degree, Michael began his work in Leaders, the Mississippi Bar Association, the Ole public service in the summer of 1999, serving as Miss Alumni Association and the Ole Miss Hall of an intern for then U.S. Senate Majority Leader Fame. He and his family spend time volunteering 4 Secretary of State MICHAEL WATSON with the American Heart Association, American schools, administering the state’s trademark Cancer Society and the Dream Program. As a and service mark laws, service of process, and dedicated family man, Michael and his wife, administering the Administrative Procedures Lauren, have three daughters—Gracie Pierce, Act are other responsibilities. The Constitution Annie and Cora Elizabeth. The Watsons are also designates the Secretary of State as the members of First Presbyterian Church in “keeper of the Capitol.” Pascagoula and enjoy visiting church families all over Mississippi. The Secretary of State is elected to a four- year term and may be re-elected. Miss. Const. Duties: The Secretary of State directs a 1890, Article 5 §§ 133 and 136. Miss. Code service and information agency with major Ann. § 7-3-1 et seq. (1972). statutory functions: administration of the Mississippi Corporation Law, the Uniform Contact Information: Commercial Code, the Uniform Securities Office of the Secretary of State Law, and the Elections Code; administration 401 Mississippi Street and supervision of the 16th Section School P.O. Box 136, Jackson 39205 Trust Lands, the Tidelands Trust, lieu lands, (601) 359-1350/f(601) 359-1499 and tax-forfeited property; and issuance of www.sos.ms.gov documents and publications of the state, including those for the executive and legislative Connect on Social Media: branches; investigation of charity and securities Facebook: @MississippiSecretaryofState fraud; enforcement of campaign finance and Twitter: @MississippiSOS lobbyist reporting requirements. Issuing notary commissions, registering correspondence

5 Attorney General Lynn Fitch was sworn in as Attorney General Fitch has Mississippi’s 40th Attorney also been an active member of General and first ever woman the boards of several charitable Attorney General on January 9, organizations, including First 2020. Responders of Mississippi and Raised in Holly Springs, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Mississippi, Attorney General Foundation, Goodwill Industries, Fitch earned both a Bachelor and the American Red Cross. of Business Administration Duties: Attorney General and a Juris Doctorate at the Lynn Fitch is the Chief Legal University of Mississippi. At 23, Officer and Advisor for the State she began practicing law as a of Mississippi on both criminal Special Assistant Attorney General and was later and civil matters. Her office’s responsibility is in private practice as a bond lawyer. She has to represent public officials and government over 35 years of legal experience in both private agencies and to issue legal opinions that practice and public service. interpret state law. Most importantly, she Before becoming the State’s chief legal officer, represents the people of the State of Mississippi. Attorney General Fitch served as Mississippi’s The Attorney General serves on several elected State Treasurer for eight years, from boards and commissions, including, but not January 2012 to January 2020. Prior to that limited to the State Bond Commission, the Tort she was selected by Governor Barbour to serve Claims Board, the License Tag Commission, the as Executive Director of the Mississippi State State Board of Election Commissioners, and the Personnel Board (MSPB), and served as Deputy Occupational Licensing Review Board. Executive Director at the Mississippi Department General Fitch also serves as the Chairperson of Employment Security (MDES) and as Counsel of Governor Reeves’ Mississippi Cybersecurity for the Mississippi House of Representatives Task Force. Ways and Means and Local and Private The Attorney General is elected to four-year Legislation Committees. term and may be re-elected. Miss. Const. 1890, General Fitch was active on the national level Article 6, § 173. Miss. Ann. § 7-5-1 et seq. as State Treasurer, serving as a vice president (1972). for the National Association of Treasurers and as Chair of the State Financial Officers Foundation. Contact Information: She has already been appointed to the executive Office of the Attorney General committee of the National Association of 550 High Street, Jackson, MS 39201 Attorneys General. P.O. Box 220, Jackson, MS 39205 General Fitch was selected as Outstanding 601-359-3680 Woman Lawyer of 2012, recognized as a Woman www.ago.state.ms.us Trailblazer by the Mississippi Bar Association, honored as a Mississippi Business Journal Connect on Social Media: Leader in Finance in 2016 and Leader in Law Facebook – www.facebook.com/lynnfitchag in 2010, and named a 2015 Honoree of the Twitter - twitter.com/LynnFitch Women in Government Leadership Program Instagram - www.instagram.com/lynnfitchag by Governing Magazine. In 2017, General Fitch was named one of Mississippi’s Top 50 Most Sign up for bi-weekly newsletter: Influential and was honored with the prestigious Send an email to [email protected] Susie Blue Buchanan award by the Mississippi and request to be added to the mailing list. Bar Association’s Women in the Profession Committee.

6 State Treasurer DAVID McRAE David McRae is a fourth- all the state’s financial records generation Mississippian. His including receipts, deposits and great-grandfather, Sam McRae, disbursements of funds that grew up on a farm in Rankin flow through the state’s coffers. County and opened his first Those funds come from multiple S.P. McRae department store sources including the federal in Jackson at the turn of the government, proceeds from century. Dedicated to customer the issuance of bonds, interest service, the store remained one payments and income and sales of the premier department store tax. chains in the southeast for more The Treasurer also is than 100 years. responsible for investing That same customer-service mindset is state funds, serves as custodian of securities at the center of what McRae is working to held by other agencies, pays state warrants, accomplish as State Treasurer. manages the Unclaimed Property Program, His primary responsibility is to manage the and administers Mississippi’s two 529 College cash flow that keeps state agencies operating Savings Programs: MPACT, Mississippi’s Prepaid on a daily basis, but it also comes with a seat Affordable College Tuition Program and on 17 different boards and commissions. MACS, Mississippi’s Affordable College Savings Additionally, McRae has prioritized the Program. distribution of Unclaimed Property within the The Treasurer serves as a member of more Office of the State Treasurer. During his first than a dozen Boards, including Mississippi two months in office, more than $3 million was Windstorm Underwriting Association Board, returned to the people of Mississippi. McRae Mississippi Guaranty Pool Board, State Bond also oversees College Savings Mississippi, Commission, Public Employees Retirement helping lift the financial burden of a college Board, Mississippi Business Finance education for thousands of young people. Corporation, Development Bank Board, License Prior to serving as State Treasurer, McRae Tag Commission, Tort Claims Board, Economic was involved in the family business, serving as Development Strategic Planning Task Force, Managing Partner of McRae Investments. He State Prison Emergency and Management is active in civic and community organizations, Board, Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher including Habitat for Humanity, Friends of Learning (MEFA), the Historic Properties Trust Children’s Hospital, and the American Heart Fund Advisory Committee, and Chairman of the Association. College Savings Plan of Mississippi Board. McRae earned his law degree from The Treasurer is elected to a four-year term Mississippi College, during which time he and may be re-elected. Miss. Constitution served as Chief Justice of the Honor Court 1890. Article 5.SS 125, 134 and 136. Miss. Code and worked for Justice Jess Dickinson at Ann. § 7-9-1 et seq. (1972) the Mississippi Supreme Court. He lives in Ridgeland with his wife, Katherine, and their Contact Information: three children. Office of the State Treasurer Duties: The Office of the State Treasurer P.O. Box 138, Jackson, MS 39205 has many different divisions, including 501 North West Street, Suite 1101 Cash Management, Investments, Bonds, Jackson, MS 39201 Collateral, Unclaimed Property, and College (601) 359-3600 Savings Mississippi. Among the Treasurer’s [email protected] duties and responsibilities are maintaining www.treasury.ms.gov.com

7 State Auditor Shad White, Certified focused on transparency. The Fraud Examiner (CFE), grew Auditor’s office began posting up in Sandersville, Mississippi all its contracts and requests – population 731 – in a blue- for proposals online at www. collar family. His father and osa.ms.gov/transparency. He grandfather were oilfield also commissioned an audit of pumpers, and his mother and his own office and published grandmother were teachers. On the findings of the audit and the weekends, his father was remediation plan on the music minister at their small agency website. Finally, Auditor country church, and his mother White started a new initiative played the organ. Today his that identified where state father serves as mayor of their small town. government had cyber security weaknesses After attending public school, Auditor White and vulnerabilities to hackers. earned his undergraduate degree in economics Auditor White also chose new leadership to from the University of Mississippi. He studied run the office’s critical Investigations Division in as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, his first few months in office. The re-energized earning a master’s in economic history. Auditor Investigations Division demanded over $4 White holds a law degree from Harvard Law million in taxpayer dollars back from individuals School, where he learned the meaning of who embezzled or misappropriated money fighting for values that might be unpopular. during White’s first 18 months in office. Major While there, Auditor White served as President cases included a demand for over $980,000 of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal for embezzlement by two community college association, and brought speakers to campus employees, large demands to two of the to defend the legality of public prayer, the longest serving chancery clerks in Mississippi, morality of work and free enterprise, and the and many others. importance of traditional moral values. Auditor White ran unopposed and was In 2011, Auditor White served as Director elected to a full four-year term as State of Policy to then-Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant. He later Auditor in November 2019 after establishing a practiced law in the private sector, served as tough, no-nonsense reputation. Shortly after a special prosecutor in Rankin County, and beginning the new term, White announced served as Director of the Mississippi Justice the arrest of six individuals connected to the Institute. At the Mississippi Justice Institute, Mississippi Department of Human Services – Auditor White filed and led cases against public including the former executive director – in the officials when they violated Mississippi’s open largest embezzlement scheme in state history, government and ethics laws. He has also taught drawing national news coverage in The New as an adjunct professor at the University of York Times, Newsweek, and others. Mississippi, earned a certificate in forensic Beyond the notable criminal cases, Auditor accounting, and previously worked as a fellow White has also pointed out significant waste of at a national think tank on state policy. taxpayer dollars since he took office. Reports Auditor White was appointed to serve as from the Auditor’s office have shown that the 42nd State Auditor of Mississippi on July 6, Mississippi’s outside-the-classroom spending 2018. in K-12 education has increased while student Shortly after taking office, White launched enrollment and inflation-adjusted spending an effort to cut fat from the Auditor’s office on teacher pay has decreased. A November budget. The office has moved and reduced 2019 education report from Auditor White’s the cost of a satellite office and trimmed office showed Mississippi spent a higher fat wherever possible, down to eliminating percentage of K-12 public education money unnecessary Wi-Fi hotspots. Auditor White also on administrative expenses than any other

8 State Auditor SHAD WHITE southern state except Washington, DC. Auditor the state, systems of accounting, budgeting White has also recommended shuttering and reporting financial facts relating to said government boards that have outlived their offices in conformity with legal requirements purpose and consolidating the back-office and with generally accepted accounting functions of small government agencies. principles; conducting inventory audits of all Auditor White is dedicated to being a tough, state property; and auditing the quality of data energetic watchdog of your hard-earned and data controls in public schools. The State money. Since he was appointed, his office Auditor is elected to a four-year term and may has pursued aggressive consequences for be re-elected. Miss. Const. 1890, Article 5, § § embezzlers regardless of whether they were 113, 115, 134, and 136. Miss. Code Ann. § 7-7- Republicans or Democrats. 1, et seq. (1972). Today Auditor White, his wife Rina, and their daughter Zara live in Rankin County and are Contact Information: faithful members at St. Richard Church. Office of the State Auditor P.O. Box 956 Duties: The State Auditor is responsible for Jackson, MS 39205 auditing state agencies, county governments, (601) 576-2800/f(601) 576-2650 school districts, community and junior colleges, [email protected] and universities; conducting investigations www.osa.ms.gov into abuse of public funds and violations of law; providing best practices for all public offices of regional and local subdivisions of

Commissioner of Insurance Mike Chaney, Mississippi’s 11th oversight, accounting practices, Commissioner of Insurance and producer licensing, health State Fire Marshal, is currently insurance and managed care, serving his fourth term in office. senior issues, and catastrophe, First elected in 2007, Chaney property, and casualty brought extensive business insurance. knowledge and experience to the As Commissioner, he was office combined with 15 years of inducted into the Insurance service in the Mississippi House Hall of Fame at his alma mater, and Senate. Mississippi State University. His priorities throughout his Chaney was honored with the terms in office remain steadfastly 2018 Healthcare Leadership committed to consumer protection and Award by the Community Health Center application of technology for efficiency of the Association of Mississippi. He received department to serve the state and consumers. the Distinguished Service Award from the He is leading the department in making strides University of Mississippi Risk Management and in healthcare reform; disaster recovery from Insurance program and its Professional Society. flood, tornado, and hurricane events; bail bond He has been named one of the top insurance industry reform; and reductions in state fire professionals by Insurance Business America deaths. Magazine, and was named a Healthcare Hero An active member of the NAIC, Chaney by the Mississippi Business Journal. serves on numerous committees, task forces, Commissioner Chaney has served on and working groups. Among the issues he numerous community development entities is involved in addressing are examination and corporate boards. He is also a Rotarian and

9 Commissioner of Insurance MIKE CHANEY

Paul Harris Fellow. Elevator Mechanics and Elevator Inspectors He is a veteran of the United States Army, by requiring training and certification by serving in Vietnam. Chaney and his wife, Mary organizations approved by the State Elevator have three children and eight grandchildren. Safety Division. The State’s standard fire code is Duties: The is charged administered by the Commissioner through the with execution of all laws relative to insurance department’s State Fire Marshal Division. The companies, corporations, associations and Insurance Commissioner also serves as State fraternal orders, their agents and adjusters. Fire Marshal and Chairman of the State Fire This office licenses and regulates the practices Academy. of all insurance companies, agents, burial The Insurance Commissioner is elected to a associations, fraternal societies, bail bondsmen, four-year term and may be re-elected. Miss. and other entities engaged in the business of Code Ann. § 83-1-1 et seq. (1972) insurance. The Insurance Commissioner licenses manufacturers and dealers of mobile homes and Contact Information: regulates their practices, including inspecting Commissioner of Insurance their manufacturing techniques and standards. P.O. Box 79 The office enforces the liquefied compressed Jackson, MS 39205 gas inspection program. The Commissioner also (601) 359-3569/f(601) 359-2474 enforces the Mississippi Conveyance Safety Act [email protected] (2013) which sets standards of competency for www.mid.ms.gov

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce

J. Andrew (“Andy”) Gipson which includes internships was sworn in on April 2, 2018, through the department, as well as the eighth Mississippi as a timber market development Commissioner of Agriculture and initiative. Commerce upon appointment Gipson is an active member of to the office by Governor Phil the National Association of State Bryant. Gipson, his wife Leslie, Departments of Agriculture and and their four children, Joseph, serves as vice-president of the Benjamin, Abigail, and Sarah, Southern United States Trade live on their working family farm Association, which develops in Simpson County, where they and promotes markets for manage a cow/calf operation agricultural products. Serving as and a tree farm. past-president of the Southern Association of As your Commissioner of Agriculture and State Departments of Agriculture, Gipson works Commerce, Gipson is committed to leading to protect and promote regional agriculture. efforts to grow Mississippi agriculture and Prior to becoming Commissioner of create new opportunities for Mississippi’s Agriculture and Commerce and in addition next generation. Expanding agricultural trade to his work on the farm, Gipson served as and market opportunities for Mississippi’s a State Representative in the Mississippi farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses is one Legislature from 2008 to 2018, representing of his priorities, along with ensuring fairness the citizens of Simpson, Rankin, and Smith and equity in the marketplace and protecting counties in District 77. During his legislative Mississippians through sound regulatory service, Commissioner Gipson served as practices. Additionally, Gipson has launched an chairman of the House Judiciary B Committee Agricultural Workforce Development Initiative, for seven years and chairman of the Ethics

10 Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce ANDY GIPSON

Committee for three years, as well as served The Department performs regulatory on several House committees, including the functions in the areas of aquaculture inspection Agriculture, Appropriations, Ways and Means, for all non-native species of fish and game fish County Affairs, Insurance, Municipalities, and for stocking and food consumption purposes; Transportation committees. agricultural theft; meat, fruit, and vegetable Commissioner Gipson has received inspection; feed, seed, fertilizer, and soil and numerous awards and honors. In 2014, he plant amendment inspection; weights and was named Pro-Life Legislator of the Year measures; grain dealer and grain warehouse by Pro-Life Mississippi. The National Rifle licensing; pulpwood measurement; insect Association bestowed its Defender of Freedom and plant disease inspection and quarantine; Award on Gipson in 2013. In 2012 and 2018, pesticide inspection; egg inspection; retail food he was selected as the Mississippi Legislative inspections; sanitation excluding food services; Conservative Coalition’s Conservative Legislator rendering plant inspection; syrup labeling of the Year. Mothers Against Drunk Driving inspection; honey and honey product labeling named him Legislator of the Year in 2014, 2015, inspection; and catfish and catfish product and 2016. labeling inspection. The Department operates Commissioner Gipson received a bachelor’s a seed testing laboratory and a metrology degree from Mississippi College where he laboratory. double-majored in Christian Studies and In addition to overseeing the Department, Political Science. He received his law degree duties of the Commissioner include leadership from Mississippi College School of Law, summa through service on the following state boards: cum laude, and he is a practicing business Mississippi Board of Animal Health, Mississippi attorney. He is also an ordained Baptist Central Farmers Market Board, Mississippi minister and evangelist. Fair Commission, Mississippi Land, Water, He is a member of the Mississippi Bar and Timber Resources Board, Mississippi Association, National Rifle Association, and the Department of Environmental Quality Permit Lion’s Club. Board, State Seed Board, and State Soil & Duties: The Mississippi Department of Water Conservation Committee. Agriculture and Commerce was created in 1906 The Commissioner of Agriculture and by the Mississippi Legislature to foster and Commerce is elected to a four-year term and promote the business of agriculture under the may be re-elected. Miss. Code Ann. § 69-1-1 et management and control of the Commissioner seq. (1972). of Agriculture and Commerce. The Department’s Market Development Contact Information: division promotes Mississippi agricultural Andy Gipson products, both nationally and internationally, Commissioner of Agriculture & Commerce through such programs as Genuine Mississippi 121 North Jefferson Street and the Agritourism Registration Program. Jackson, MS 39201 This division also publishes the Mississippi (601) 359-1100/f(601) 354-6290 Market Bulletin. The Department operates the www.mdac.ms.gov Mississippi Farmers Market and the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum.

11 Public Service Commissioner - Central District (1) BRENT BAILEY

Commissioner Brent Bailey won organizations, including Pickering, his Republican Primary in August Inc. and the Mississippi Farm 2019, then was elected to serve Bureau Federation. Commissioner as the Mississippi Public Service Bailey has also participated Commissioner from the Central in numerous rule-making District in November. proceedings and continues Commissioner Bailey is a to represent the interests of graduate of Carthage High consumers at the Mississippi School. He attended East Central Public Service Commission. Community College before Commissioner Bailey is active transferring to Mississippi State University to with numerous state and regional initiatives earn his degree in Agriculture and Biological focusing on natural resource conservation Engineering in 1994 while earning a letter and and fair energy policies. He received the MSU scholarship as a football walk-on. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni Prior to taking office, Commissioner Bailey Achievement Award for contributions to the served as State Activities Coordinator with the economic viability of the state agriculture and 25x’25 Initiative since October 2006, working forestry sectors. with a broad cross-section of Mississippians A sixth generation Mississippian, and Southeastern stakeholders to mobilize Commissioner Bailey has lived in Madison support for energy efficiency and renewable County with his wife Rhonda for the past 17 energy solutions, and to convey consumers’ years. role in a new national energy strategy. He has also worked with agriculture and forestry Contact Information: leaders to identify resiliency and adaptation (601) 961-5430/f(601) 961-5824 measures that ensure food and energy security, Toll-Free 1-800-356-6430 economic development, and conservation goals [email protected] are met. Before joining the 25x’25 Initiative, he worked at private companies and nonprofit

Public Service Commissioner - Southern District (2) DANE MAXWELL

Chairman Dane Maxwell is a development and job creation in Marine Corps veteran, retired law Mississippi. enforcement officer, businessman, He is married to his wife, Donna. and the former Mayor of Together they have 3 daughters, Pascagoula. Lyndsey, Shannon, and Taryn, and He has previously served at one grandson. the Public Service Commission in numerous capacities, including Contact Information: former Commissioner Curt (228) 374-2160/f(228) 374-2166 Hebert’s Chief of Staff. Toll-Free 1-800-356-6429 As a successful entrepreneur of [email protected] two national businesses, Maxwell has decades of experience in solving problems in the private sector and plans to bring this experience to the Commission to help bolster economic

12 Public Service Commissioner - Northern District (3) BRANDON PRESLEY Commissioner Brandon Public Service Commissioners from Presley was elected Public the eleven (11) Southern States Service Commissioner for the and Puerto Rico, and is a former Northern District of Mississippi member of the board of directors in 2007, re-elected in 2011, of the National Regulatory Research 2015 and most recently in 2019 Institute (NNRI). without opposition. Elected to Commissioner Presley is a the Public Service Commission graduate of Harvard University’s at age 30, he was the youngest Kennedy School program for State Commissioner ever elected in and Local Government Executives. Mississippi. Prior to his election to the Public Commissioner Presley is a lifelong resident of Service Commission, he served as Mayor of Nettleton, where he is a member of the Enon Nettleton from 2001 to 2007, having been Primitive Baptist Church. He is past-President elected at the age of 23, making him one of the and current member of the Nettleton Lions Club youngest mayors in Mississippi history. and is a member of the Nettleton Civitan Club. Commissioner Presley currently serves as President of the National Association of Contact information: Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and (601) 961-5450/f(601) 961-5476 on the advisory committees for New Mexico 1-800-356-6428 State University’s Center for Public Utilities and [email protected] the Midcontinent Independent System Operator Nettleton Direct: (MISO). He has also served as President of (662) 963-1471/(f)(601) 963-1475 the Southeastern Association of Regulatory 1-800-637-7722 Utility Commissioners, which is composed of

Qualifications: Public Service Commissioners and that facilities constructed or acquired are serve a four-year term and may succeed them- required for the convenience and necessity of selves in office. A Public Service Commissioner the public. In carrying out its responsibility, the must be a qualified elector, a resident of the Su- Commission must answer complaints, make preme Court District in which election is sought, investigations, and conduct both formal and at least 25 years of age, and a citizen of the State informal meetings. five years next preceding the day of election. The qualifying fee is $500. Contact information: Duties: Communication, electric, gas, water, Mississippi Public Service Commission and sewer utilities are under the supervision Woolfolk Building and regulations of this Commission. It is the 501 North West Street Commission’s responsibility to ensure rates and Suite 201A charges for service are just and reasonable, Jackson, MS 39201 the approved rate schedules are adhered to, www.psc.state.ms.us the service rendered is reasonably adequate,

13 Transportation Commissioner - Central District (1) WILLIE SIMMONS Willie Simmons is currently serving Bypass in Leland among many his first term as Central District others. He also served as Chairman Transportation Commissioner which of the Corrections Committee and covers 22 counties with a population Vice Chairman of the Public Health of approximately one million people. and Welfare Committee.

Simmons served as a Mississippi Simmons served as Deputy State Senator for more than 26 years. Commissioner of Corrections prior For the last eight years, he served as to joining the Mississippi State Chairman of the Senate Highways and Senate. Before that time, he served Transportation Committee. Under his leadership as a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He is a in the Senate, over $5B was spent throughout the graduate of Alcorn State University; and received state on the construction and upgrade of federal a M. S. Degree and Ed.S. Degree from Delta and state roads, county and municipal streets and State University. He is married to Rose Sibley bridges; also, millions of dollars on public transit, Simmons and they have four children and ten ports railroads, airports and other infrastructure grandchildren. support systems. He played an integral role on projects such as the repair of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Jackson; the upgrade and repair of Highway 8 in Cleveland; the Highway 82

Transportation Commissioner - Southern District (2) TOM KING King is serving his third term as Policeman. He is affiliated with the Southern District Transportation Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Commissioner and is the Chair American Legion and VFW. He of the Mississippi Transportation has received many professional Commission. He previously served as awards and honors including 2011 a state lawmaker since 1993 when Mississippi Municipal League he was elected to the House of Legislator of the Year, 2010 Representatives where he remained Hattiesburg’s Veteran of the Year, until 1999. In 2000, he began his American Legion Meritorious Service tenure in the Senate, where as Award in 2007 and Mississippi Law Chairman of the Senate Highways Enforcement Officers Legislator of and Transportation Committee, King authored the Year in 2002. resolutions that honored the achievements of As Transportation Commissioner, King persons throughout his district and the state. represents approximately one million citizens Most notably, King authored Senate Bill 3181, in the southern 27 counties of Mississippi. the $300 million bond bill for highways and He is the first Republican to hold the post of bridges, and Senate Bill 3014, the John Paul Transportation Commissioner in the Southern Frerer Bicycle Act, which promotes safety for District. cyclists on roadways. King also authored Senate King was born in Hattiesburg. He attended Bill 2514 that created the Mississippi Wireless Petal High School and graduated from the Communications Commission, which ensures University of Southern Mississippi. He currently that the state’s emergency responders and law lives in Hattiesburg with his wife, the former enforcement have the means to communicate Susan Lynn Patterson, and has two children regardless of any disaster that may occur. and two grandchildren. King and his wife are King is a Veteran of the Vietnam War, having members of Petal-Harvey Baptist Church, where served his country in the Air Force as an Air he serves as a Deacon. 14 Transportation Commissioner - Northern District (3) JOHN CALDWELL John Caldwell is currently serving transported each day safely logging his first term as Northern District over two million miles annually. Transportation Commissioner. Born He worked in the transportation the seventh of nine children to industry in the months that Elizabeth and Joe Caldwell, John followed gaining experience in lives in Nesbit just a few miles from heavy truck and bus dealership land once farmed by his family. John operations, railroad operations, is married to Lee Perkins Caldwell. heavy truck and off-road vehicle The couple has four children and maintenance, GPS/ELD/DOT eight grandchildren. John is a Marine compliance and more. combat veteran of Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the Bronze Star Commissioner Caldwell has accumulated and Legion of Merit among other awards. multiple decades of experience in leadership, He retired from the Marine Corps Reserves transportation, fleet management and as a Colonel with extensive operational and logistics. He has a Bachelor of Science from logistical experience over land, air and sea. Arkansas State University and an MBA in Public Administration from Columbia Southern As a small business owner in Southaven, University. John was elected to consecutive terms as a DeSoto County Supervisor serving from 1996 through 2003. After that he served fourteen years as the Transportation Director for the largest school district in Mississippi managing a fleet of over 350 buses, drivers, mechanics and staff. While director, 20,000 students were

Qualifications: Transportation full and general supervision over all matters Commissioners serve a four-year term and may relating to airport development, highway succeed themselves in office. A Transportation construction and maintenance, weight Commissioner must be a qualified elector and a enforcement, public transit, and rail planning. resident to the Supreme Court District in which The Department also works with State election is sought. The qualifying fee is $500. Colleges, Universities, and other state agencies in transportation related matters. Duties: The Transportation Commissioner, in accordance with state statute, has the Commission Website: authority and responsibility for the control www.gomdot.com and supervision of all modes of transportation in the state dealing with aeronautics, Contact Information: highways, public transit, and rail safety. Mississippi Department of Transportation The Transportation Commission appoints 401 N. West St. an Executive Director of the Department of Jackson, MS 3 9201 Transportation whose duty is to carry out the (601) 359-7074/f(601) 359-7834 policies set by the Commission. [email protected] The Department of Transportation has

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