Reeves appoints Cork as head of Mississippi Development Authority

Governor Tate Reeves has named Bill Cork as the new head of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), the principal agency for economic growth in the state.

Cork steps in to fill the vacancy left by Laura Hipp Mayer, who acted as the interim leader of the MDA since August 2021. The position has been unoccupied on a permanent basis since 2021, following the resignation of John Rounsaville. Mayer, who previously worked with Reeves when he was lieutenant governor, has moved on from MDA to take up the role of assistant commissioner for external relations at the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.

In a statement made on Thursday, Reeves expressed his commitment to enhancing the state's economy. "Our goal is to foster economic expansion, stimulate further development, increase wages, and create additional employment opportunities for Mississippians," he stated. "I am fully confident in this team’s ability to achieve these objectives."

Cork worked as Deputy Director of the MDA prior to his appointment. His background includes significant roles at the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, the Texarkana Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Sempra Energy Solutions.

Cork’s appointment by Reeves is pending confirmation by the Mississippi Senate, although he is authorized to lead the agency in the interim.