Mississippi’s Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is now under the guidance of a new chairman.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) announced Tuesday that District 2 Commissioner Scott Coopwood has been elected to serve as the five-member regulatory body’s frontman. Coopwood, a Cleveland native who most recently served as vice chair, will fill the vacancy left by outgoing chairman Bill Cossar.
“Chairman Coopwood has served Mississippi’s outdoor public well in his time as Commissioner, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in his role as Chairman,” MDWFP Executive Director Lynn Posey said.
A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Coopwood has established himself in the media industry through the ownership of Coopwood Publishing Group, which encompasses multiple publications including the Mississippi Business Journal, Delta Business Journal, Delta Magazine, Delta Ag Journal, and The Bolivar Bullet.
Representing District 2, Coopwood is serving in his second five-year term as commissioner and his second stint as the commission’s chairman. He last served as chairman four years ago. The commission rotates the chairman position to allow each commissioner to lead.
“I am honored to serve as the Chairman of the Commission alongside my fellow Commissioners as we serve the outdoor and conservation needs of our great state,” an official statement from Coopwood reads. “Mississippi has incredible outdoor opportunities, and we hold the responsibility of managing our state’s resources with the utmost seriousness. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the incredible men and women of MDWFP to help shape the future of outdoor recreation in Mississippi.”
District 3 Commissioner Gary Rhoads, who also serves as Flowood’s mayor, will now occupy the role of vice chair.
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