Speaker of the House Philip Gunn has become the first to name his three appointees to the commission that will design the proposal for a new state flag.
Speaker Gunn’s selections include:
Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill
“Robyn’s background as a businessperson in the marketing industry, and as a community leader in north Mississippi makes her a perfect member of the commission. She is known for her passion for Mississippi and for having a forward-thinking vision for her community and our state. I’m confident that she will be a vocal and active member of the commission.”
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College President Dr. Mary Graham
“Dr. Graham has proven herself to be a visionary leader for the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast region. Her dedication to preparing our students for jobs in the 21st century through focusing on and growing workforce development initiatives is exemplary. Everyone admires the work of Dr. Graham and she will be a great voice for Mississippians on the commission.”
TJ Taylor – Speaker Gunn’s Policy Director
“TJ Taylor has been a member of my staff for five legislative sessions. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi College Law School. He has served as policy advisor, general counsel and currently serves as policy director for my office. He has been a key figure in the success of the effort to build support and ultimately pass legislation to change the state flag and ultimately form this commission. His passion for this issue and his calm demeanor will add much to the commission’s process while representing the voice of a younger generation of Mississippians.”
The remaining six members of the commission will be appointed by Governor Tate Reeves and Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann. HB 1796, the bill which retired the now-former state flag and created the commission, dictates that the governor’s appointments must include a representative from the Mississippi Economic Council, the Arts Commission and the Department of Archives and History.
You can submit your design for the new state flag. To find out how, click here.
The proposed design of the new flag will be submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office by September 14th. It will then be voted upon by Mississippians on November 3rd. If the design doesn’t receive a majority of the vote, a new design would be submitted during the 2021 legislative session.
