Photo courtesy of Gov Reeves’ Office
Late Friday afternoon, Governor Tate Reeves announced that John Rounsaville will serve as the Interim Director of the Mississippi Development Authority. Glenn McCullough Jr. stepped down as MDA’s Executive Director back in January.
Rounsaville currently serves as State Director for USDA Rural Development after he was appointed by President Donald Trump.
“John has been a true servant of Mississippi for many years and been devoted to helping our state grow. I am honored that he will take on this role to build on our state’s economic development successes. He will play a critical role as MDA Interim Director as we work to restart our economy and shift it into overdrive for the people of Mississippi,” said Governor Tate Reeves.
The new Interim Director worked alongside Rep. “Chip” Pickering from 1998 to 2003 and served as Policy Advisor to Governor Haley Barbour from 2004 to 2006. He was then appointed by President George W. Bush as State Director for USDA Rural Development from 2006 to 2008. He served as Vice President of Strategic Services for Waggoner Engineering, Inc. following that from 2008 to 2017.
Rounsaville holds various distinctions for his military service, including the Air Force Meritorious Service, Commendation, and Achievement Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, and Mississippi War Medal. He also currently serves as serve as a JAG and Major at the 186th in the Mississippi Air Force National Guard.
Earlier this week, the Mississippi Legislature passed a bill allocating $300 million for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. $60 million will be delivered through direct payments to businesses that were forced to shut down and the remaining $240 million will be disbursed through grants which will be administered by MDA.
The Governor has yet to sign the bill.
