The Mississippi Department of Transportation has named its new Chairman.
After former Chairman Dick Hall chose not to seek re-election, MDOT has named Southern District Transportation District Commissioner Tom King as Chairman. King was the lone incumbent among the three MDOT Commissioners to run for re-election last November.
“I am so honored to be elected as chairman; it is a responsibility I will take pride in” said King. “As chairman, my goal is to ensure the commission continues to focus on sustaining a transportation infrastructure that promotes economic growth throughout the state, as well as the needs of the public when it comes to safety.”
King is entering his third term as Southern District Transportation Commissioner. He is joined on the board by first-time commissioners Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District, and John Caldwell, Northern Transportation District. The three Commissioners were sworn in on Tuesday.
King previously served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1993-1999 and in the Senate from 2000-2012.
King is a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served his country in the Air Force as an Air Policeman. He is affiliated with the Petal Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, American Legion and VFW. He has received many professional awards and honors including—2011 Mississippi Municipal League Legislator of the Year; 2010 Hattiesburg’s Veteran of the Year; American Legion Meritorious Service Award in 2007 and Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Legislator of the Year in 2002.
