LINK CEO distrustful of MDA lead

Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins claims the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is undermining the economic development efforts within the Magnolia State. Higgins, the top economic developer who has led LINK for more than 14 years, said MDA's philosophy is flawed and it lacks vision and leadership. He compared MDA's reorganization efforts to "rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic." Higgins leveled his harshest criticism at MDA’s Director Glenn McCullough, whom he said was trying to be a "king-maker" and as a result, winnable projects are choosing other states. The result, claims Higgins, is a combative relationship. The LINK CEO claimed McCullough, during a project where the LINK was competing against Meridian for an aerospace-related project, named the step-daughter of the Meridian Airport director, without disclosing it, as project manager. "I don't trust them," Higgins told the Columbus Dispatch in an exclusive interview. Gov. Phil Bryant appointed McCullough in June 2015. Higgins has called for a leadership change at MDA, but that likely won’t happen since the governor’s term ends in January 2020. In the meantime, Higgins said, Mississippi suffers. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 11/18/17)