Governor makes MDA appointments

Governor Tate Reeves announced a series of new appointments at the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA). 

Reeves appointed William “Bill” Cork as Executive Director/Chief Economic Development Officer, PJ Waldrop as Chief Operations Officer, and Steven McDevitt as Chief Investment Officer. 

Cork has been the MDA Deputy Director and Chief Economic Development Officer since 2020. Prior to serving at MDA, Cork’s 30- year economic and industrial development career included roles as the CEO of the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission and owner of his own consulting and real estate companies. 

Cork also led sales operations for ICF Consulting after working on military base redevelopment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers throughout the 1990’s.

Waldrop has served as the Director of the Governor’s Office of Military Affairs since the office’s creation in 2021. He worked with the Defense Community Development Council, the Installation Commander’s Council, the Mississippi National Guard, and the Mississippi Congressional Delegation on a variety of projects to support our defense economy. 

McDevitt has served as the Deputy Commissioner of Finance at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) since 2020. 

Prior to joining DPS, McDevitt worked 12 years in state government, including Deputy Director and Bond Advisory Director for the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration.  (Governor's Office (12/28/23) Governor Announces New Appointments to MDA - The Gazebo Gazette