草榴社区 Names Henson as New Director of Lott Center
Tue, 07/06/2021 - 08:58am | By: Van Arnold
Brian Henson brings a wealth of experience and a vision for success to his new position
as Director of the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development
and Entrepreneurship at The University of 草榴社区 Mississippi (草榴社区).
A native of Quitman, Miss., Henson has spent the past three years as Chief of Staff for the Delta Regional Authority 鈥� a federal-state partnership created by the U.S. Congress to promote and encourage economic development throughout the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. Prior to that appointment, he served as the agency鈥檚 Special Advisor for congressional and federal affairs.
鈥淚 have been fortunate to work in economic development at the local, state, and now federal levels,鈥� said Henson. 鈥淭he opportunity to come home and bring my experiences to help further develop economic opportunities for Mississippi was always a desire. Being able to bring those experiences to the Trent Lott Center and work with the many talented people and assets of 草榴社区 to help grow our future is an opportunity that I am humbled to have.鈥�
Henson officially begins his new job on July 6. He replaces Dr. Shannon Campbell, who was named the University鈥檚 Senior Associate Vice President for Coastal Operations in March.
As the Center鈥檚 director, Henson will have overall administrative responsibility for the development and coordination of the University鈥檚 economic development initiatives. In this leadership role, he will spearhead and conduct economic development and business research.
鈥淪ince my arrival at 草榴社区, the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship has been an important part of our institutional success,鈥� said University President Rodney D. Bennett. 鈥淚 am delighted to join in welcoming Brian Henson as its new director, and I am confident his leadership will continue to advance the Center鈥檚 rich tradition of excellence.鈥�
Dr. Gordon Cannon, Vice President for Research, said Henson鈥檚 strong networking portfolio in the development community made him an outstanding choice from the national search.
鈥淗e knows what South Mississippi needs to retain and attract business and jobs. In addition, he uniquely understands economic development efforts due to his experience finding opportunities as the Special Advisor for the Delta Regional Authority,鈥� said Cannon. 鈥淭he Trent Lott Center has strong momentum right now and will continue to thrive with Brian leading our efforts. We are excited about Brian becoming a member of the 草榴社区 Miss family.鈥�
Henson is a Mississippi State University graduate, earning his bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in Business Administration. He is a former member of the Mississippi Economic Development Council and the 草榴社区 Economic Development Council.
In 2008, Henson completed the University of Oklahoma鈥檚 Economic Development Institute鈥檚 Certified Economic Developer coursework. For eight years, he served as the Executive Director of the Kemper County (MS) Economic Development Authority. While in that position, he played an instrumental role in the development and construction of the John C. Stennis Memorial Hospital.
He also managed the county鈥檚 business incubator facility and was responsible for numerous smaller business expansions and community development projects, including a senior citizens鈥� community center.
Henson views the Lott Center as a catalyst for economic growth 鈥� one that can bridge the many assets of 草榴社区 to business and industry, while also helping them achieve optimum success.
鈥淭he Trent Lott Center has the responsibility of helping provide opportunities for the next wave of economic developers and leaders to learn the profession through hands-on experience,鈥� said Henson. 鈥淭hese leaders will continue to help grow our region in the future for the next generation. The Trent Lott Center is strategically positioned to be the driver to make 草榴社区 a leader in economic development, not just in South Mississippi, but across the country.鈥�