BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Mr. Williams is a real estate broker with many years in property management. He is active in the national, state and local associations of Realtors, as well as the Mississippi Rural Water Association and the board of directors of the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center. Mr. Williams is serving his second term on the Board.

He was appointed by Jackson County Supervisor District 5, Randy Bosarge.

VICE PRESIDENT 

Mr. Heidelberg is a lifelong resident of Pascagoula and a graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi.  He is the Senior Partner with Heidelberg Steinberger, P.A. Attorneys.  Mr. Heidelberg serves as a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Judicial Appointments, is in his fourth term as a member of the Mississippi Oil & Gas Board, a six time member of the United States District Court Magistrate Selection Committee, and recently named to the Mississippi Judicial Election Oversight Committee by the Mississippi Supreme Court.

 He was appointed by Governor Tate Reeves.

SECRETARY 

Richard Perkins is a native of Moss Point and Vice President of First Federal serving as Loan Origination Manager. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi and also completed the Mississippi School of Banking. Richard is a member of the Mississippi Young Bankers Association, Young Men’s Business Club, and an active member of his church where he serves as treasurer.

He was appointed by Governor Tate Reeves.

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Mr. Persons is Vice President of Stewart Sneed Hewes. He is president of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Foreign Trade Zone; a member of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation; and past president of Pas-Point Life Underwriters Association. Mr. Persons is serving his seventh term on the Board.

He was appointed by Jackson County Supervisor District 1, Barry Cumbest.

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Mr. Lassitter retired from Ingalls Shipbuilding as Vice-President of Operations. He is past president of Moss Point Rotary and was selected “Builder of the Year for 2011” by the Southeast Mississippi Homebuilders Association. Mr. Lassitter is a licensed real estate broker in Alabama and Mississippi. He was elected to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Hall of Fame and selected as 2004 Alumnus of the Year. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Home of Grace. Mr. Lassitter is serving his fourth term on the Board.

He was appointed by Governor Phil Bryant.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Mr. Magruder is retired following 28 years as President/CEO of Rex Distributing Company; and 26 years as President/CEO of Magruder Oil Company.   For many years, he served on the Board of Directors for Peoples Bank and Peoples Financial Corporation.  Before retirement, Mr. Magruder was a member of the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Mississippi Gulf Coast Business Development Council, and other professional and civic organizations.  He is currently on the Salvation Army Area Command Advisory Board and works with Youth Camp Ministries.

He was appointed by Jackson County Supervisor Troy Ross, District 4.

Mr. Taylor is a self-employed businessman and developer. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi in 2000. He is President and CEO of Taylor Management; a board member of Main Street Pascagoula; and President of Global Pig Inc. He is a 2023 recipient of The Mississippi Main Street HERO award for his multiple redevelopments in downtown Pascagoula.

He was appointed by Governor Tate Reeves.

A graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications.   Worked at Chevron Pascagoula Refinery for 31 years.  He has served on several boards such as the Jackson County Civic Action Board of Directors, Moss Point Active Citizens, Jackson County Foster Care Review Board, Moss Point Rotary, and the Jackson County Civil Service Commission.  He is a member of the Moss Point Civil Service Commission. 

He was appointed by former Jackson County Supervisor Melton Harris, District 2.

Mr. Smith is a graduate of Mississippi State University. He is president of Gulf Sales & Supply, Inc., which he opened in 1978. He has served as president, vice president, and director of the Pascagoula Rotary Club and is currently Assistant District Governor for the East Coast Territory. He is the chairman of the board of the Bacot-McCarty Foundation and is a member of the advisory board of The First, A National Banking Association. Mr. Smith is serving his second term on the Board.

He was appointed by Jackson County Supervisor District 3, Ken Taylor.

Jessica is a native of Pascagoula and a Partner with the law firm Bryan, Nelson, Schroeder, Castigliola, & Banahan, PLLC. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi. Jessica concentrates on civil litigation, professional liability, and insurance defense. She also has extensive experience in contract negotiations. Jessica is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association, Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. She is active in the Rotary Club of Pascagoula, United Way of Jackson and George counties and is a Supervisor Appointee to the Jackson County Civic Action Committee.