The Jefferson Davis County Board of Supervisors approved the hiring of Gary Russell Bass as the new Economic Development Director for Jefferson Davis County at its first monthly meeting Monday.

The JDC Assistant Economic Director, Barbara Slater, introduced Bass to the board.

“Six people applied for the director position, and all six were interviewed,” said Slater. “The Jefferson Davis County Economic Development Board voted unanimously to hire Gary.”

Bass, a native of Bassfield, holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.

He brings marketing and hands-on business experience he has garnered during his time in other parts of the United States as well as in Jefferson Davis County.

This experience includes working as a corporate trainer for a franchise sales company, liaison for a New York-based import company, and real estate sales in the Arizona resort community of Sedona.

“The highest honor one can receive is the confidence placed in me today by the Jefferson Davis County Board of Supervisors who selected me for this position,” said Bass.

“As someone whose family has been in this area for 200 years, I consider this a chance for me to create opportunities for others to return to the county like I did, and the chance to entice industry and other persons to this area who I know will realize what a special, business-friendly area Jefferson Davis County is.

“I look forward to telling our story and making sure every corner of this county is afforded the op-portunity for economic growth that we all desire.”

“I am passionate about this county and I see the potential in this county.

“I am hoping for your support in helping me to reach that potential.”

“Two things when we interviewed Gary that stood out was that he was excited and he was passionate,” said JDC Economic Development Board member Von Norwood.

“And if you have those two things along with know-how and hard work, I think he will do well. We are excited.”

“We as a board are going to take responsibility and do the things that we are supposed to be doing. I will be the first to say that we need to step it up a notch and that’s what we plan to do.”

“If Gary comes with some ideas that maybe we are not accustomed to, I want us to be open minded and embrace those things. It is a different kind of time. We hope you as a board will be open-minded and embrace those ideas.”

“I’ve known Gary 10-12 years now and met him when I first came into the supervisors’ office,” said JDC Board of Supervisors Vice-President Corky Holliman. “I think ya’ll did a great job and made a great choice. He’s a real go-getter.”

Bass fills the position left vacant by the death of former director Ben Hamby.

Anyone interested aiding in the future development of the county, please contact the  Jefferson Davis County Economic Development District Office at 601.792.5903