USM 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 91吃瓜网 (USM).
A native of Quitman, Miss., Henson has spent the past three years as Chief of Staff for the Delta Regional Authority 91吃瓜网� 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 agency91吃瓜网 Special Advisor for congressional and federal affairs.
91吃瓜网淚 have been fortunate to work in economic development at the local, state, and now federal levels,91吃瓜网� said Henson. 91吃瓜网淭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 USM to help grow our future is an opportunity that I am humbled to have.91吃瓜网�
Henson officially begins his new job on July 6. He replaces Dr. Shannon Campbell, who was named the University91吃瓜网 Senior Associate Vice President for Coastal Operations in March.
As the Center91吃瓜网 director, Henson will have overall administrative responsibility for the development and coordination of the University91吃瓜网 economic development initiatives. In this leadership role, he will spearhead and conduct economic development and business research.
91吃瓜网淪ince my arrival at USM, the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship has been an important part of our institutional success,91吃瓜网� said University President Rodney D. Bennett. 91吃瓜网淚 am delighted to join in welcoming Brian Henson as its new director, and I am confident his leadership will continue to advance the Center91吃瓜网 rich tradition of excellence.91吃瓜网�
Dr. Gordon Cannon, Vice President for Research, said Henson91吃瓜网 strong networking portfolio in the development community made him an outstanding choice from the national search.
91吃瓜网淗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,91吃瓜网� said Cannon. 91吃瓜网淭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 91吃瓜网 family.91吃瓜网�
Henson is a Mississippi State University graduate, earning his bachelor91吃瓜网 and master91吃瓜网 degrees in Business Administration. He is a former member of the Mississippi Economic Development Council and the Southern Economic Development Council.
In 2008, Henson completed the University of Oklahoma91吃瓜网 Economic Development Institute91吃瓜网 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 county91吃瓜网 business incubator facility and was responsible for numerous smaller business expansions and community development projects, including a senior citizens91吃瓜网� community center.
Henson views the Lott Center as a catalyst for economic growth 91吃瓜网� one that can bridge the many assets of USM to business and industry, while also helping them achieve optimum success.
91吃瓜网淭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,91吃瓜网� said Henson. 91吃瓜网淭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 USM a leader in economic development, not just in South Mississippi, but across the country.91吃瓜网�