County names new Director of Economic Development

Pearl River County has named a new Director of Economic Development and she brings a wealth of experience to the position as well as a current familarity to Pearl River County in her work background.

Ms. Lindsay Ward, who has worked for the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD) as an Economic Development Manager and a Senior Project Manager for just short of five years, has worked on projects for Pearl River County while working with SMPDD. Prior to her time with SMPDD, Ward worked three plus years as the Director of Business Development for the Calhoun County Economic Development Council.

Ward holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and a Masters Degree in Economic Development, both from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Board President Sandy Kane Smith said Ward was a part of the team that put the Economic Development or Pearl River County together and that Ward was probably the board’s first choice when the board was looking for its first hire, but Smith said the timing was not right for Ward at the time.

Ward begins her role with the county on April 26th.

“It’s all about timing, and the timing wasn’t right for me back then, but I’m happy that the timing now is different. I’m looking forward to what we can do here together and help grow Pearl River County,” Ward told the Board.