MDA Executive Director Cork retires; Governor Reeves appoints Waldrop to lead economic development agency

MDA Executive Director Cork retires.

Key points

• Among the deals negotiated under Cork's leadership are Amazon Data Services ($10 billion), Compass Data Centers ($10 billion), and Aluminum Dynamics ($2.5 billion).
• Waldrop holds a Master of Science in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Delta State University.
• During Cork's tenure, MDA has recruited over $34 billion in investments to the Magnolia State along with the creation of almost 23, 000 jobs.
• Succeeding Cork will be Paul Jerrod "PJ" Waldrop, the current Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of MDA.
• Governor Reeves named Waldrop as Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority effective October 1.

MDA Executive Director Cork retires; Governor Reeves appoints Waldrop to lead economic development agency. By: Frank Corder – September 30, 2026. Bill Cork and PJ Waldrop.

Mississippi Development Authority Bill Cork has retired from state service, Governor Tate Reeves confirmed Wednesday morning.

Cork was appointed by Reeves in December 2023 to lead the state economic development agency after his tenure as deputy director. During his tenure, MDA has recruited over $34 billion in investments to the Magnolia State along with the creation of almost 23, 000 jobs.

"Serving Mississippi has been the honor of my career, " remarked Cork. "Nina and I arrived on the Gulf Coast more than a decade ago, and this state offered us far more than we could ever provide back. I am grateful to Governor Reeves for his leadership, his trust and his friendship. The award-winning MDA team is in great hands with PJ Waldrop as executive director. I can't wait to see the records they break next. It's been an amazing run, and Mississippi's best days are still ahead of her. Thank you, Mississippi."

Notably, the governor thanked Cork for this service to the state.

"I'd like to thank Bill Cork for his years of service to our state and wish him all the best in his future endeavors, " Reeves remarked.

"Mississippi is attracting record-breaking capital investment and creating thousands of high-paying jobs all across our state, " remarked Reeves in an official note. "PJ has been a key member of our economic development team, and he understands what it takes to bring major projects to Mississippi. I'm confident he will do a tremendous job leading the Mississippi Development Authority and building on this historic momentum."

While at MDA, the governor's office remarked Waldrop has assisted lead the state's economic and community development efforts and oversaw 12 divisions responsible for approximately $400 million in annual expenditures.

Since joining the agency's executive leadership team, Waldrop has supported advance major economic development projects, led the agency's first significant organizational restructuring in a decade, and worked to strengthen operations throughout multiple divisions.

Waldrop previously served as the first Director of the Governor's Office of Military Affairs at MDA, where he developed Mississippi's statewide military-community strategy, established a five-year strategic plan, and supported create the Defense Communities Development Council.

"Mississippi has incredible momentum, " remarked Waldrop. "I'd like to thank Governor Reeves for the opportunity to serve the great state of Mississippi in this new role. I'm looking forward to working with our team at the Mississippi Development Authority and leaders throughout the state to build upon our economic development successes."

Waldrop has additionally spent more than a decade working in the U.S. Senate, including serving as Deputy Chief of Staff, State Director, and Legislative Director for U.S. Senator David Perdue. Earlier in his career, he served on the staffs of U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss and Thad Cochran and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

Waldrop holds a Master of Science in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Delta State University. Regarding the Author(s).

Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For almost two decades, he has noted and offered analysis on administration, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank's interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: [email protected].

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In short, MDA Executive Director Cork retires; Governor Reeves appoints Waldrop to lead economic is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.