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 The University of Southern Mississippi (USM).
A native of Quitman, Henson has spent the past three years as Chief of Staff for the Delta Regional Authority – 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.
“I have been fortunate to work in economic development at the local, state, and now federal levels,” said Henson. “The 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.”
Henson officially began his new job July 6. He replaces Dr. Shannon Campbell, who was named the University’s Senior Associate Vice President for Coastal Operations in March.
As the Center’s director, Henson will have overall administrative responsibility for the development and coordination of the University’s economic development initiatives. In this leadership role, he will spearhead and conduct economic development and business research.
“Since 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,” said University President Rodney D. Bennett. “I am delighted to join in welcoming Brian Henson as its new director.”
