The Coahoma County Tourism office has been without a full-time director since Kappi Allen’s resignation in February.
The second application deadline for prospective candidates to fill the position was Oct. 22.
Thirteem individuals applied for the position and six to eight will be brought in for an interview, according to tourism board chair Al Jones after the matter was discussed during executive session at the Nov. 14 monthly meeting.
“The search is over,” Jones said. “We are probably going to call some people in to interview in the next week or two.”
While prospective candidates were not named, Jones said the board is real close to finding a new director.
“Our goal is by the end of the year, so when we start Jan. 1, we’ll have a director,” Jones said. “That’s our goal.”
State auditor Penn Mills is still investigating Allen for alleged misappropriated funds.
Board attorney Ed Peacock spoke with Mills recently and did not receive any update on the investigation.
“The state auditor’s office investigation is still continuing,” Peacock said. “He would not provide any other information other than the investigation was still ongoing.”
The tourism board is down to four members as Chris Overton submitted his resignation, which was accepted by the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors.
District 2 Board of Supervisors member Pat Davis will have the opportunity to appoint a replacement to finish Overton’s term.
Board members Overton and Steve Hays both resigned during the investigation. Roger Stolle filled Hays’ seat.
Wayne Winter was not reappointed when his term ended during the investigation. Bill Gresham filled his spot.
Jones and Wilhelmenia Newson are the only board members who had their seats prior to the investigation.
