Deason brings decades of economic development experience and trust leadership to Madison County.
CANTON, MS – Today, the Madison County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) Board of Directors announced the selection of Joseph (Joey) Deason as the organization’s new executive director beginning October 1. Mr. Deason assumes the position from Ken Oilschlager who has been serving as Interim Director over the last year. The selection was made after a national search and selection process was conducted utilizing VisionFirst Advisors, which also completed an organizational assessment of MCEDA earlier in 2017.
“It is with great excitement that we announce the selection of Joey Deason as our new executive director,” said Lanny Slaughter, MCEDA Board of Directors
Chairman. “Joey’s experience in economic development at both a regional and state level combined with his level of leadership will ensure that MCEDA
is both focused and accountable in working with industry and community leaders.”
“The Madison County Board of Supervisors congratulates MCEDA on a tremendous hire,” said David Bishop, President of the Madison County Board of Supervisors. “We are confident that MCEDA selected the ideal leader to take the organization to a new level of success.”
Mr. Deason comes to Madison County after four years of serving as the Chief Operating Officer at the Golden Triangle Development Link where he was integral in projects such as Yokahama Tire and SDI Steel Mill while also developing strategic partnerships with East Mississippi Community College in the creation of a manufacturing training center. Prior to his tenure in the Golden Triangle, he served as President and CEO of Schulz Xtruded Products (SXP), Chief Financial Officer of the Mississippi Development Authority and worked at General Motors and Delphi Corporation for more than 17 years.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as executive director of MCEDA, a region that enjoys a recognizable brand due to its commitment to transformational economic development,” said Mr. Deason. “As executive director, I plan to lead the organization with a focus on trust and communication to strengthen our community efforts and our competitive position.”
Over the last year, the MCEDA board has focused on reinvigorating the organization and its success in job creation efforts. Cornerstones of this effort
are strict fiduciary standards and increased communication with elected officials and the community regarding its activities. This is a priority of
the board and staff. Moving forward with a new executive director, MCEDA is steadfast in its commitment to the strictest ethical standards and implementing
the recommendations outlined in the organizational assessment providing a value proposition not only to industry but to the community as a whole.
