Crawford takes job to help save military bases

By By Terry R. Cassreino / assistant managing editor
Jan. 30, 2004
Bill Crawford submitted his resignation Thursday as president of The Montgomery Institute to join Mississippi's chief economic development agency and help the state's efforts to keep its military bases.
Crawford, 56, will begin his new job Monday as part of the executive team of the Mississippi Development Authority. Crawford will report to MDA Executive Director Leland Speed.
Some officials, including Gov. Haley Barbour, say that NAS Meridian and other military bases in Mississippi could find themselves targets in another round of base closures expected to happen next year.
Institute plans
Officials with The Montgomery Institute have called a news conference at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the organization's 200 24th Ave. S. office to talk about the interim leadership and plans to search for a new president.
The Montgomery Institute, named after former U.S. Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, promotes strategic thinking and helps develop leadership in East Central Mississippi and West Central Alabama.
Barbour, in a news release Thursday, praised Crawford's experience working to save NAS Meridian. Barbour said Crawford brings as "wealth of experience" to his new job at MDA.
Crawford's background
Crawford said he understands he will be one of three deputy directors on the MDA executive team. Besides working with military bases, he also will be responsible for financial programs and other MDA departments.
Speed said he was impressed by Crawford's banking background and experience in community development and workforce training. Millions of dollars pass through MDA to Mississippi communities every year, he said.
Exact titles and responsibilities for the executive team will be announced at a later date, Speed said.
Crawford, a past president of the state College Board, will continue to live in Meridian and will commute to Jackson. He said it was tough to decide between the MDA and The Montgomery Institute.