The state of Mississippi vests oversight of its transportation resources and operations in a three-member elected commission representing three geographic
areas in the state—Northern, Central and Southern districts. In accordance with state law, the commissioners have the authority and responsibility for the
supervision of all modes of transportation in the state dealing with aeronautics, highways, public transit, ports, and rail safety. The membership of the
Mississippi Transportation Commission appoints its chairman.
The administrative headquarters of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is located at 401 N. West Street in downtown Jackson. The Northern
and Southern District Commissioners are located in Tupelo and Hattiesburg, respectively. The Central District Commissioner’s office is located in the
administrative headquarters.
The Transportation Commission appoints an executive director of MDOT to carry out day-to-day policies and procedures set by the commission.
The Transportation Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at its offices in Jackson, Mississippi; and at such sessions, the Commission
may hear, continue and determine any and all matters coming before it.
The Secretary to the Commission enters the proceeding of the Commission upon its minutes and is custodian of all Minute Books. The Secretary also serves as
the Department’s Advocating Highways for Economic Advancement and Development (AHEAD) coordinator.
Commissioner's Background History
Mike Tagert (Northern District)
Mike Tagert most recently served as Administrator of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority and President of the organization’s respective trade association, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Development Council, where he led their economic development and promotional efforts. While there, his accomplishments include the successful designation of the Marine Highway (M-65) Corridor and signing a recent International Agreement with the Panama Canal Authority to promote future trade and transportation via the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi. He also currently serves as a member of the Trade and Transportation Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Previously, he served in the United States Marine Corps and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Millsaps College and Master of Science and Master of Public Policy and Administration degrees from Mississippi State University. Commissioner Tagert is married to the former Mary Love Mortimer of Kilmichael, and they have two children, Frances and Harlan. They currently reside in Starkville and are members of the First United Methodist Church.
Dick Hall (Central District)
After serving 24 years in the Mississippi Legislature, Dick Hall was appointed Central District Transportation Commissioner by Gov. Kirk Fordice in 1999 to fill the unexpired term of a former commissioner. Hall was elected later that year to his first full term as Commissioner and has been reelected to two subsequent terms.
As Commissioner of the Central District, Hall’s constituency includes a population of almost one million people who reside in 22 counties.
Hall’s experience in the Mississippi Legislature was extremely broad-based serving three terms as a Representative and three terms as a Senator. In both the House and the Senate, Hall chaired the Environment Committees of each chamber, respectively. Other chairmanships included the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee — the first Republican to occupy this position in over 100 years. He also served as president of the Mississippi Republican-Elected Officials Association and as state chairman of the United Republican Fund. Other honors have included being the first recipient of the Hugh L. White Free Enterprise Award and Conservation Legislator of the Year.
An elder and former deacon in the Presbyterian church, Hall and his wife, Jennifer, live in the Brandon area.
Tom King (Southern District)
Tom King is entering his first term as Southern District Transportation Commissioner. He previously served as a state lawmaker since 1993, when he was elected to the House of Representatives where he remained until 1999. In 2000, he began his tenure in the Senate, where his leadership brokered many bills designed to better the lives of Mississippians. As Chairman of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee, King authored resolutions that honored the achievements of persons throughout his district and the state. Most notably, King authored Senate Bill 3181—the $300 million bond bill for highways and bridges and Senate Bill 3014, known as the John Paul Frerer Bicycle Act, which promotes safety for cyclists on the roadways. King also authored Senate Bill 2514 that created the Mississippi Wireless Communications Commission, which ensures that the state’s emergency responders and law enforcement have the means to communicate regardless of any disaster that may occur.
Commissioner King is a Veteran of the Vietnam War, having served his country in the Air Force as an Air Policeman. He is affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, American Legion and VFW. He has received many professional awards and honors including—2011 Mississippi Municipal League Legislator of the Year; 2010 Hattiesburg’s Veteran of the Year; American Legion Meritorious Service Award in 2007 and Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Legislator of the Year in 2002.
Commissioner King is no stranger to South Mississippi, as he was born in Hattiesburg. He attended Petal High School and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973. He currently lives in Petal with his wife, the former Susan Lynn Patterson, and has two children and two grandchildren. King and his wife are members of Petal-Harvey Baptist Church, where he serves as deacon.