FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2008

GOVERNOR HALEY BARBOUR REAPPOINTS FAVRE AS MDES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

(JACKSON, Mississippi) – Governor Haley Barbour has reappointed Tommye Dale Favre, of Gautier, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES), which focuses on increasing employment in Mississippi with the use of federal dollars and programs. Favre has been serving the 600-person agency since she was appointed by Barbour in 2004.

“Tommye Dale has done an excellent job leading our efforts to build a stronger workforce in Mississippi. I am delighted that she had agreed to continue her public service,” Governor Barbour said.

Prior to her tenure at MDES, she spent 16 years at Mississippi Power Company managing two of the company’s power plants, and in human resources. She received a Masters of Science in Public Relations, University of Southern Mississippi (1985); a Masters of Education, University of Southern Mississippi (1983); and a Bachelor of Arts, University of Mississippi (1973). Mrs. Favre was a member of the 1999 Class of Leadership Jackson County, an appointee to the Mississippi Power Education Foundation, Inc. In 2008 she was selected as one of Mississippi’s 50 Leading Business Women.

Favre resides in Gautier with her husband, and she has three adult children.