FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2008

GOVERNOR REAPPOINTS LASSITTER TO JACKSON COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY

(JACKSON, Mississippi) – Governor Haley Barbour has reappointed William “Benny” Lassitter, of Wade, to the Jackson County Port Authority, which operates the Port of Pascagoula along the Gulf Coast.

“As a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Benny understands the concerns and needs of the region as they relate to the Port of Pascagoula. I’m proud of the service he has given the Jackson County Port Authority and look forward to Benny’s continued good works in this capacity,” Governor Barbour said.

Lassitter retired from Litton Industries after 35 years of service, including serving as vice president of operations. Currently, he is self-employed in various business ventures, such as real estate development, commercial rentals, cattle farming, and construction. He was selected to the Gulf Coast Alumni Hall of Fame in 2004, is a member of the Mississippi Home Builders Association, and has served as the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce president.

Lassitter is a graduate of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He and his wife, Gail, have two adult children.