Locals on MSU board

The Mississippi State University Foundation announces that Richard Mills Jr. of Flora, a 1980 petroleum engineering graduate, founder and manager of Tellus Operating Group LLC, is beginning a three-year temr on the foundation board.

A previous board member, Mark S. Jordan of Canton, a real estate developer and owner with Mark S. Jordan Cos. and a 1976 landscape architecture graduate, is beginning a term as well.

Richard H. Puckett of Ridgeland is filling an open board seat. Chairman and CEO of Puckett Machinery Co., he is a 1977 general business administration graduate.

With offices in the Hunter Henry Center, the MSU Foundation administers the majority of the institution's fundraising activities and endowment funds. The current endowment stands at about $347 million.

Brooks is manager

Jason Brooks has been promoted to branch manager of the Jackson Medical Center office of BancorpSouth. He has been with BancorpSouth for two and half years.

Brooks is a native of Jackson. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Marketing, a bachelor's degree in economics and a minor in management at the University of Mississippi.

Brooks is married to Christy Simmons of Clinton. They are currently residing in Madison.

Westbrook is GM

Wayne West, vice president of Lane Hospitality, owners of The Hilton Jackson, has announced the return and appointment of Alton G. "Skipper" Westbrook, III as general manager.

Westbrook, a fourth-generation Jacksonian, previously led the team at The Hilton Jackson as assistant general manager and director of Food & Beverage from 2003 until 2008.

"The Lane executive team and Hilton Jackson associates are energized by Skipper's return to the hotel," said West. "His expertise and can-do attitude are renowned."

Said Westbrook, "I am thrilled to be home in Jackson at the hotel my family and I hold dear to our hearts."

Additional highlights of Westbrook's career - all in Jackson - include managing partner with Chimneyville Smokehouse Restaurants and the River Room Conference Center, district manager of MMI Dining Systems, and area director for Deli/Bakery Operations, Jitney Jungle Stores of America.

Westbrook attended the University of Mississippi and Belhaven College in Jackson.

Hassell opens office

Jay Hassell is opening a new State Farm Insurance office in Jackson at 5648 Ridgewood Road, Building 102, Suite A.

Hassell is a native of Laurel but has lived in the Jackson area for the last nine years. Jay is married to the former Emily Brooks of Memphis, Tenn., who is the owner of Smitten Gift Boutique in Ridgeland. They are the parents of 18-month-old Brooks Hassell.

Jay Hassell holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Ole Miss and a master of business administration from Mississippi State University.

Moon is chairman

The nominating committee of the International Economic Development Council has elected Jay C. Moon, CEcD, FM, president and CEO of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, as chairman of its board of directors. The election took place during IEDC's 2011 Annual Conference, which was held recently in Charlotte, N.C.

"It is truly an honor to have been elected chair of IEDC, the world's leading and largest membership organization of economic development professionals," Moon said. "It is a professional milestone, and I am ready to take on the duty of leading IEDC and our members through what I am certain will be yet another productive and rewarding year."

Moon has more than 25 years of successful economic development experience. He served as the deputy director and director for international development with the Mississippi Development Authority. Moon has extensive experience in international markets, including Asia, Europe and Latin America. He has led dozens of trade and investment missions.

Moon is the former president of the National Association of State Devlopment Agencies. He served on the board of the American Economic Development Council, and he serves on the board of the International Economic Development Council. He is a certified economic developer and a fellow member with the International Economic Devopment Council.