Gov. Bryant Appoints New MDHS Executive Director

JACKSON, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – Gov. Phil Bryant announced today that he has appointed John Davis executive director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Davis replaces Ricky Berry, who is retiring Jan. 31.

Davis is a native Mississippian with 24 years of experience in human services, including work on the local, regional and statelevel. He has been the deputy administrator for the last four years. Before that, he was the division director of economic assistance, state operations director, as well as the director of the Lincoln County Department of Human Services.

“I appreciate greatly the confidence the Governor has placed in me with this appointment,” Davis said. “It is such an honor to serve the citizens of Mississippi in this role at the Mississippi Department of Human Services. I also understand the tremendous responsibility and I will be fully committed to this assignment. My life has been dedicated to serving others and I believe this is a great opportunity to continue that work.”

Davis is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.He earned his masters of science in leadership from Belhaven University. He is a resident of Brookhaven where he and his family attend Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.

“John’s experience and qualifications will serve the people of Mississippi well in his new role,” Gov. Bryant said. “He understands the critical functions MDHS performs, and I appreciate him accepting this appointment.”