By: Knox Graham
 
BILOXI, Miss.—The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources will take a step forward this week in their search for a new Executive Director.
 
Former Executive Director Dr. Bill Walker was relieved of his duties after suspicious spending practices by the Commission for Marine Resources in January amid ongoing audits to the department.
 
That same commission has called a special meeting for this Wednesday according to a DMR press release.
 
“They will go into closed session to discuss personnel issues,” said Public Relations Director Susan Perkins.
 
The panel will be discussing applicants for the open position.
 
“There is no set time line for the selection,” she said.  “It really depends on how many applications they receive.”
 
Perkins said there can be up to five applicants recommended to Governor Phil Bryant who will ultimately make a decision for the position.