The Golden Triangle Development LINK, serving as the largest economic development group in north Mississippi, announced the departure of its chief executive officer on Sunday.
A press release noted that Joe Max Higgins would be departing as CEO immediately after the LINK’s executive committee determined “a leadership transition is in the best long-term interest of the organization and the region we serve.”
LINK works to foster economic growth in Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha counties. Day-to-day operations as the search for a new CEO will “remain under management of our dedicated and capable team,” the release noted.
“The LINK remains committed to building on recent successes, advancing major projects and continuing to position our region as a leader in regional growth,” the release said. “We deeply value the ongoing support and partnership of our stakeholders as we move forward.”
Higgins has served atop the LINK for more than two decades and has a handful of major projects to his credit, including bringing plants for Steel Dynamics, PACCAR, Airbus, and Yokohama Tire to the area. In May, plans were unveiled for the Golden Triangle’s fifth megasite, appropriately named “Cinco,” with the goal to accommodate multiple tenants between Columbus and Starkville.
Overall, Higgins oversaw more than $10 billion in capital investment land in the region.
While the release did not disclose what led to Higgins’ departure, Mississippi Development Authority executive director Bill Cork said the decision appears to be related to human resources but did not expound further.
“I just found out about it today like everyone else, and I’m totally surprised by it. I tried to reach out to Joe Max but got no response” Cork said. “This appears to be a local HR matter and decision by the LINK board. MDA works with various communities through personnel transitions all the time, and we will work with the LINK through this one. I personally wish Joe Max the best in his future endeavors and hope to hear from him soon.”
When reached, Higgins said he would not be commenting at this time but plans to do an interview on Mornings with Richard Cross later in the week.
