Following the recent retirement announcement of Katie Blount, a new executive director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History has been named.
The MDAH Board of Trustees announced Wednesday that it has selected Barry White to move into the role next year. White is a longtime preservation leader and current director of the state agency’s Historic Preservation Division.
“Katie Blount’s leadership has strengthened this agency in profound and lasting ways, and Barry is the right person to lead MDAH into our next chapter,” said Spence Flatgard, president of the MDAH Board of Trustees. “His experience, integrity, and relationships across the state give him a deep understanding of both our mission and our partners who help carry us forward.”
White has spent more than a decade working across programs that identify, document, and preserve Mississippi’s historic places. He’s overseen major preservation initiatives, administered statewide grant programs, supported communities through the Certified Local Government program, and built partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.
White began his career at MDAH as a local government assistance coordinator before serving as the liaison between MDAH and the Mississippi Department of Transportation and deputy director of the Historic Preservation Division. He was promoted to division director in 2020, and in the role, he has administered programs such as the National Register of Historic Places, the Mississippi Landmark program, the Historical Marker Program, and preservation grant initiatives for rehabilitation of historic courthouses, schools, and cultural landmarks.
He’s also among the leadership team developing a regional hub for education, research, and workforce development at Historic Jefferson College near Natchez. Mississippi State University, White’s alma mater, is MDAH’s partner on the project.
White, who will begin transitioning into the role as MDAH in early 2026 before officially taking the role over on July 1, will be charged with leading the agency responsible for preserving the state’s history through records, artifacts, and properties.
“It is an honor to be selected to lead an agency with such a vital mission,” White said. “The work of MDAH is rooted in service – preserving the stories, places, and records that define Mississippi. I look forward to supporting the talented staff across the department and building on the strong foundation that has been laid.
“Our stories belong to every Mississippian, and I am committed to strengthening our connections to communities across the state. As we look to the future, collaboration will continue to drive our efforts to preserve and share Mississippi’s history in meaningful ways.”
Blount, who served as MDAH executive director for 10 years before announcing her impending retirement, praised White’s commitment to preservation and collaboration and said he’s a great fit for the position.
“Barry has earned the trust of colleagues and communities throughout Mississippi,” she said. “He’s forged strong relationships with key stakeholders through his thoughtful approach to preservation and his dedication to public service.”
