JACKSON, Miss.–He just came on board the state Parole Board, but former state senator and banker Doug Davis is already leaving the chairmanship for another job and now a well-respected police officer is set to take his place.
Davis has been hired by Sec. of State Delbert Hosemann to become his chief of staff Oct. 16. He resigns the Parole Board, effective Oct. 15.
“I appreciate Doug’s service to the people of Mississippi and look forward to working with him in his new role,” said Gov. Phil Bryant, who makes the Parole Board appointments..
Taking his place as chairman is former Hinds County Deputy Steve Pickett, who has also served in the Hinds County Youth Court. Pickett served as a deputy during three decades, starting in the 1990s.
“Steven brings a vast amount of law enforcement experience to the Mississippi Parole Board and will make for a seamless transition as chairman,” said Bryant.
The board meets weekly to decide if criminals in the prison system should get out on parole.
Pickett moves up and that means his position as an at-large board member will be filled by another respected law enforcement officer, Butch Townsend, who has served on the Pearl police force for 25 years and is one of most highly trained investigators.
“I am honored to be appointed to this position by Governor Bryant,” Townsend said. “While I hate to leave the Pearl Police Department, I believe this is a unique opportunity to serve and bring my extensive law enforcement training to the table.”
