ABOUT

The Jackson Redevelopment Authority (JRA) was established in 1968 as a quasi-govermental redevelopment agency for the city of Jackson. JRA is responsible for the resurgence and revitalization of residential, business and investment growth in the city. The agency promotes and administers urban renewal projects. Examples of urban renewal areas include Downtown Jackson, Highway 80, and the Jackson Medical Mall.

JRA is governed by a Board of seven Commissioners. All of which are appointed by the Mayor of Jackson to represent the respective Wards. The Board is headed by a Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

The regular meetings of the JRA are held the fourth (4^th) Wednesday of every month at 10:00am. Annual meetings are conducted the fourth (4^th) Wednesday of every August at 10:00am.

VISION

The Jackson Redevelopment Authority is a catalyst, creating opportunities for investment so that the City of Jackson reaches its maximum potential economically and emerges competitively nationally and internationally. With the collaborative efforts of the City of Jackson, State of Mississippi, and Federal Government, JRA is able to shape a more prosperous, sustainable, and attractive city for all.

Past and Present Projects

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Bishop Ronnie C. Crudup, Sr., Chairman, Ward 6: (Picture L-R5) Education: Masters of Divinity Degree, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS, B.S. Degree, Industrial Management, Jackson State University, and an A.A. Degree, Electronics, Hinds Junior College. Professional Experience: Pastoral Leadership and Management. Affiliations/Recognitions: Founder New Horizon Church International; Board Member – Chairman, 100 Concerned Clergy of Jackson, Chairman, AMOS Network, Hope Community Credit Union, Chairman, Mississippi Faith-Based Coalition for Community Renewal; Jackson Redevelopment Authority’s Board of Commissioners, sworn in January 24, 2007, term expires August 13, 2011, serves as Chairman, Board of Commissioners August 26, 2009 to present, Chairman, Executive Committee. He is married to Jacqueline, father of four children and Senior Pastor of New Horizon Church International where he serves in several capacities.

Attorney John R. Reeves, Vice-Chairman, Ward 5: (Not Pictured) Education: University of Mississippi, Majored in Public Administration and earned a Law Degree in 1982. Professional experience: Law Offices of John R. Reeves, private practice 1982 through the present; Mississippi College adjunct Instructor of Business law, 1982 through 1989 and Mississippi House of Representatives member, Hinds County, Mississippi, 1984 – 2008. Affiliations/Recognitions: Chairman, Committee on Fees and salaries of Public Officers, 2000 – 2004; Chairman, Committee on Oil, Gas and other Minerals, 2004-2008; Co-Chairman, Joint Legislative Committee to establish a national Civil Rights Museum in Mississippi; Municipalities Committee, 1984-1988; National Conference of State Legislatures, 1988-2008; President, Citizens Southwest-a neighborhood improvement and community development group; National Commission against drunk driving Commendation Award; Jackson Redevelopment Authority’s Board of Commissioners, sworn in August 27, 2008, term expires August 13, 2013, serves as Vice-Chairman, Board of Commissioners August 26, 2009 to present, Chairman, Long Term Planning Committee, a member of the Project and Executive Committees. He is married to Karen, father of five children and a member of First Baptist Church of Clinton where he serves in several capacities.

H. A. (Beau) Whittington, Jr., Ward 1: (Pictured L-R1), Education: University of Mississippi with a major in marketing. Professional experience: Marketing Specialist for the Mississippi Economic Development Agency of the Mississippi Marketing Council and Director of Industrial Development for Deposit Guaranty National Bank and Manager of Industrial Development for Michael Baker Engineers. In 1982 he purchased Convention Display Services, Inc. and has developed the company from a state convention and decorating firm to a regional company operating in the Gulf South, headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi. Affiliations/Recognitions: President of the Mississippi Tourism Association and President of Mississippi Industrial Development Council; currently serves on the Board of Jackson Convention Visitors Bureau; the University of Mississippi Business Advisory Board; Regions Bank Advisory Board; Jackson Redevelopment Authority’s Board of Commissioners, sworn in September 22, 2010, term expires August 13, 2015, member of Finance and Personnel Committees. He is married to Marjorie and attends St. James Episcopal Church where he serves in several capacities.

Matthew W. Thomas, Jr., Ward 2: (Picture L-R3) Education: Alcorn State University with honors, majoring in Business Administration; Certificate of Health Administration, Vanderbilt University and a Certificate of College and University Administration, Tuskegee Institute. Professional experience: President, Statewide General Insurance Agency, Incorporated 1970-Present; Executive Director, Madison-Yazoo-Leake Family health Center 1972-1976; Comptroller, Mississippi Action for Progress, Inc. and Accountant, Tuskegee Institute. Affiliations/Recognitions: chairperson, Jackson-Hinds Public Library Board; Chairperson, Alcorn State University Foundation; Chaired Southeastern Region of Small Business under President Jimmy Carter; served on Jimmy Carter, President of the United States Small Business Commission; received Black Businessman of the Year in 1987; received 2010 Alumnus of the Year from Alcorn State University’s Department of Business; served as an expert witness for Law Firms; Jackson Redevelopment Authority’s Board of Commissioners, sworn in August 27, 2008, term expires August 13, 2014, serves as Chairman, Project Committee; a member of Finance Committee and Personnel Committee. He is married to Francine, father of three children and a member of Farish Street Baptist Church where he serves in several capacities.

Beneta D. Burt, Ward 3: (Picture L-R 4) Education: Jackson State University majored in Sociology/Social Welfare and earned a Masters Degree in Public Policy Administration (M.P.P.A.), Jackson State University. Professional Experience: Principal Investigator & Coordinator, Jackson Roadmap to health Equity Community Steering Committee, Jackson Medical Mall Foundation (funded by WK Kellogg Foundation) September 2005 -Present; President and Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Resources, Inc., October 2006-Present; President and Chief Executive Officer, Urban League of Greater Jackson, Inc.; Associate Director Department of Economic and Community/Development Employment Training Division; Deputy Director, City of Jackson, Department of Human and Cultural Services; Capital Area Training and Employment Consortium, Director-City of Jackson Division of Day care Services, Field representative Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation, Assistant Director, Youth Programs-Governor’s Office/Job Development and training and Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. Affiliations/Recognitions: The Clarion-Ledger Newspaper as one of the top 50 “2001 Women Who Inspire” in the Greater Jackson Area, The Mississippi Business Journal in 2002, as one of Mississippi’s 50 leading Business Women; Commissioner, Jackson State University, School of Public Health Jackson, MS; Publications – Risisky D, Hogan V, Kane M, Taylor D, Burt B, Payton M. Concept mapping as a Tool to Engage a Community in health Disparity identification, Ethnicity and Disease, Volume 18, winter 2008; Jackson Redevelopment Authority’s Board of Commissioners, sworn in September 22, 2010, term expires August 13, 2014, member of Project and Long Term Planning Committees. She is a member of New Hope Baptist Church where she serves in several capacities.

Gregory P. Green, Ward 4: (Picture L-R 2) Education: A High School graduate; attended College, majored in Electronics and earned a Master Electrical License in the City of Jackson #340. Professional Experience: Owner/Operator of Green’s Electric and Security Company to present; at&t employee, retired with 30 years of service as a Facility Technician. Affiliations/Recognitions: Vice President of The National Bowling Association, Inc. May 2008-present; Masonic Lodge Member; Hinds County Voting Precinct Manager; sworn in May 5, 2005, term expires August 13, 2009, serves as Chairman of the Personnel Committee, a member of the Executive Committee and Immediate Past Chairman, Board of Commissioners. He is married to Dorothy, father of three children and a member of New Mount Olive Baptist Church where he serves in several capacities.

Brian T. Fenelon, Ward 7:(Picture L-R6) Education: University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN,Masters in Business Administration and a B.A, Degree with Honorable Distinction in Economics and Political Science. Professional Experience: Senior Vice-President Wealth Management; Senior Portfolio Management, Director, Citigroup’s, Smith Barney, and Morgan –Stanley. Affiliation/Recognitions: Fondren Neighborhood Foundation, Rotary, New Stage Threatre, Mississippi Symphony, St. Andrew’s School, Boys and Girls Club and Millsaps College Else School of Management Advisory Board; Jackson Redevelopment Authority’s Board of Commissioners, sworn in September 24, 2008, term expires August 13, 2012, serves as Chairman, Finance Committee and Long Term Planning Committee. He is married to Kelley, father of three children and a member of Galloway Methodist Church where he serves in several capacities.