Gulfport, Mississippi – Gov. Tate Reeves has appointed James Moody to the Mississippi State Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners. Moody was sworn in Thursday as a member of the Commission during its monthly meeting. Moody replaces John Rester as one of the three commissioners appointed by the governor.
“We welcome James Moody to the MSPA Board of Commissioners and appreciate his commitment to growing the Port of Gulfport,” said Jon Nass, Port CEO and Executive Director. “His background in economic development and public policy, as well as his experience with community organizations will be helpful in our discussions with future tenants, ensuring we can continue to attract new businesses to Gulfport.”
The MSPA is governed by a five-member board of commissioners that represents a cross-section of Gulfport and Harrison County. Appointed to staggered, five-year terms, three commissioners are selected by Mississippi’s governor, one by the Harrison County Board of Supervisors and one by the city of Gulfport. The Commission sets policy and oversees major expenditures for the Port of Gulfport.
“The Port of Gulfport functions as a key economic catalyst for the state of Mississippi and the Gulf South region,” Moody said. “It plays an essential role within our coastal community, and I am enthusiastic about contributing to its sustained growth and development in the coming years.
“I am eager to collaborate with the Board of Commissioners and the talented Port team led by Director Jon Nass to advance our efforts in establishing the Port of Gulfport as a national and global leader in maritime commerce. I also would like to extend my gratitude to Gov. Reeves for his consideration and appointment to the Board.”
Moody is the vice president and employee benefits consultant at Gallagher Insurance and leads a team of professions who focus on alternative funding arrangements, voluntary benefits and regulatory and compliance matters.
Prior to his tenure at Gallagher, Moody served as a legislative aide to the late U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran. In this role, he focused on policy areas, including energy, transportation, commerce and homeland security. In 2021 Moody was appointed by Gov. Reeves to the Harrison County Development Commission and in 2024 he was appointed by the Gulfport City Council to the Civil Service Commission.
Moody earned a bachelor of arts in history from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s of public administration from Louisiana State University.
He lives in Gulfport with his wife, Janel, and their children, Stella, 5 and Ross, 2.
The MSPA Board of Commissioners meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Port’s Administrative Office on the 14th floor of the Hancock Bank Plaza, located at 2510 14th Street in Gulfport.
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