The Extra Mile Podcast | Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons

December 5, 2022 • 25 Minutes

Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons

Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons joined The Extra Mile podcast to talk about his career in public service, the importance of a rural transportation network, Central District projects and much more.

Show intro, introducing Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons - 00:27
Commissioner Simmons background and why he ran for state senator and transportation commissioner - 01:13
How Commissioner Simmons got interested in serving on the transportation committee in the state senate - 02:23
On working with Commissioner Tom King and the late Commissioner Dick Hall in the state senate - 03:37
Commissioner Simmons' interest in rural transportation needs - 04:35
On MDOT's broad transportation network - 06:58
Highlighting major projects in the Central District - 09:06
On the success of the lottery and its funding for MDOT - 11:51
Impact of quality infrastructure on economic growth and development - 14:22
On being the first African American statewide elected official - 17:20
On the best place to grab a bite to eat when out traveling on Mississippi highways - 21:10
Show outro - 24:13

Creators and Guests

Host

Paul Katool

Paul Katool joined the Mississippi Department of Transportation Public Affairs Division in 2016 as the agency’s first Social Media Strategist. In 2019, he was promoted to Digital Media Manager, where he led the creation of MDOT’s nationally award-winning Extra Mile Podcast. In 2022, Paul assumed the role of Deputy Director of Public Affairs, which includes helping to run the day-to-day operations of the division.

Host

Will Craft

Will Craft joined MDOT in 2018 after serving on Senator Thad Cochran’s and Senator Hyde Smith’s staffs. Beginning in the Government Affairs role at MDOT, Will assisted executive leadership in matters of policy, stakeholder engagement, legislative affairs, and external communications. Since joining the Public Affairs team in 2023, Will is most often recognized as one of the “podcast guys”. The Award Winning Extra Mile Podcast is hosted by Will and Paul Katool, and produced by Drew Hall.

Producer

Drew Hall

Drew Hall is a media producer with experience in video production and journalism. He currently works in the Public Affairs Division of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, where he shoots and edits a range of content, including producing the award-winning podcast The Extra Mile. Drew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Mississippi State University and has received industry recognition, including an AASHTO Best Audio Production Award. Previously, Drew worked as a photojournalist for News Channel 12 and Fox 40 News, developing his skills in visual storytelling and news production. Drew is married to Courtney Ann Hall, of Corinth, MS, and has one son, Jackson.