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.

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.

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.

Emily Hoff, a Jackson native, graduated from the University of Mississippi and began her career in Washington, DC. After six years on Capitol Hill, she returned to Jackson in 2015 to assume the role of Director of Development at the Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM), where she oversaw all aspects of the museum’s fundraising. In 2021, Emily transitioned to the role of Executive Director at MCM's Jackson location. She has been actively involved in the master planning process for the LeFleur’s Bluff Complex and oversaw the planning and execution for the LeFleur’s Bluff playground. In addition to serving as a founding member and Secretary of the Great City Mississippi Foundation, Emily currently serves as on the Board of Trustees for First Presbyterian Day School. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Jackson and been recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal as a recipient of the Top 50 Under 40 award. Emily and her husband, Kern, live in Jackson with their two children and are grateful to call the Capital City home.