Legislative Session 2025: Mississippi Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons
For the extra special 100th episode of The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session, Mississippi Transportation Commission Chair Willie Simmons joined co-hosts Will Craft and Paul Katool to provide central Mississippi project updates, give the latest on recurring revenue for MDOT, talk litter pickup efforts, and more.
- Show intro / introducing Commissioner Willie Simmons – 00:00
- Mississippians affected by severe weather / MDOT project updates – 01:48
- Museum Trail in Jackson – 10:57
- Interstate Problems in the Jackson Metro – 13:33
- Recurring Revenue for MDOT – 21:20
- Favorite place(s) to eat – 26:07
- Favorite music/concert(s) – 28:09
- Show Outro – 29:57
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.