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.

Ben Cohen has served as Chief Information Officer for the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) since 2014. He began his career with MDOT in 2001 as a software developer supporting the agency’s financial system. After nine years, he transitioned into a project management role, leading a team responsible for software support across the financial and fleet management systems. As CIO, Cohen has led the Information Systems Division with a focus on advancing mobile application development, enhancing field data collection capabilities, expanding business intelligence and reporting, and strengthening workforce development initiatives. More recently, the division has begun exploring the application of artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency, decision-making, and service delivery, while also leading an effort to modernize MDOT’s financial platform for project cost accounting. Under his leadership, the division supports a wide range of mission-critical systems, a colocated data center environment, and a statewide traffic network of more than 1,000 cameras. Cohen holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Mississippi College (2006) and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Southern Mississippi (2001).

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.

Michael Flood is a Public Information Officer at MDOT. In addition to being the Central District PIO, he has covered the Southern District and was the assistant to former Commissioner Dick Hall during his final term. In addition to covering the media and construction and maintenance projects across Central Mississippi, Mike serves as a liaison between the Public Affairs Division and Commissioner Willie Simmons’ office. He started his career with MDOT in 2010 after graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi.