MDOT's Newest PIO & a Deeper Look into Intermodal Planning
The fourth episode of "The Extra Mile" Podcast introduces MDOT's new Northern District Public Information Officer, David Kenney. The show also features a conversation with MDOT Director of Intermodal Planning Charles Carr and the role his office plays in the state's transportation network.
The fourth episode of "The Extra Mile" Podcast introduces MDOT's new Northern District Public Information Officer, David Kenney. The show also features a conversation with MDOT Director of Intermodal Planning Charles Carr and the role his office plays in the state's transportation network.
The Extra Mile Episode 4: MDOT's Newest PIO & a Deeper Look into Intermodal Planning - Show Notes
Show intro with Paul and Waverly
Guest: David Kenney, MDOT Northern District Public Information Officer
The Extra Mile Episode 4: MDOT's Newest PIO & a Deeper Look into Intermodal Planning - Show Notes
Show intro with Paul and Waverly
Guest: David Kenney, MDOT Northern District Public Information Officer
- Recap of time working in news including over 20 years at WLBT
- Talks about making transition from working as a journalist to working in public relations
- What have you learned about MDOT that you weren't expecting?
- Why is transportation infrastructure so important for everyone?
- Looking forward to covering MDOT's Norther District?
MDOT Road to Game Day Promo - voiced by Drew Hall, MDOT Media Producer
Guest: Charles Car, MDOT Director of Intermodal Planning
Guest: Charles Car, MDOT Director of Intermodal Planning
- How did you get your start at MDOT?
- What falls underneath the Intermodal umbrella?
- Funding element
- How do the modes contributes to a safe and efficient transportation network?
- Economic impact of different modes
- Why is it to have a strong public transit network in Mississippi?
- MDOT's role in public transit
- MDOT's role in coordinating COVID-19 vaccination transportation
- Future plans in the Office of Intermodal Planning
Show Outro
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.
Producer
Drew Hall
Drew Hall is an award-winning media producer with the Mississippi Department of Transportation, bringing more than 15 years of experience in video production, photojournalism, podcasting, and public affairs communications. A graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and an emphasis in Broadcasting, Drew began his career in television news as a photojournalist, working for WDBD Fox 40 and WJTV News Channel 12 in Jackson. During nearly 11 years in broadcast news, he covered breaking news, feature stories, and live events throughout Mississippi while developing the ability to tell compelling visual stories under tight deadlines. Drew joined MDOT in 2019, where his work has expanded from video production and photography to strategic communications, multimedia campaigns, podcast production, and production leadership. He serves as the producer and editor of The Extra Mile, MDOT’s podcast featuring conversations with transportation leaders, engineers, policymakers, and other voices connected to Mississippi’s transportation system. His work has received recognition from organizations including the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM), and the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC). His honors include awards for The Extra Mile, “Don’t Trash Mississippi,” “I-269: Five Years of Economic Boom,” and MDOT Remembers Hurricane Katrina. In his current role, Drew oversees photographer scheduling and production logistics, helps manage the division’s digital media assets and archiving systems, and coordinates drone compliance and operations. He is an Adobe Certified Professional in Digital Video using Premiere Pro and an FAA-licensed remote pilot. Drew’s passion is using video, photography, audio, and storytelling to make complex subjects accessible, connect organizations with their audiences, and showcase the people and stories behind Mississippi’s transportation system.