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.

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.

Rochelle Hicks was appointed as the Director of Visit Mississippi, the Tourism Division of the Mississippi Development Authority by Governor Tate Reeves in July 2023. As Director, Hicks oversees the state’s tourism brand, advances tourism initiatives, and promotes Mississippi to a broader domestic and international audience. Hicks leads the effort to promote Mississippi as a destination for tourists by highlighting the state’s rich history, cultural and natural resources, and recreational opportunities. She and her team oversee many notable programs and initiatives including the operation of Mississippi’s 12 welcome centers. Prior to her appointment, Hicks was Director of Advancement Initiatives at Canopy Children’s Solutions. She has over 25 years of experience in the Mississippi tourism industry, previously serving as Executive Director of the Mississippi Tourism Association (MTA) and Deputy Director of the Ridgeland Tourism Commission. During her tenure at MTA, Hicks played a vital role in passing legislation to promote the states Bicentennial in 2017 and Senate Bill 2193 in 2019, which provides permanent funding for advertising and marketing tourism. Hicks currently represents Visit Mississippi as treasurer of the United States Civil Rights Trail, the Mississippi Blues Trail, The Mississippi Country Music Trail, treasurer of Travel South USA and is currently president of Mississippi River Country. She is passionate about volunteer service and serves as a commissioner on the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service and Canopy Children’s Solutions. A Louisiana native, Hicks attended the University of Louisiana. She and her husband, Jason, have lived in Mississippi for more than 25 years. They have two children, Isabella and Ethan, who are students at Mississippi State University.