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 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.

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.