About the Commission

The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is composed of five persons appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of five years.

One Commissioner is appointed from each of the five (5) Congressional Districts as they existed prior to 2000.

 This is a link showing the counties included in each Congressional District: Commission District Map

The Commission shall elect from its membership a Chairman who shall preside over meetings and a Vice Chairman who shall preside in the absence of the Chairman or when the Chairman shall be excused.

The Commission shall adopt, amend, and repeal such regulations, ordinances, and rules as may be necessary for the operation of the department and discharge such other duties, responsibilities, and powers as are prescribed by statute.

The mission of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is to conserve and enhance Mississippi's wildlife, fisheries, and parks and provide quality outdoor recreation.

MDWFP Commissioners

Colin Maloney
District I

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Commissioner Colin Maloney is a native of Tupelo, Mississippi. He is a graduate of Mississippi College.;

He is the founder and CEO of Century Construction Group with over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo, MS and an avid hunter, fisherman, mountain biker, adventure seeker, and water skier. He is also an Eagle Scout, member of the USA Water Ski and Kiwanis Club of Tupelo.;

He still currently resides in Tupelo, where his neighbor is Tombigbee State Park, with his two children, Dason and Alli.

Chairman Scott Coopwood
District II

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Commission Chairman Scott Coopwood is a native of Shelby, Mississippi. He holds a Bachelor of English from the University of Mississippi.;

He is the owner of Coopwood Publishing Group which owns Mississippi Business Journal, Delta Business Journal, Delta Magazine, Delta Ag Journal, and The Bolivar Bullet.

He currently resides in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Gary Rhoads
District III

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Commissioner Mayor Gary Rhoads is a native of Pearl, Mississippi. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi and graduated from the MS Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy. His career in Law Enforcement began with the City of Pearl in 1974 and culminated with his tenure as Chief of Police for Flowood from 1981 to 1989.

Mayor Rhoads has been serving as the Mayor of Flowood, MS for 35 years since his election in 1989. Under his leadership, Flowood has achieved significant milestones over the years. Looking forward, Mayor Rhoads continues to shape Flowood’s future with projects aimed to foster a vibrant community atmosphere. Mayor Rhoads has been actively involved in various boards and commissions throughout his career, including the MS Employment Security Commission Advisory Council, MS Municipal League Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors for Merit Health/River Oaks Hospital, among others. His leadership roles include Chairmanship of the Airport Parkway Commission and the Rankin Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District, the East Metro Corridor Commission and Chairman of the West Rankin Utility Authority.

He is married to Lydia Alexander Rhoads, father to Amy and Dusty, and proud grandfather to four grandchildren.

William M. Mounger II
District IV

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Commissioner William M. Mounger, II is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Vanderbilt University, Master of Arts from Reformed Theological Seminary, and Finance for Senior Executives graduate from Harvard Business School.

He is currently the Tristar Technologies, LLC, Chairman, CEO, Tristar License Group, LLC, Manager, Tstar 600, LLC, Manager, Delta Industries, Inc. Chairman, and Tristar Asset Group, LLC, Manager. He also serves on the Reformed Theological Seminary Board and the Third Millennium Ministries Board. He has a passion for Mississippi Delta duck hunting and the eco-system which connects the Northern nesting grounds with the wintering areas in the South. He became a trustee of Delta Waterfowl Foundation to help protect and improve the waterfowl future for North America. He served on the Delta Waterfowl Board until Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant appointed him as a commissioner of MDWFP in 2017.

He currently resides in Jackson with his wife. They have three children, Callie, Catherine, and William.

Todd Hairston
District V

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Commissioner Todd Hairston is a native of Greenville, Mississippi. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Delta State University.

He is the Principal of Covington Civil and Environmental, LLC and member of First Baptist Church of Gulfport. He enjoys hiking, fishing, running, hunting, and traveling to National and State Parks.

He is married to Lacey and they currently reside in Gulfport, Mississippi. They have three daughters, Olivia, Anna Mitchell, and Hailey.

Any person who would like to comment to the Commission about a specific agenda item must make a written request to the Executive Director at least one week prior to the meeting. Speakers will be limited to three to five minutes each and the number of speakers may be limited. Action is taken by the Commission on items placed on the Business Session agenda. No action is taken by the Commission on the Educational Session Agenda.