Gipson Announces Staff Changes at MDAC
Photo: From left, Theresa Love, Acting Director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum; Andy Gipson, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce; and Hayes Patrick, Director of Administration at MDAC. (Courtesy photo)
Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the promotion of a staff member with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC). Hayes Patrick, director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, was named MDAC’s director of administration, beginning May 1, 2023. In this position, Patrick will oversee the agency’s accounting, procurement, human resources and property/fleet management.
Beginning Sept. 1, Patrick will step into the role of deputy commissioner for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. In this position, Patrick will serve as a liaison between MDAC and other state agencies, as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department.
“I am proud to name Hayes Patrick as director of administration and, in the coming months, deputy commissioner for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce,” said Commissioner Gipson. “He has done an incredible job as director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum since September of 2019, and I believe his skills, experience and educational background will make him an invaluable asset in these roles.”
Patrick earned his Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Mississippi College and his B.A. from Mississippi College in Christian Studies and Philosophy. He has experience in the education field as well as business management and development. Patrick is a life-long beef producer and resides in Brandon with his wife, Lyndsey, and their five children.
“Under Commissioner Gipson’s leadership, this is an exciting and fruitful time at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. I’m thankful to be a part of the excellent work this agency is doing,” said Patrick.
“Hayes will fulfill the role as Deputy Commissioner following the retirement of Ricky Luke in August,” continued Commissioner Gipson. “Ricky has served faithfully in various roles at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, and I greatly appreciate his years of loyal service to the state, the agriculture community and the citizens of Mississippi. As we look forward to this next chapter in our agency’s history, we continue to serve our fellow Mississippians in all that we do.”
Theresa Love has been named acting director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Patrick’s stead. Love currently serves as the deputy director at the Museum.
