JACKSON, MS — The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) names Jada Kirk as Deputy Executive Director, Administration, serving as the Chief Financial Officer. She was promoted to the position after previously serving as Director of the Financial Management Division. The move comes as longtime Deputy Executive Director Lisa Hancock has retired.

“Jada is a consummate professional in all that she undertakes, and she is undoubtedly the right person to lead the financial operations of MDOT as we move forward,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “A fellow native of Simpson County, her efficiency, attention to detail, strong leadership ability, and collaboration skills will help ensure the agency remains fiscally sound and maximizes the taxpayer dollars entrusted to us.”

Kirk brings more than 25 years of financial experience to the role, having served in various capacities in Mississippi state government, the private sector, and in education. She received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Alcorn State University in 1997 and a Master of Business Administration from William Carey University in 1999.

Kirk began her career in state government with the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor in 2000. After a stint in Arkansas and Tennessee working as a Financial Analyst for Walmart Corporate and Memphis Shelby County Schools, she returned to Mississippi state government in 2017. In 2019, Kirk began her career at MDOT as Deputy Director in the Financial Management Division and was promoted to Division Director in 2020.

As Deputy Executive Director, Administration, Kirk will oversee the Office of Administrative Services, which is responsible for leading the financial operations of MDOT, administering the agency’s budget, maintaining accurate records for all department property, and providing facilities support for the three MDOT building complexes in Jackson.