MADISON, MS – MCEDA is pleased to announce Larkin Simpson, EDFP, IOM has taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer effective November 1, 2022. Simpson will focus on existing industry relations, retention, and expansion as well as take a leadership role in education and workforce development initiatives.
A Cleveland, Mississippi native, Larkin is relocating from Alexandria, Louisiana with wife Rebekah and two boys Ethan and Noah.
In Louisiana, Simpson led a regional economic development non-profit, Louisiana Central, which serves a ten-parish (county) region, as the Executive Vice President. During his time there he worked with multiple existing industries and new companies to attract over $850 Million in capital investment in the region which accounts for $767+ Million in payroll, $29+ Million of which is new payroll, 10,528 retained jobs, and 850+ new jobs.
Larkin holds a master’s degree in Economic Development with an emphasis in Technology Led Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi and a bachelor’s degree from Delta State University. He has been recognized at the local, state, and southeastern regional level for his many accomplishments in economic and community development, leadership development, marketing and advertising, and organizational management. In addition to his academic achievements, Larkin also received his Economic Development Finance Professional certification (EDFP) from the National Development Council as well as his Institute for Organizational Management certification (IOM) from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In 2022 Larkin was recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect.
“We are excited to have Larkin join the MCEDA team,” said Joey Deason, Executive Director of MCEDA. “Larkin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this position and our organization. We look forward to having him engage with our existing industries to help grow opportunities for success in Madison County!”
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About MCEDA:
As the leader of economic development for Madison County, MCEDA’s mission is to encourage the growth of the county’s existing business and industry, attract new investment and higher-paying jobs, and to increase Madison County’s competitiveness leading to a diverse, vibrant economy benefitting all the county’s citizens
