For more than 30 years, Headwaters Incorporated has been a fixture in Mississippi, evolving from wildlife and forestry consulting into a comprehensive environmental and economic development site selection firm. When AWS arrived in Mississippi, it transformed not just the state but Headwaters itself.
“Did AWS change our landscape and workload? It absolutely did,” shares Headwaters Inc. President Walt Dinkelacker. “It allowed us an opportunity to do more work locally in our home state and county.”
The partnership began years before AWS’s formal announcement in 2024, with Headwaters playing a crucial role in site selection and environmental due diligence. This collaboration prompted Headwaters to create a dedicated “AWS team” and hire additional specialists with unique skillsets.
“AWS locating in Madison County has already changed the quality of life and opportunity for many different people,” notes Dinkelacker. “It’s going to assist us in retaining some of our bright, well-educated college graduates, advancing our career and technical programs, and placing Mississippi as a forerunner in the AI and energy sectors. AWS has already hired hundreds of Mississippians on the operational side of things.”
AWS’s commitment to community has impressed the Headwaters team. From providing tablets to local schools to supporting career technical programs and environmental sustainability initiatives, AWS has demonstrated genuine investment in Mississippi’s future.
“How AWS operates internally, from a due diligence and a risk mitigation perspective, is extremely high level,” explained Dinkelacker. “The other thing that I’ve really grown to appreciate about AWS is community engagement. AWS, really walks the walk and have already proven to be a long-term community cornerstone partner.”
