One of Mississippi’s most successful economic development attractors has announced a new leader.
The Golden Triangle Development LINK announced Iain Vasey as its new president and CEO on Thursday. Vasey will assume the position on March 15. The LINK’s board went with Vasey following the firing of Joe Maxx Higgins, who brought over $10 billion to the region but was let go for alleged workplace misconduct last August. Higgins has since been brought on as the head of Tate County’s economic efforts.
As for Vasey, the LINK’s new leader comes to northeast Mississippi with more than 30 years of leadership in economic development, real estate, and infrastructure-driven growth. Some of Vasey’s greatest results were accomplished in his last several roles.
“Iain is a proven leader with deep technical expertise and a strong national reputation,” LINK Board of Directors chair Bain Nickels said. “He understands how to compete and win at the highest levels of economic development. We are confident he will help position the Golden Triangle for its next chapter of success.”
Most recently, as director of development services for the city of Klamath Falls, Ore., Vasey oversaw more than $400 million in new U.S. Air Force capital investment at a local military base. As president and CEO of the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation in Texas, he helped attract more than $50 billion in industrial investment and create more than 7,000 direct jobs.
Other notable projects of Vasey’s include a $10 billion national site selection with with ExxonMobile, a $2 billion Steel Dynamics anchor investment for the South Texas Steel Campus, and a $5 billion Cheniere LNG expansion.
Vasey’s hiring resulted from a months-long national search led by reputable firm Jorgenson Pace. In his new role, Vasey will lead the LINK’s efforts to advance strategic business recruitment, support existing industries, strengthen regional partnerships, and build upon the Golden Triangle’s profile as a premier destination for investment.
“I am honored to join the Golden Triangle Development LINK and to work alongside its staff, Board, partners, investors, and communities,” Vasey said. “The region’s assets, collaborative culture, and track record of success provide a strong foundation for continued growth and national competitiveness. I am looking forward to hitting the ground running to learn the community and help to build the project pipeline.”