The Golden Triangle Development has announced a new CEO less than two months after its now-former leader assumed the position.
The Columbus-based economic development group announced on Thursday that Meryl Fisackerly will fill the role left vacant by Iaian Vasey, who stepped down for undisclosed reasons. Vasey took over on March 15, replacing former LINK CEO Joe Maxx Higgins, who was fired for alleged workplace misconduct. Higgins now heads economic development efforts in Tate County.
“I have great respect for the work the LINK does and for the communities it serves,” Vasey said. “I wish Meryl and the entire team continued success, and I am confident the Golden Triangle is in excellent hands.”
AS for the LINK’s new leader, Fisackerly previously served as the organization’s chief operating officer. The group boasts that she has helped achieve “significant milestones” in industrial recruitment, capital investment, and workforce development across Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha Counties.
Fisackerly, who was named to the Mississippi Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40” class in 2025, is recognized for her work by community leaders, elected officials, economic development partners, and industry stakeholders throughout the state.
“Meryl has had a successful tenure at the LINK and has built strong, meaningful relationships across the region,” LINK Board Chairman Bain Nickels said. “She understands our communities, our assets, and our partners well, and we are confident in her ability to lead this organization going forward.”
As the LINK’s COO, Fisackerly led daily operations and directed the organization’s industrial recruitment and private-sector fundraising strategies. She assumed interim leadership of the LINK last year.
“Serving the Golden Triangle through economic development has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” Fisackerly said.
“We have an exceptionally talented staff at the LINK, and I am honored to lead this team as we continue building on the momentum happening across the Golden Triangle. Our mission remains clear: supporting the industries already invested in this region while continuing to create opportunities, jobs, and investment for the future.”
Fisackerly assumed the CEO position effective immediately.