The Mississippi Development Authority named Malcolm White the agency's new Director of Tourism in 2012. Photo by James Patterson

The State of Mississippi just sent out this verbatim press statement. We'll provide more details as we know them.

JACKSON, MISS. – November 18, 2015 – Visit Mississippi Director Malcolm White is stepping down from his position as the leader of the state’s tourism office, a position he has held for three years. White is leaving to pursue new opportunities in the creative sector.

“It has been an honor to serve as the tourism director for this state that I love,” said White. “Her cultural, creative, historical and natural assets will continue to draw visitors from far and near and I’m proud to have helped in some small way to increase Mississippi’s visibility around the globe.”

In his three year tenure, White has accomplished much including a rebranding of the division to Visit Mississippi. Under White’s tenure the return on investment for advertising doubled to $12.93 for every $1 spent. White also implemented the Year of the Creative Economy, a comprehensive and multi-faceted year-long promotion highlighting Mississippi’s creative economy.

“Malcolm is a passionate ambassador for the state of Mississippi,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “His dedication and genuine love for our state shows in his unwavering commitment to the promotion of Mississippi as a premier tourist destination. Visit Mississippi is stronger today due to Malcolm’s leadership, and the state has a clear pathway for continued growth and success in sharing its tourism assets with the world.”