HCPHC’s Cork honored as Top CEO

January 29, 2019

Hancock County, Mississippi - Bill Cork, CEO of the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission (HCPHC), has been named one of Mississippi’s Top CEOs for 2019 by Mississippi Business Journal.

Cork oversees the commission that owns and operates Stennis International Airport, Port Bienville Industrial Park and Port Bienville Shortline Railroad, with a 2019 budget of more than $47.7 million. He is also the lead economic-development official for the region, which is home to NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC).

“When I took this position,” Cork said, “I was drawn by the challenge of capitalizing the untapped potential for industrial advancement. This included broadening the reach of Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission’s assets to bolster regional infrastructure and enhance quality of life.

“Our industries have committed to more than $400 million in private investment and have added over 600 jobs in the last three years. This, in addition to increasing the industrial tax base by 20% since 2016, puts us well on the way to that target.”

Since Cork arrived in Mississippi in 2016, he has become one of the leading public voices in defense, aerospace, and chemicals development in the state. He has been working closely with Stennis Space Center, the regional players and the Mississippi Development Authority to advance the cluster development in these areas.

Robert Kane, HCPHC president, was pleased with Cork’s recognition: “This award only justifies our confidence in the range of accomplishments Bill Cork

brings to the table. His background makes him uniquely qualified to spearhead the exponential growth we envision in Hancock County and the entire region.

“We’re very proud Cork’s achievements have been recognized so quickly by Mississippi’s business community.”

The Mississippi Business Journal website notes the honor recognizes leaders around the state who demonstrate excellence among the top executives in their field — CEOs who have helped their companies (or organizations) achieve strong growth and success and have made a profound impact on their company and community.”

About HCPHC

As the economic development authority for Hancock County, Mississippi, the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission owns and operates Port Bienville Industrial Park and Stennis International Airport — in addition to fostering business investment for John C. Stennis Space Center, NASA’s premier rocket testing facility. For more information, visit www.portairspace.com.