Photo Credit: Dean Schumacher
Mission Statement
Our mission is to improve and enhance our state parks to become a leading recreational destination in Mississippi – a place for future generations to make memories that will last a lifetime.
About Our Team
Charlie Hoots
Executive Director
Charlie Hoots, spent more than 35 years in television news working for WREG-TV in Memphis, most of the time covering stories in Mississippi before his retirement in 2016. During this time he also spent time working for the DeSoto County Sheriffs department where he co-founded the Aviation unit and achieved the rank of Major and co-commander of the unit.
After his retirement, Charlie was elected to serve as an Alderman for the City of Southaven and is now serving the citizens and city in his second term. Charlie, and his wife Marie and daughter Emily, are avid campers and can be found most weekends at a campsite. Charlie’s love for the Mississippi State Parks has made him determined to see State Parks restored to the condition they were in their glory days and improved to attract the new generation of campers. He sees the potential that our State Parks offers to be a major boost for Mississippi tourism.
Unfortunately, budget cuts in recent years by the state legislature has had a major impact on the condition of all Mississippi State Parks. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks needs help in making up these shortfalls and restoring our state parks — that was the driving force behind creating the Mississippi State Park Foundation.
Charlie’s enthusiasm and experience in working with the public and state government officials makes him a great fit for the Mississippi State Parks Foundation which he co-founded in January 2022.
Jennifer Head
Deputy Director
Jennifer’s passion for Mississippi’s State Parks lead to the creation of our Foundation. She has 25 years experience as a public servant with several state agencies, from 2012 until 2022 she was with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP).
While at MDWFP, Jennifer has served in various roles to include State Parks Director, Chief Financial Officer, Legislative Liaison, and Director of Media and Communication.
She grew to have a true passion for State Parks and was able to speak to various civic organizations and community support groups to gain exposure and needs for State Parks. In the 2020 Legislative Session, she advocated for the establishment of the specialty license plate for MS State Parks and succeeded. For each license plate that is sold, $20 will support the State Parks Capital Improvement Fund.
Jennifer joined the Office of the Mississippi Secretary of State in May 2022 and holds the position of Chief Financial Officer.
As part of the senior staff, she supports the mission and vision of the Secretary of State through the various programs and services their office provides to the citizens and businesses of our State.
Jennifer is graduate of Delta State University where she earned her Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting, and also her Master’s of Business Administration. She is married to William Head, Owner & President of Head Auctions & Realty, and they reside in Madison, MS.
Board Of Directors
Verlynn Robinson
Tommy Henley
Ben Rogers
Sean McCarthy
Dan Cordell
Legislative Liaison
Rep. Bill Kinkade
Chairman Wildlife,Fisheries and Parks
901-870-2726
Email: bkinkade@house.ms.gov
Lists Of Parks
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Special Thanks To Our Founding Corporate Donors
