Planning and Development

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Keeton’s primary focus is enhancing the city's economic growth through development and support for small businesses. Since earning his accounting degree from Jackson State University in 2007, he has worked with organizations such as the Bank of New York Mellon, the Department of Treasury, and the FDIC. Mr. Keeton’s educational background is a testament to his expertise. He holds a Master of Science in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi. His internship with the International Economic Development Council in Washington, D.C., and his previous role as the Finance Manager at the Steps Coalition, overseeing fiscal affairs and personnel, further solidified his knowledge and skills.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A proud graduate of Lanier High School, Ms. Hoover works to support the development of marginalized communities, using traditional and contemporary methods to positively impact viability, wealth, and quality of life. Ms. Hoover holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Policy from Jackson State University. She is currently a third-year student pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration at Jackson State University. Ms. Hoover’s diverse background includes extensive experience in policy implementation and program development, as well as over a decade of experience in business and workforce development.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION

Mrs. Welch's undergraduate and graduate work was at "Thee I Love" Jackson State University. She has extensive experiences in Human Resources, Accounting and Transportation. For the last twenty-eight years, she has been with the City of Jackson working for a third-party contractor and/or the city managing the Public Transportation System (JTRAN).

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CODE SERVICES

Mrs. Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship from Jackson State University. She earned a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from University of Phoenix. She is dedicated to increasing productivity through creative process analysis. Her goal is to improve the levels of expectations and respect that people have for the City of Jackson. 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR

Primary responsibilities include the supervision of the Zoning staff and management for all zoning related matters including enforcement, interpretation and modification of the City of Jackson Zoning Ordinance, Landscape Ordinance; documentation and resolution of zoning violations. Other responsibilities include the compilation of a variety of zoning related documents, review and compiling of staff reports for all zoning requests for presentation to the Planning Board, City Council, Mayor, other City departments and the general public.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Jefferson earned his bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Jackson State University and completed graduate work in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University. He has several years of grants management experience, specifically with hazard mitigation assistance grants geared towards building more resilient residential, civic, and infrastructural assets. As a proud son of Jackson, he is committed to advancing the goals of stabilizing and revitalizing neighborhoods, channeling available resources and information needed to provide Jackson residents with services in affordable housing, economic development, special needs, and community service programs.