Jacqueline “Jackie” A. Turner has been tapped to replace Mark Henry as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES).

“Jackie has faithfully served in the Deputy Executive Director position, and I am pleased she has accepted this appointment,” Gov. Phil Bryant said in a news release. “Her 27 years of experience at MDES overseeing workforce programs, finances, and administration make her well-qualified and demonstrates the dedication she has for helping Mississippians find employment. I know she will continue her outstanding work as the Executive Director.”

MDES provides assistance to help Mississippians find jobs through programs aiding in the job search, while improving workforce skills and administering unemployment benefits. According to the release, Turner has served in the deputy role since 2013.

“I am incredibly grateful for the trust Governor Bryant has shown in me with this appointment. To have the opportunity to lead MDES, where I have spent most of my state government career, is an honor and privilege,” said Turner in the release. “I look forward to collaborating with our workforce partners and the dedicated group of people who work at MDES as we continue to fulfill the agency’s mission of ‘Helping Mississippians Get Jobs’. I will work hard each day in this new role to earn the faith Governor Bryant has placed in me and to serve the citizens of our great state.”

Turner’s appointment now awaits Senate confirmation.

Mark Henry has accepted an appointment to the Workers’ Compensation Commission.