Jackson Free Press

Gus McCoy has tackled many different careers in the last few years, including working as a youth pastor and an insurance agent, and even running for Hinds County District 2 supervisor last year in the special election to replace Doug Anderson.

Now, McCoy can add interim chief administrative officer to that list.

During Tony Yarber's first special City Council meeting as mayor yesterday afternoon, he announced, along with a few other interim appointments, that McCoy would hold the new position.

An Edwards native, McCoy is also the chief executive officer of the nonprofit Metro Youth Initiative and previously served as the NAACP Jackson president. He has also worked as an electrical-utility contractor with Entergy.

In his new role as chief administrative officer, McCoy will be in a better position to ensure cooperation between the county and the city of Jackson, something he called for while running for District 2 supervisor. During last year's election, he also promised to do his best to address every citizen's problems and meet their needs as best he could.

"My promise is that, even though we might not solve every problem that we have immediately, every need will be addressed. People want to be listened to but, at the same time they want services. That's my commitment—that we meet their needs, but also that we provide the services their tax dollars require," McCoy said during last year's interview with Jackson Free Press.

Back in summer 2011, McCoy worked to bring a fair-style festival to Jackson that provided voters with the opportunity to mingle with all candidates running for state and local office.

Yarber also announced his other interim appointments during the meeting. Aaron Banks, owner at Vision Strategies LLC, will serve as interim deputy chief administrative officer. Carl Allen, former deputy director of Planning and Development, will take the role of interim planning director. Dr. Charles Williams will serve as interim public works officer. Beatrice Byrd, who previously served as deputy city clerk, will now act as constituent services manager. Monica Joiner will serve as interim city attorney. Jackie Anderson Woods, daughter of late District 2 Supervisor Doug Anderson, will serve as interim chief of staff.