Green River Area Development District names Kemp Morgan deputy director

The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) has named Kemp Morgan as its deputy director, a newly created leadership position designed to strengthen coordination, strategic planning and collaboration across the organization.

Morgan brings more than 20 years of experience in public administration, federal grantmaking and regional economic development. His background includes overseeing federal and state grant programs, managing appropriations, and advising boards at the local, state and federal levels.

Most recently, Morgan served as office manager for Irrigation Services in Cleveland, Mississippi. Before that, he spent several years with the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), where he held several leadership roles, including chief programs officer, interim chief of staff, director of project development and management, deputy director of the federal grant program, and federal program coordinator.

In his new role, Morgan will work closely with Executive Director Kenny Williams to support day-to-day operations and coordinate activities across GRADD's divisions to ensure efficient, consistent and effective performance. He will also help oversee initiatives across several core program areas, including community and economic development, transportation planning, human services, waiver services and workforce development.

During his tenure with the DRA, Morgan directed program teams and managed annual appropriations ranging from $30 million to $75 million across eight states and 255 counties. He also secured and managed $14 million in USDA Rural Development funds and helped develop policies, procedures and reporting systems to support effective program management.

"Strong regions aren't built city by city — they're built when communities decide to move forward together," Morgan said. "GRADD exists to help make that collaboration work, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve the leaders and communities across our region."

"Kemp brings an extraordinary depth of experience in regional development, federal programs and strategic leadership, and we are excited to welcome him to the GRADD team," said Kenny Williams, GRADD executive director. "Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to build strong partnerships and deliver meaningful results for communities."

Morgan holds a bachelor's degree in aviation management from Delta State University. He has also completed a certificate in grants management and is an alumnus of Leadership Mississippi and the Delta Leadership Institute.