5 days ago
Who's joining Horhn's A-team? Jackson mayor-elect expands transition roster, sets early agenda
Just weeks away from his July 1 swearing-in, Mayor-elect John Horhn is continuing to build out the leadership team that will help usher Jackson into a new era, announcing Wednesday a slate of additions to his "mayoral transition team."
The latest appointments signal a continued emphasis on community engagement and institutional experience — a mix Horhn says is necessary to tackle Jackson's urgent challenges and restore public trust in city government.
Two new co-chairs and eight at-large members have joined the team, which was initially unveiled June 6. The expanded leadership group will play a central role in shaping personnel decisions, evaluating city operations and drafting the incoming administration's policy roadmap.
The two co-chairs include Beverly Hogan, a retired president of Tougaloo College, and Carol Palmer, an entrepreneur and longtime arts advocate.
For the eight at-large members, Horhn has tapped a mix of state lawmakers, local business leaders and community activists. The members include:
Zakiya Summers, Democratic state representative for District 68.
Sollie Norwood, Democratic state senator for District 28.
Johnnie Patton, former National Democratic Committeewoman.
Surinder Singh, entrepreneur.
Patricia Reese, entrepreneur.
Gabriel Prado, entrepreneur.
Warren Herring, healthcare executive and current chairman of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority.
Brenda Scott, labor advocate.
"I am honored to have such accomplished leaders join our transition team," Horhn said in a press release. "Carol Palmer and Dr. Beverly Hogan bring invaluable experience and community credibility to our efforts. Our At-Large members represent diverse perspectives from business, healthcare, labor, and government that will ensure we build a comprehensive foundation for Jackson's future."
The additional members will work in coordination with previously announced members of Horhn's transition leadership team, including former Jackson mayor Kane Ditto, attorney Robert Gibbs, Bishop Ronnie Crudup Sr, interim chief of staff Willie Bozeman and interim media spokesman Von Anderson.
Horhn's team outlined their top priorities for his administration's first 30 days. Those priorities include identifying personnel changes, assessing departmental budgets, engaging with city department heads, evaluating current infrastructure and public safety and hosting community input sessions.
The transition team will also:
Review how the city is currently operating and handling its finances
Meet with department leaders and key staff
Set policy goals and plan the city's next budget
Build relationships with partners at the state, federal and regional levels
Make sure essential city services continue without interruption
"This transition is about more than changing administrations – it's about transforming how city government works for every resident of Jackson," Horhn said. "Our expanded team reflects the collaborative approach we will bring to city leadership."
Horhn inherits a city with deep, well-documented struggles — a crumbling water system under federal oversight, strained relations between City Hall and the state and widespread frustration over issues like crime, potholes and blight.
The previous administration, led by Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, faced persistent political infighting and public criticism at the end of his second term, culminating in Horhn's defeat of Lumumba in the April 22 Democratic runoff.
That said, Horhn's transition team also aims to address:
Water and sewer infrastructure modernization.
Street repair, replacement and maintenance.
Public safety and crime reduction.
Economic development and job creation.
Fiscal management and budget stabilization
County, state and federal partnership.
The transition period — typically 30 to 60 days — allows a mayor-elect and their team to evaluate city departments, finalize appointments and begin shaping policy. Horhn's team said the work done during the transition will directly inform his administration's "action plan and longer-term strategic initiatives."
"Jackson's best days are ahead of us," Horhn said. 'This transition team represents the depth of talent and commitment that will drive our city forward.'
Contact Charlie Drape at cdrape@
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: More join Jackson MS Mayor-elect John Horhn transition team
