Mayor Toby Barker Names Director of Parks and Recreation

This is a press release from the city of Hattiesburg.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Mayor Toby Barker announces Ronnie Perkins as his nomination for director of Parks and Recreation, which Hattiesburg City Council members will vote on at a special called meeting today at 4 p.m.

“Ronnie is passionate about his community, and his leadership ability and management experience make him a great fit to lead the Parks and Recreation Department,” said Barker. “Dr. Clemon Terrell built a solid foundation for operations and growth during his tenure as director, and I look forward to continued growth in programs and offerings under the leadership of Ronnie Perkins.”

Perkins, a long-time community member in Palmer’s Crossing, earned his bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University. He also graduated from Forrest County Agricultural High School, where he currently serves as the vice president of the school board.

“I believe making Hattiesburg a better place comes with a robust parks and recreation system,” said Perkins. “Our city’s parks and recreation programming saw great growth under the late Dr. Terrell’s leadership, and I look forward to continuing that trajectory.”

Prior to working at Resinall for 13 years in a leadership capacity, Perkins served as the sports and programming supervisor for Parks and Recreation.

He is the eighth appointment to Barker’s administrative team, following Lamar Rutland as city engineer, Anthony Parker as police chief, Wes Curry as municipal court judge, Andrew Ellard as director of urban development, Randy Pope as city attorney, Kermas Eaton as city clerk, and Ann Jones as chief administrative officer.