JACKSON —  It is a new day for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Commission. Gov. Tate Reeves appointed two new commissioners. 

According to the Secretary of State Office, Reeves appointed Mitchell Todd Hariston of Gulfport to the commission to replace former commissioner Leonard Bentz. In addition, Reeves appointed Colin Maloney of Tupelo to replace Bill Cossar. 

Commissioner Scott Coopwood was voted to be the chairman of the commission at the June commission meeting and Gary Rhoads will be the vice-chairman. William Mounger is the other veteran commissioner. 

Maloney is the CEO of Century Construction in Tupelo and served on the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees. 

Hariston is a Business Development Officer for Covington Civil and Environmental. He earned a degree in Environmental Science from Delta State University and was a member of the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Foundation board. 

Executive Director Lynn Posey said he knew the men. He is glad to have a full commission going into July.

“I think they will make good commissioners,” Posey said. 

The newly appointed commissioners will have to be confirmed by the senate in the 2025 Legislative session.