Gov. Phil Bryant has appointed Mark Henry to a six-year term on the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. He will replace Thomas A. Webb on the Commission, whose term expires Dec. 31, 2018. Currently, Henry serves as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES).
The Commission reviews decisions made by administrative law judges, decides certain medical fee disputes, and regulates individual and group self-insurers.
“I am pleased to appoint Mark to the Workers’ Compensation Commission,” Gov. Bryant said. “His experience at the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, coupled with his acute understanding of the Commission from his time as an administrative judge there, make him well suited to ensure both workers and employers are treated fairly.”
Henry was appointed as Executive Director of MDES in 2012 by Gov. Bryant. He is also presently the Chairman of the State Workforce Investment Board and the Chairman of the State Longitudinal Data System.
“I have appreciated serving at the Department of Employment Security when, with Governor Phil Bryant’s leadership, more Mississippians have had jobs than any other time in history,” said Henry. “I am grateful to Governor Bryant for appointing me to the Workers’ Compensation Commission where I look forward to helping injured Mississippians return to work.”
Previously, Henry served as former Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant’s Chief of Staff from 2008-2012.
In 2000, former Gov. Kirk Fordice appointed Henry as an Administrative Judge at the Workers’ Compensation Commission where he served until 2008.
Prior to the appointment, Henry worked on Fordice’s staff as Chief Legal Counsel and later as Chief of Staff.
He is also a past President of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies.
Henry holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Mississippi State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law.
He and his wife, Kathy, reside in Brandon, Miss., and attend First Baptist Church of Jackson.
Henry’s appointment is contingent upon confirmation by the Mississippi Senate.
Governor Phil Bryant Press Release
1/2/2019
Sarah Ulmer
