FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 18, 2006

GOVERNOR BARBOUR MAKES APPOINTMENTS TO DEVELOPMENT DISABILITIES COUNCIL

(Jackson, Miss.)—Governor Haley Barbour today announced the appointments of Danny Bender, of Terry; Jerry Mayo, of Sumrall; and Ruby Wadford, of Jackson, to the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities. This council is designed to promote systemic change that improves the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

“These individuals have a great interest in providing for the disabled,” Governor Barbour said. “Each appointee is dedicated to promoting developmental disability awareness, and I know they will do an excellent job serving the citizens of Mississippi.”

Danny Bender is director of Expanded Health Services; he has also served as director of the Office of Health Services, the Bureau of Child Health, the Mississippi State Department of Health Division of Genetic Services, and the Rankin County Emergency Medical Services. Bender graduated from Jones County Junior College and earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from Jackson State University. He graduated from Mississippi College, earning a master’s degree in health science. Bender is the founding president of the Mississippi Emergency Medical Technician’s Association and has been listed as one of the “Outstanding Young Men of America.”

Jerry Mayo is executive director of Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources. He has worked as vice president and controller of Southern Shirt Corporation, accountant at Mayo and Associates, vice President and controller of MGHerring Group, Inc., financial controller of Interdec (U.S.A.) Inc., and senior accountant for Deloitte, Haskins, and Sells public accounting firm. Professionally, Mayo is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accoutants, and is a member of the board of directors of Mental Health Corporation of America, United Way of Southeast Mississippi, Sunrise Rotary Club, and the University of Southern Mississippi Federal Credit Union. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in public health.
Ruby Wadford has worked as the co-owner of Hamilton and Wadford Insurance Agency and is currently employed by The Insurance Mart of Jackson, Inc. Wadford has one daughter with Downs Syndrome; because of her daughter, Wadford has been involved in a variety of activities and programs that promote the welfare of the mentally challenged. She is a charter member of Mustard Seed, where she has served as president and on the organization’s board of directors. Wadford has volunteered at the Willowood Development Center and now serves on the board of directors for Baptist Homes, Inc., a developing center in Madison.

###