The future of economic development in Natchez and Adams County became a bit brighter Monday.

More than two years after the departure of executive director Andi Quartey, the executive board of the Natchez-Adams County Economic and Community Development Authority announced its recommendation for the vacant position.

After months and months of planning and weeks of interviews and negotiations, the EDA board recommended Michael A. Ferdinand for the position. Ferdinand is currently a senior international business consultant for the Mississippi Development Authority. In his role at MDA, Ferdinand was on the team which helped bring a new Nissan plant to the Jackson area.

He is expected to be formally recommended to the Natchez Board of Aldermen and the Adams County Board of Supervisors today.

Ferdinand is no stranger to Southwest Mississippi. In the 1980s, he briefly worked in Fayette as plant engineer and assistant manager of Fleck Inc. in Fayette. During that time, Ferdinand lived in Natchez.

While Ferdinand must still be approved by the aldermen and supervisors, his selection illustrates the hard work by members of the revamped EDA board.

When revamping the EDA board last year, both boards stressed the need to keep politics out of economic development work.

Apparently they’ve done a good job of doing just that, picking someone with an excellent resume.

If we can continue to keep working together as one community and get an effective, professional leader in place, the future of economic development in Natchez and Adams County is bright indeed.