NATCHEZ — Natchez Inc. recently hired a project manager to help tackle the needs of existing businesses and industries in Natchez-Adams County.

Natchez Inc. Executive Director Chandler Russ said the new hire, Chris Hinton, will also handle day-to-day responsibilities of the organization.

“That brings the head count up to two (including himself),” Russ said.

Russ said the position is new to local economic development.

Hinton will be a resource to existing companies and industries by making sure their needs are met on a local level, Russ said.

“It can range from tax benefits to financing to all over the board,” he said.

Hinton brings with him experience with the Mississippi Economic Development Council Inc. and the Southern Economic Development Council — a 17-state regional economic development association where he serves as a charter member for the young professionals committee, a Natchez Inc. press release said.

“Chris has tremendous assets, skills, background and work ethic … and he has an existing network with MEDC that is going to be important (for economic development),” Russ said.

HInton is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Economic & Workforce Development, where he obtained amasters in Economic Development

Prior to working at Natchez Inc., Chris worked for economic developers and chamber of commerce executives, the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services in Disability Determination Services and the Jackson Redevelopment Authority with the City of Jackson, the release said.

A graduate of Tougaloo College, Chris obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics with an emphasis in business administration.

He is a member of both the Tougaloo College National Alumni Association and the Southern Miss Alumni Association.

Hinton is a Raymond native who currently lives in Natchez.