Vicksburg native Sam Andrews has been named Mayor George Flaggs Jr.’s new executive assistant, replacing Brian Boykins, who is leaving the mayor’s office Aug. 24.

Flaggs announced the appointment at the start of Wednesday’s meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

“In interviewing Sam, the thing that stuck out most to me about him was every question I asked him was about Vicksburg,” Flaggs said. “He told me he had every intention and always had every intention to live in Vicksburg.

“He said he’s never wanted to live anywhere else but Vicksburg. If we want to rebuild this city, we have to rebuild this city on people dedicated and loyal to the city of Vicksburg and want only what’s best. When I asked him some things about the city, he said, ‘Mr. Mayor I only want to make you better.’ That took me by storm.”

But the response that affected him most during the interview with Andrews, Flaggs said, “Was he said if Vicksburg is ever to grow, ‘It’s going to take people like me staying at home and making a difference.’”

A graduate of St. Aloysius High School and Mississippi State University, Andrews has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications, and received the Student Executive Council’s Dr. Mark E. Keenum Presidential Award at Mississippi State.

In a written release about Andrews’ appointment, Flaggs said he will focus on communication, represent the mayor at speaking engagements when needed, and help coordinate meetings and have other interoffice responsibilities.

He will also have a role in coordinating relationships with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.

“I’ve known Sam for several years and he has impressed me from the first time I met him,” Flaggs said in the press release. “It truly believe he will be an asset to the mayor’s office.”

Andrews said he was looking forward to working in the mayor’s office.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to return home and work with a mayor who is aggressively pursuing growth in Vicksburg,” he said. “I am, and always have been a true advocate for Vicksburg.”