In an effort to develop and implement effective economic development strategies, The Partnership has hired Marcus Dufour as senior project manager.

Dufour will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the recently released strategic plan, as well as the deployment of the multiple development programs currently underway by The Partnership, which was created last year by combining the Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce, the Warren County Port Commission and the Warren County Economic Development Foundation.

“We have been looking for several months for the right candidate to join our team,” Pablo Diaz, president and CEO of The Partnership, said. “I am thankful to the members of the search committee who, along with me, were patient in seeking and interviewing the most qualified candidates available across a number of states.”

Diaz said the committee interviewed candidates until they found the right person with the right set of skills and experience.

“Today, we are proud to have Marcus join the team at a critical time in our community and as we move with the implementation phase of the economic development strategic plan,” Diaz said.

Dufour has experience managing both business recruitment and business expansion projects. He comes to The Partnership from the Mississippi Development Authority where he worked for nearly the past three years as a project manager in the Global Business Division, and as program manager in the Community Service Division.

A native of New Orleans, he holds an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from the University of Southern Mississippi and a masters of business administration with an emphasis on international business from Millsaps College.

Margaret Gilmer, chairman of the Warren County Port Commission and board member of The Partnership, said she is excited about Dufour joining the economic development team.

“During the interview process, he demonstrated that he has the experience, skills and work ethic needed to be an important contributor to the future success of the organization,” Gilmer said. “We are excited to have Marcus become part of the Vicksburg team and the Vicksburg family.”

Dufour is married to Kierstan Dufour of Paducah, Kentucky.