CHOCTAW — John Hendrix, who has served the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians for 32 years, including 21 years as director of economic development, has stepped down to pursue a business venture with his son.
A reception honoring Hendrix’s career and service to the tribe was held Sept. 28.
During his tenure, Hendrix helped secure more than $20 million in grant funding from 12 public and private organizations and most recently helped facilitate a $12 million U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration grant for a new business park intended to attract industrial tenants to tribal lands.
Other projects Hendrix helped lead include securing $6 million for a new Advanced Workforce Training Center focused on vocational and technical skills, health care, digital fabrication and computer and information technology.
He also led development of a carbon credit project expected to generate millions of dollars in sustainable tribal revenue over the next 20 years and coordinated efforts to extend high-speed broadband service to every home on tribal lands.
Hendrix also led the effort for MBCI to become the first community in Mississippi to achieve the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Rural Certified Community status.
In 2025, Hendrix received the Chris Thompson Economic Development Professional Excellence Award from the United South and Eastern Tribes. The award recognizes tribal economic development professionals for innovation, dedication and contributions to the economic development success of a tribal community.
Hendrix is a Certified Economic Developer, Economic Development Finance Professional and Project Management Professional.
“We are deeply grateful for John’s dedication and service to our Tribe,” Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben said. “His leadership strengthened our long-term economic resilience and created opportunities for future generations.”
Ben said Hendrix leaves the Office of Economic Development with a team he has mentored during his career.
“John has devoted 32 years of his career to serving the Tribe and working to advance opportunities for our people,” said Dr. Sarah Medlock, Development Division director. “I appreciate his commitment and the contributions he has made to the Tribe. We thank John for his years of service and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
