About that job hunt...

Well, in case you haven't heard, yours truly is the newest member of the Public Affairs team for the Mississippi Department of Transportation. It's been a long road, but the result is a good one.

One thing I love about public relations is learning new information about things I already knew. Transportation is a perfect example. Since coming on board, I've learned about traffic patterns, bridges, funding sources, weather advisories, safe driving programs, and the connection between transportation and economic development. It's interesting stuff.

Last week, we launched a new campaign called #DriveSmartMS all about driving safer and cutting down on the number of accidents and fatalities in Mississippi. Great info, some obvious (don't text and drive, wear your seatbelt), some not (what is a "diverging diamond," why are roundabouts safer). I went on both WXXV and WLOX to let people know about the campaign (and the new website: www.GoMDOT.com/DriveSmartMS). Getting back in the swing of things with media interviews felt great.

I also met and talk with Jay Hughes, House Rep from District 12. Great conversation. It's always refreshing when politicians speak openly and give honest opinions. We discussed #DriveSmartMS, the need for infrastructure funding, education, autism, and general Mississippi politics. Fun time. He's a heavy social media user, so we also discussed that.

Anyway, things are off to a great start at MDOT!