The Mississippi Department of Archives and History announced Wednesday that Barry White will succeed Katie Blount as the agency’s director when Blount retires next year.

White has been director of the department’s Historic Preservation Division since 2020.

In his current role, he administers statewide grant programs, oversees major preservation initiatives and works on building partnerships with local, state and federal agencies. He is also part of the leadership team for the partnership between Archives and History and Mississippi State University to turn Historic Jefferson College near Natchez into a regional hub for education, research and workforce development. 

White will begin transitioning to his new role early next year. His first day as the director will be July 1, after Blount steps down.

“Our stories belong to every Mississippian, and I am committed to strengthening our connections to communities across the state,” White said in a press release. “As we look to the future, collaboration will continue to drive our efforts to preserve and share Mississippi’s history in meaningful ways.”

MDAH announced Blount’s planned retirement in August. After becoming director in 2015, she oversaw the opening of the Two Mississippi Museums in 2017 and helped efforts to redesign the state flag in 2020. She is the second woman to hold the position. The American Association for State and Local History gave her a lifetime achievement award in June.

“Barry has earned the trust of colleagues and communities throughout Mississippi,” Blount said in the press release Wednesday. “He’s forged strong relationships with key stakeholders through his thoughtful approach to preservation and his dedication to public service.

Spence Flatgard, president of the Archives and History Board of Trustees, said, “Katie Blount’s leadership has strengthened this agency in profound and lasting ways, and Barry is the right person to lead MDAH into our next chapter. His experience, integrity, and relationships across the state give him a deep understanding of both our mission and our partners who help carry us forward.”

White holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in applied anthropology with a focus on historic preservation from Mississippi State University. He is the husband of Mary Margaret White, the CEO and executive director of Mississippi Today.