Jackson councilman named MAE director, won't run in 2017

Jackson City Council President Tyrone Hendrix has a new job.

On Tuesday, Mississippi Association of Educators President Joyce Helmick announced the councilman will be the association's next executive director, replacing Frank Yates, who retired after 14 years in the position. Hendrix announced on Facebook Tuesday that he's not running for reelection this year.

"Members of the board are proud to welcome Hendrix who has demonstrated leadership that we feel is needed for the forward movement of this association," Helmick said in a news release. "We are confident that Hendrix has a steadfast vision that parallels the vision of MAE: a strong visible organization which enhances quality public education through membership, leadership and communication. As MAE advocates for great public schools for every child by empowering members, providing services and promoting parental and community involvement, we welcome Executive Director Tyrone Hendrix."

MAE is a state affiliate of the National Education Association, which represents 3.1 million educators, including teachers, education support professionals, higher education faculty and staff, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

Hendrix, who has served on the council three years, earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Jackson State University.

Contact Anna Wolfe  at 601-961-7326 or awolfe@gannett.com . Follow her on Twitter.