The 2024 recipient of the Harold Anderson Excellence Award is William “Bill” Jefferson II of Petal.
The Harold Anderson Excellence Award was created to recognize an employee of the Mississippi Forestry Commission who is dependable, is admired by his or her peers, has a positive attitude and exemplary work record, is active in his or her community, and is a good ambassador of MFC and state employees as a whole. This person may be an MFC county office administrator, MFC ranger or MFC technician.
The award is named for Harold Anderson, former MFC employee and Project Learning Tree coordinator, who developed this award and provided initial funding for the endowment.
Jefferson has worked for the Mississippi Forestry Commission for 33 years as a technician II. His peers say he always says “yes” when duty calls. He is an excellent supervisor who is always guiding crew members to accomplish the objectives of the agency.
Jefferson works closely with local landowners, advising on proper forest management practices and on methods to improve and protect their forest investment. He is a trained and accomplished wildland firefighter with multiple certifications. He has served on numerous Federal Western details in other states.
Mississippi Forestry Association's vision is to serve as the "Voice of Forestry" in Mississippi. MFA’s mission is leading diverse groups to promote landowner rights, environmental stewardship, member prosperity, and community understanding. MFA members and staff work to accomplish the mission by conducting public affairs, communication, and education programs that will foster better understanding and appreciation of conservation, development, and use of forestland and resources.
To learn more, visit www.msforestry.net.
