The Golden Triangle Development LINK Executive Committee broke its silence Wednesday evening on why it fired longtime CEO Joe Max Higgins over the weekend.
An official statement from the Executive Committee said it was “compelled to remove” Higgins after learning of workplace behavior and speech over an extended period that “do not reflect the values of this organization and the communities we serve.”
Bain Nickels chairs the 13-member Executive Committee.
“Mr. Higgins’ conduct goes well beyond profanity, and, if known, would harm every member of this community,” the statement reads.
Higgins was fired after more than 20 years as chief executive for the industrial recruitment organization that serves Lowndes, Oktibbeha and Clay counties. During his tenure, the LINK helped bring in $10 billion in capital investment to the area, including plants like Steel Dynamics, Aluminum Dynamics, PACCAR and Airbus to Lowndes County, and Yokohama Tire to Clay County.
The LINK’s statement acknowledges the success the organization experienced under Higgins’ leadership but added the LINK is “stronger than one individual.”
“It is often said that economic development is a team sport,” the statement reads. “… We owe much of our success to our committed elected leaders and other local stakeholders who understand and support our efforts. Our dedicated and experienced team will continue the work that has made the Golden Triangle so successful.”
Chief Operations Officer Meryl Fisackerly is leading day-to-day operations at the LINK, the statement reads, as it looks for a new CEO.
“Ms. Fisackerly and all our employees remain dedicated to, and focused on, ensuring the ongoing economic success and growth of our region,” it reads. “In the coming weeks, the Executive Committee will begin the process of hiring the next CEO. We value the input of our stakeholders and will keep them informed and engaged throughout this process, while keeping our constituents up to date.”
Higgins did not return a call or message seeking comment by press time.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
