Effective July 1, Rep. Herb Frierson of Poplarville will assume his new position as Commissioner of Revenue.
Gov. Phil Bryant announced the appointment in a release issued Thursday.
In his new position, Frierson will manage the Department of Revenue, the agency responsible for collecting taxes that support state and local governments, the release states.
Monday, Frierson said his 25 years of legislative experience and 20 years as a real estate appraiser will provide a good foundation for his new position.
“I’ve got a lot to learn in the next few weeks,” he said. “I’ve got three months to prepare and research. It’s a good position and I’ve already got a good grasp of the responsibilities.”
According to the release, Frierson has served in the Legislature since 1992 as a representative of District 106, which includes Pearl River and Lamar Counties. During his tenure, he has been chairman of the House Appropriations Committee since 2012 and also sits on the Education, Performance-based Budgeting, Revenue and Expenditure General Bills, Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and Workforce Development committees.
“As appropriations chairman, Rep. Frierson has been a big part of shaping a responsible budget that meets current needs and adequately prepares for the future,” Bryant said in the release. “I know that conscientious work will continue upon his assuming leadership of DOR. I can think of no one better prepared to oversee the state’s revenue collections and I am delighted he has agreed to accept this appointment.”
Frierson, his wife Cheryl Ann and two children Lara and Eli live in Poplarville. He is associated with the National Wild Turkey Federation and a member of the National Assembly of the Sportsmen’s Caucuses Executive Council, the release states.
“I appreciate the governor giving me this opportunity,” Frierson said. “I’m looking forward to the challenges. There are certain aspects of legislature I’ll miss, but it’s gotten to the point that it’s time to move on and I thought it was a good idea.”
Frierson will continue to serve in his current role on the Legislature until June 30.