Veteran economic developer brings 30+ years of experience leading billion-dollar industrial and infrastructure projects nationwide
GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. — The Board of Directors of the Golden Triangle Development LINK (LINK) has announced the appointment of Iain D. Vasey as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 15, 2026.
Vasey brings more than three decades of nationally recognized leadership in economic development, real estate, and infrastructure-driven growth. Throughout his career, he has led some of the nation’s most complex industrial, manufacturing, and technology projects, helping generate billions in capital investment and thousands of high-quality jobs.
Track Record of Major Project Wins
Most recently, Vasey served as Director of Development Services for the City of Klamath Falls, Oregon, where he acted as program executive for more than $400 million in U.S. Air Force capital investment tied to the transition to F-35 aircraft at Kingsley Field. In that role, he oversaw planning, engineering, economic development, airport operations, and urban renewal functions.
Previously, as President and CEO of the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation, Vasey helped secure more than $50 billion in industrial investment and the creation of over 7,000 direct jobs.
His portfolio of career projects also includes:
- A $10 billion national site selection win with ExxonMobil supporting approximately 800 jobs
- The $2+ billion Steel Dynamics South Texas Steel Campus creating roughly 2,000 jobs
- A $5 billion Cheniere LNG expansion
- A $1 billion Bootstrap Energy grid resiliency project
- A $500 million Tesla lithium ore processing facility
Earlier in his career, Vasey served as Executive Director of Economic Development for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, where he led recruitment efforts for IBM, Methanex, and Avalon Metals and supported major expansions by ExxonMobil, BASF, and CF Industries. Those efforts resulted in more than $9 billion in capital investment and over 5,000 direct permanent jobs.
National Search, Regional Vision
The LINK Board conducted a comprehensive national search led by executive search firm Jorgenson Pace, which specializes in placing senior economic development leaders.
“Iain is a proven leader with deep technical expertise and a strong national reputation,” said LINK Board Chairman Bain Nickels. “He understands how to compete and win at the highest levels of economic development. We are confident he will help position the Golden Triangle for its next chapter of success.”
Vasey said he is eager to build on the region’s momentum.
“I am honored to join the Golden Triangle Development LINK and to work alongside its staff, Board, partners, investors, and communities,” he said. “The region’s assets, collaborative culture, and track record of success provide a strong foundation for continued growth and national competitiveness.”
Focus on Recruitment and Regional Growth
As President and CEO, Vasey will lead LINK’s efforts to:
- Advance strategic business recruitment
- Support and expand existing industries
- Strengthen regional partnerships
- Elevate the Golden Triangle’s national profile as an investment destination
State and local leaders expressed strong support for Vasey’s appointment, noting his experience with large-scale projects, military partnerships, and industrial recruitment aligns well with the Golden Triangle’s growth trajectory.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves congratulated Vasey on his appointment and highlighted the Golden Triangle’s role in the state’s recent economic development success, saying he looks forward to working together to attract additional record-breaking investments.
Local leaders from Starkville, Columbus, West Point, Lowndes County, Clay County, and Oktibbeha County also voiced confidence that Vasey’s leadership, industry relationships, and project experience will help the region capitalize on new opportunities and sustain long-term growth.
