Jackson Jambalaya

 Jackson Mayor John Horhn issued the following statement. 

Mayor John Horhn today thanked Chief Administrative Officer Pieter Teeuwissen and Human and Cultural Services Director Pam Junior for their service to the City of Jackson. City Attorney Drew Martin will serve as interim Chief Administrative Officer, and Kahrna Stimley will serve as interim Director of the Department of Human and Cultural Services until both positions are permanently filled.

"When I took office, I needed someone who could hit the ground running, and Pieter did exactly that," said Mayor Horhn. "He took on some of the hardest problems in City Hall, from our budget to projects that had been stuck for years. He made tough calls, and he always kept the residents of Jackson in mind. I am grateful for his work and for the foundation he helped us build."

"I would like to thank Mayor Horhn for asking me to assist with the start of his Administration, and also thank the City Council for their unwavering support," said Teeuwissen. "Together, we have eliminated a $25 million budget deficit without layoffs, furloughs, or new taxes while addressing long-stalled projects such as Thalia Mara Hall, the MLK/Shaw/Beasley bridges, and merging departments to promote efficiency. Jackson is rising, and my hope is everyone will continue supporting Mayor Horhn and the City of Jackson."

Junior returned to the City of Jackson after serving the city for 28 years and later working with the State of Mississippi.

"Pam didn't have to come back, but she did, and Jackson is better for it," said Mayor Horhn. "She knows this city and she cares deeply about its people. Her staff believed in her, and she believed in them. Her leadership is hard to replace, and I thank her for giving us this past year."

"In my former life, I had the privilege of serving the City of Jackson for 28 years before moving on to serve with the State of Mississippi. To be asked to return and serve the Department of Human and Cultural Services as Director was truly a gift,"said Junior. "The staff members were amazing, hardworking, and committed. They believed in my leadership, and together, we worked to make a difference. I see the future of Jackson, and I see it very clearly. Hope is around the corner. I believe the right person is at the helm, and that person is John Horhn."

As City Attorney, Martin works closely with every city department.

"Drew already knows how every part of this city works, and he knows the people doing the work," said Mayor Horhn. "I appreciate him stepping up to take on this role on top of his duties as City Attorney. I have full confidence that he will keep us moving forward."

"I want to thank the Mayor for entrusting me with this position," said Martin. "Having worked closely with all of our City departments, I know both the challenges we face and the dedication of the people working to meet those challenges. I am looking forward to this new challenge of working with the City Council and everyone in the City to continue our efforts of improving the quality and efficiency of City services to all of our residents."

Stimley has served the City of Jackson in the Department of Human and Cultural Services, the Office of Economic Development, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. She serves on the Executive Committee for the 82nd and 83rd National Folk Festivals and leads Jackson's Fresh Collective, which connects fresh food access, health, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and different generations. She holds a master's degree and an Education Specialist degree in Counseling Psychology from Mississippi College.

"Kahrna has worked in several parts of city government, and she understands how culture, community, and economic growth go hand in hand," said Mayor Horhn. "She has been part of this department's work, and she is ready to lead. I thank her for being willing to serve."

"My mission is to lead with purpose, inspire collaboration, and strengthen services that help residents thrive," said Stimley. "I envision a Jackson where every neighborhood can access meaningful support, participate in arts and culture, and help shape a vibrant future for the city."

The city will share more information about permanent appointments when it is available.