Senate Concurrent Resolution 607

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING EARL WALKER, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AT AIRBUS HELICOPTERS, INC., IN COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI, AS 2017-2018 CHAIRMAN OF THE MISSISSIPPI MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION.

WHEREAS, Earl Walker, Senior Director of Government Relations and External Affairs at Airbus Helicopters, Inc., in Columbus, Mississippi, has been named the 2017-2018 Chairman of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association Board of Directors. "Earl will be an excellent Chairman of the MMA. He is one of the best ambassadors we could have around the world and here at home," said MMA President and CEO Jay C. Moon; and

WHEREAS, Earl's career began in 2006 with American Eurocopter, Inc., as the Senior Human Resources Manager leading the startup operation for the Aviation Campus in Mississippi. In 2009, he became Senior Director/Site General Manager and held the

leadership role at the Mississippi facility until October 2013. In 2013, he was promoted to the new position of Senior

Director of External Affairs, State and Government Business Development. Earl worked closely with Airbus Group, in

federal, state and community governments, in all aspects of business development and Department of Defense (DoD) program growth. In 2015, Earl assumed his current role leading the Government Relations and External Affairs activities for Airbus Helicopters, Inc. Earl also supports the Federal and Commercial Sales and Marketing Team in business development, marketing and sales; and

WHEREAS, Earl is a native Mississippian, having completed his undergraduate and advanced studies at Mississippi State University. He holds professional certifications in Human Resources, Quality, Safety and Risk Management to include certificates in both Flight Risk and Aviation Safety from the Department of Defense, Department of Contract Management Agency

(DCMA). Earl has over 25 years of experience in a variety of leadership roles in international and domestic business; and

WHEREAS, his current leadership roles outside of Airbus include serving on the Texas Association of Business Board of Directors, Mississippi State University Bagley Engineering School Dean Advisory Council, and the BancorpSouth Advisory Board.

Earl has also served in leadership roles with community colleges, industry associations, the Boys and Girls Club, Governors Council, and World Trade Center; and

WHEREAS, Earl holds the honor of attending the National Security Program for civilians at both the United States Air Force War College, Montgomery, Alabama, in 2012 and the United States Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 2017. Earl most recently served two terms as the Honorary Wing Commander for the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we pay tribute to this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi whose enormous civic energy is a wonderful example for all in our state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Earl Walker, Senior Director of Government Relations and External Affairs at Airbus Helicopters, Inc., in Columbus, Mississippi, as 2017-2018 Chairman of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, and extend our best wishes to Earl and his family on this high honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Earl Walker, forwarded to the Executive Director of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.