Council and community honor Biloxi CAO Mike at final meeting

The Biloxi City Council used part of its May 27 meeting to honor Chief Administrative Officer Mike on his final day in the role, with council members and the mayor praising his years of service to the city and community.

The mayor described Mike as “a hometown boy” whose local knowledge and leadership were “immeasurable,” and said the city would miss his expertise on projects including the Potts Ferry Extension and CSX negotiations. The mayor invited a photo and public handshake during the meeting to mark Mike’s last official role.

Mike spoke briefly to the council and public, thanking the council and describing his work as a team effort: “It’s been my honor and pleasure to serve the city, and it’s been a working with the council. I’ve tried very much to work with you behind the scenes, send you information, make you look good to your residents. It’s not us and them. It’s all about one team,” he said.

Multiple council members — including Councilman Lawrence, Councilman Gynes, Councilman Tisdale and Councilman Shoemaker — thanked Mike for his responsiveness and for providing information and support to make members’ work easier. Council members recalled long personal histories with Mike and described his open-door communication style.

Why it matters: The CAO is the city’s top administrative official and a key point of contact between staff and elected officials; the council’s remarks reflected the CAO’s role in operations, capital projects and interagency coordination.

Next steps: Council members and the mayor said they will hold an appreciation reception on Mike’s last day and will continue to work with administration on the CAO transition. No formal council action on the CAO position was taken during the meeting.