Gov. Phil Bryant’s selection of Tupelo native Glenn L. McCullough Jr., to head the Mississippi Development Authority places a state resident in the position for the first time since Gray Swoope, another Northeast Mississippian (from West Point and Columbus), held the premier leadership post for economic growth from March 2004 – March 2011. McCullough, former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, who resides in Tupelo and is a graduate of Tupelo High School and Mississippi State University, was introduced Thursday at the annual meeting of the Mississippi Economic Council in Jackson.