Cotter retiring from HCPHC

KILN, Miss. – Hancock County Port and Harbor CEO William “Bill” Cotter recently announced he plans to retire at the end of year after 23 years of service. Cotter has served with Port and Harbor for over two decades in various roles, including Stennis International Airport Director, agency chief operations officer and, since 2021, CEO. During his tenure as airport director, Cotter helped guide Stennis Airport’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina and coordinated the airfield activities during the BP Deepwater Horizon response. Since 2005, he has overseen nearly $40 million in capital improvements at the airport including the construction of the air traffic control tower, aircraft hangars and the terminal building. The Port and Harbor Commission accepted Cotter’s retirement and recommended current COO Blaine LaFontaine as the next CEO beginning January 1, 2023. The Hancock County Board of Supervisors voted July 5 to accept the recommendation. (Source: HCPHC, 07/05/22)