Marc McGee knows something about details. He's familiar with that old saying, "death is in the details." That's because throughout his career, McGee has held positions that require meticulous attention to make sure every "i" is dotted and every "t" is crossed.
As director of the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park and the Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation, one of McGee's main roles is to support regional economic development efforts of the university, business and industry, economic developers and elected officials.
The RTC, an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization affiliated with the university, prioritizes several key elements with potential partners, including research and development opportunities, a corporate willingness to support the university, and plans to employ MSU students or graduates, he explained.
McGee, a Byram native who earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Mississippi State's College of Education, considered teaching but took the opportunity to work for the Appalachian Regional Commission during Gov. Kirk Fordice's administration. His role with the federally funded ARC dealt with stimulating job growth, health care and educational initiatives. The experience helped set him on a career path of working with economic development projects.
After a stint with MSU, as well as the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, McGee returned to his alma mater where he served as director of Sponsored Programs Administration.
In 2009, he became the director of the research park and RTC. In addition to facilitating economic development projects, he oversees the park's day-to-day operations, which encompass both university and privately-owned buildings.
With the coming addition of C Spire's $20 million, 22,400-square-foot data center, the park will have realized three new buildings since 2010. Phase I of the park is full, McGee said, but the Phase II expansion is open and adjacent to the Rodney Foil Plant Science Research Center, also known as North Farm.
"It excites me when I talk to a company interested in locating here when there are opportunities for growing the university, the region and the state of Mississippi," he said.
While his role often requires long hours, McGee also knows how to relax. He shows his Bulldog spirit by supporting all MSU's sports teams and attending games throughout the year, including all the home and away football games.