Staff

DAVID DEARDORFF
Proposal Writer/Project Director
(601) 979-1562
Mr. Deardorff joined The Hamer Institute in 2004 as its first paid staff member. He brings over 16 years' experience in professional writing, editing, photography, and project coordination to the organization. In addition to writing grant proposals and coordinating programs, he also produces the Hamer Happenings newsletter and maintains The Hamer Institute's website. He is currently co-directing "Phase I Economic Development Through Heritage Tourism," which builds upon The Hamer Institute's work identifying Civil Rights landmarks in Mississippi. The project is funded by the Mississippi Development Authority and is being conducted through a partnership with the Department of Urban & Regional Planning at Jackson State University. Mr. Deardorff is also president of Wordsmith Publishing Services, a freelance business specializing in content development for print and internet dissemination.

TYRONE HENDRIX
Graduate Research Assistant
Mr. Hendrix began working with The Hamer Institute in 2006. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Political Science at JSU, and is assisting with program planning and administration. In 2007 he is also assigned to the "Phase I Economic Development Through Heritage Tourism" project as a researcher.