The Mississippi Senate’s Public Health and Welfare committee recently held a confirmation hearing for J. Richard “Rick” Barry of Meridian to serve on the Mississippi Board of Mental Health.

His appointment passed unanimously. Barry was appointed to a seven-year term by Gov. Haley Barbour.

Dr. Randy Hendrix, executive director of the Department of Mental Health, said the department “is most fortunate to have a professional of Mr. Barry’s expertise and interest in mental health volunteer his time to public service.”

Barry is a partner with Bourdeaux and Jones Law Firm. He is the board attorney for the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, as well as counsel for the Meridian Housing Authority and the Greater Meridian Health Clinic.

He is a member of the American and Mississippi Bar Associations, past member of the Mississippi State Bar Board of Bar Commissioners, and past president of the Fellows of Mississippi Young Lawyers.

From 2002 to 2003, Barry served on the Mississippi State Bar Planning Committee. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Mississippi, where he also earned his law degree.