MS SC525

James A. Barber served as Executive Director of the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) from July 1, 2015, to September 30, 2021, capping a 43-year career with the organization that began in April 1978

Under his leadership as Executive Director, PEER issued 70 Committee reports on state and local government operations, plus 531 legislative assistance memorandums and 318 background checks for the Senate

Several reports during his tenure received national recognition from the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society, including evaluations of the Mississippi Film Office, state government purchasing, state-owned vehicles, and the Education Savings Account Program

Barber served actively in national organizations, chairing the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society's Executive Committee in 2000 and 2009, and serving on NCSL committees from 2008 to 2018

The resolution formally commends Barber for his contributions to legislative oversight in Mississippi and the field of program evaluation upon his retirement