If you have recently been appointed to a state board or commission in Mississippi, congratulations. This book is for you. Why? You were probably not appointed because of any special expertise in state government. Being an expert in your chosen profession, or having a desire to improve your community or profession does not prepare you for administering a state agency. This book's purpose is to bring you up to speed on your new responsibilities and duties, providing a basic framework for understanding how a board works and how it fits into state government. Not only that, but business as usual in the private sector can sometimes get you into a lot of trouble in the public sector. Consider this an aid to staying out of trouble.