Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant named former Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin to lead the state Parole Board.

McMillin served as sheriff from 1991-2011. He has also served the parole board as an administrative assistant. McMillin is a former military police officer and served three tours of duty in Vietnam.

McMillin assumes his duties immediately. His appointment must be confirmed by the Senate.

The five-member board has discretion over which inmates are released from prison on parole.

The board also investigates applicants for gubernatorial pardons and makes recommendations. However, Mississippi governors aren't bound by the board's recommendations.

The board recommended against pardons for some of the people who got reprieves from former Gov. Haley Barbour as he left office in January.