Staff

Rachel Canter, Executive Director ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

B.A., University of Pennsylvania; M.P.P., Harvard Kennedy School of Government

Native of Starkville, MS
Work Experience: Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service; Teach For America—Mississippi Delta Corps; Chicago Public Schools; The Education Trust; MS Governor's Office 

Sanford Johnson, Deputy Director ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

B.A., Auburn University; M.P.S., University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service

Native of Starkville, MS
Work Experience: KIPP Delta College Prep; Teach For America—Mississippi Delta Corps; Delta Regional Authority; South African Education and Environment Project; Senator Thad Cochran's Office

Board Members

Jamie Houston, Chairman

Value-Added Specialist, Molpus Woodlands Group, Jackson, MS
Native of Jackson, MS

Term: FY2009-FY2011

Coleman Carlisle, Vice-Chairman

Associate Attorney, Begley Law Firm, PLLC, Jackson, MS
Native of Holly Springs, MS

Terms: FY2009-2010; FY2011-FY2013

Drew Schimmel, Secretary

Attorney, Schimmel Law Firm
Native of Jackson, MS

Term: FY2011-FY2013

Amie Whittington, Treasurer

Tax Supervisor and C.P.A., Horne LLP, Jackson, MS
Native of Natchez, MS

Term: FY2009-FY2011

Kitty Cook Ramsey, Past Chairwoman

Assistant Director of Development, Mississippi Children’s Home Services, Jackson, MS
Native of Drew, MS

Terms: FY2009-2010; FY2011-FY2013

Julius Rainey

IT Director, Parents for Public Schools, Jackson, MS 
Native of Greenville, MS

Term: FY2009-FY2011

Shawna Davie

Drop-Out Prevention Coordinator, United Way of the Capitol Area, Jackson, MS
Native of St. Louis, MO

Term: FY2010-FY2012

Kimberly Hilliard

Director, Center for University-Based Development, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Native of Washington, D.C.

Term: FY2011-FY2013