The Mississippi First team is a group of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to promote the mission of Mississippi First.
Our Staff
Rachel Canter
Executive Directorrachel@mississippifirst.orgRachel leads the work of Mississippi First, including strategy, financial management, and decision-making.
MacKenzie Hines
Chief of Staffmackenzie@mississippifirst.orgAs Chief of Staff, MacKenzie supports the effective operations of the organization. She also directs Mississippi First’s communications.
Toren Ballard
Director of K-12 Policytoren@mississippifirst.orgToren assists Mississippi First in developing and enacting our K-12 policy agenda.
Brooke Williams
Associate Director of Communicationsbrooke@mississippifirst.orgBrooke is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing strategic communications and public affairs efforts, strategies, and plans designed to promote specific Mississippi First initiatives.
Micayla Tatum
Associate Director of Early Childhood Policymicayla@mississippifirst.orgMicayla supports Mississippi First in the development and execution of its early childhood policy agenda, with a particular focus on Pre-K and childcare.
Pheron Russell
Special Projects Associatepheron@mississippifirst.orgPheron is responsible for assisting and managing projects for the Mississippi First team, with a specific focus on charter schools and early education.
Our Board
The Board of Directors is the governing body of Mississippi First. Individuals who sit on the board are responsible for overseeing the organization’s activities. Board members meet quarterly to discuss and vote on the affairs of the organization. They serve three-year terms and can serve two terms back-to-back.
LeKesha Perry
Board Chair
Catoria Martin
Board Treasurer
Kate Gluckman
Board Member
Adam Smith
Board Member
Tim Abram, II
Board Member