Our Staff
The Mississippi First team is a group of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to promote the mission of Mississippi First.
Rachel Canter
Executive Director
Rachel leads the work of Mississippi First, including strategy, financial management, and decision-making.
MacKenzie Hines
Chief of Staff
MacKenzie supports the operations of the organization and directs Mississippi First’s communications.
Toren Ballard
Director of K-12 Policy
Toren assists Mississippi First in developing and enacting our K-12 policy agenda.
Brooke Williams
Associate Director of Communications
Brooke is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing strategic communications efforts.
Micayla Tatum
Associate Director of Early Childhood Policy
Micayla supports Mississippi First in the development and execution of its early childhood policy agenda, with a particular focus on pre-K and child care.
Pheron Russell
Associate Director of Special Projects,
Principal Investor, and Charter School Programs Grant
Pheron is responsible for assisting and managing projects for the Mississippi First team, with a specific focus on charter schools.
Grace Breazeale
K-12 Policy Associate
Grace supports Mississippi First in implementing its K-12 policy agenda.
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.
Tim Abram, II
Board Chair
Catoria Martin
Board Treasurer
Kate Gluckman
Board Member