Our Staff
The Mississippi First team is a group of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to promote the mission of Mississippi First.
Executive Team
Rachel Canter
Executive Director
Rachel leads the work of Mississippi First,
including strategy, financial management,
and decision-making.
Tomeka Cheatham
Director of Operations
Tomeka is responsible for managing the day-to-day
operations, assisting with financial management,
and employee relations for Mississippi First.
Brooke Williams
Director of Communications
Brooke leads communications for Mississippi First by developing, coordinating, and executing
strategic internal and external communications.
Policy Team
Toren Ballard
Director of K-12 Policy
Toren assists Mississippi First in developing
and enacting our K-12 policy agenda.
Micayla Tatum
Director of Early Childhood Policy
Micayla supports Mississippi First in developing
and executing our early childhood policy agenda.
Grace Breazeale
K-12 Policy Associate
Grace supports Mississippi First in
implementing our K-12 policy agenda.
Special Projects Team
Pheron Russell
Director of Special Projects
Pheron is responsible for designing, managing,
and assisting with projects for the Mississippi First team, specifically focusing on charter schools.
Linda Caldwell
Charter Schools Program (CSP) Coordinator
Linda is responsible for ensuring and maintaining federal compliance amongst CSP subgrantees.
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
Ki Harris
Board Member