
Biz Harris
Interim Executive Director
Biz executes the vision of the board, leads the organization in building and adapting strategic plans, and coordinates staff to meet goals aligned to MELA’s mission. She also oversees organizational operations and supports our Collective Impact work.
Read Biz's Bio
April May
Coalitions and Programs Director
April supports MELA’s role as a backbone organization in coalition building. She oversees incentive programs, devises strategies to recruit coalition members and grow the number of engaged members, and ensures the meetings are facilitated effectively.
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Chloe Lake
Communications Director
Chloe leads MELA’s work highlighting the successes of the Mississippi early childhood community. She oversees and executes the communications promoting Mississippi Early Learning Alliance’s events and programs.
Read Chloe's BioOur Board

Dr. Devon Brenner
Director of the Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University
Board Chair

Dr. Ira Murray
Associate Director of Research and Development, Initiative for Race Research & Justice at Vanderbilt University
Board Vice Chair

Ross Weems
First Vice President
BankPlus Private Client Group
Board Treasurer

Dr. Alexander Washington
Director of Federal Government Affairs, Entergy Services, LLC




Dr. Suzette Matthews
Director of Development, University of Mississippi School of Law
Mandy Mahoney
US Program Director at the Regulatory Assistance Project
Eddie Oliver, III
Senior Operations Manager-Site Lead Medtronics
Corey Hinshaw
Attorney at Watkins & Eager PLLC

Dr. Richard Long
Executive Director of Learning First Alliance
