Dr. Angela Bass
Executive Director
Angela executes the vision of the board, establishes the organization’s strategic plan, and leads the staff to meet goals aligned to MELA’s mission.
April May
Coalitions and Programs Director
April supports MELA’s role as a backbone organization in coalition building. This includes overseeing the incentive programs and recruiting coalition members, working strategically to grow the number of engaged members, and ensuring the effective facilitation of coalition meetings.
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.
Biz Harris
Deputy Director
Biz oversees organizational operations and supports our Collective Impact work. She also coordinates Capitol Day and other MELA events with partners.
Our Board
Dr. Alexander Washington
Workforce Development, Entergy Services, LLC
Board Chair
Dr. Ira Murray
President & CEO, United Way of the Capitol Area
Board Vice Chair
Alicia S. Hall
Entergy Services, LLC
Board Secretary
Ross Weems
First Vice President
BankPlus Private Client Group
Board Treasurer
Dr. Devon Brenner
Special Assistant to the Vice President for Education Initiatives,
Office of Research and Economic Development, Mississippi State University
Mandy Mahoney
Candidate for City Council of Atlanta, GA
