about us

 

For the last 30 years, Volunteer Mississippi has been dedicated to the mission of engaging and supporting all Mississippians in service to their communities.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture of volunteerism across our state, believing that every individual has the potential to make a meaningful impact.

 

Our goals are clear and focused. We aim to:

Promote Volunteerism
Raise awareness about the importance of community service and the positive change it can bring.

Increase Volunteer Participation
Encourage more Mississippians to get involved and contribute their time and skills.

Recognize Volunteers
Celebrate the dedication and achievements of those who selflessly give back to their communities.

Expand and Diversify AmeriCorps Programs
Broaden the reach and variety of service opportunities available through AmeriCorps, ensuring that they reflect the diverse needs and interests of our communities.

Increase AmeriCorps Membership
Recruit and support more individuals to serve as AmeriCorps members, enhancing the impact of their efforts across Mississippi.

At Volunteer Mississippi, we believe that by coming together and working collaboratively, we can create a stronger, more vibrant state. Join us in our mission to empower and uplift our communities through the power of service.

Board of Commissioners

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our Commissioners, past and present for their dedication, contribution and enthusiasm to our mission.

First Lady Elee Reeves

First Lady Elee Reeves

Honorary Chair

Jackson, MS

Committed to giving back to her community and her fellow Mississippians, Elee volunteers her time to numerous charitable and civic organizations. Elee also gives back as a role model to future generations, mentoring girls and collegiate women. Joining Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi as a child where she sharpened her leadership skills, Elee has been a Girl Scout Troop Leader for 22 years and served on the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of Mississippi. In her role as First Lady, Elee has enjoyed reading in schools, promoting the importance of literacy for students of all ages. After the historic flooding in our state in 2020, Elee partnered with Keep Mississippi Beautiful to highlight the need of participating in community clean-up efforts to restore Mississippi’s natural beauty. 

Jennifer Hopping

Jennifer Hopping

Jackson, MS

Chair

Aubrey Leigh Goodwin

Aubrey Leigh Goodwin

Jackson, MS

Vice Chair

Celeste Brown

Celeste Brown

Hattiesburg, MS

2nd Vice Chair

Meredith Aldridge

Meredith Aldridge

Jackson, MS

Commissioner

Dr. Suzanne Bean

Dr. Suzanne Bean

Columbus, MS

Commissioner

Catherine Bell

Catherine Bell

Jackson, MS

Special Assistant Attorney General

Ashley Cannady

Ashley Cannady

Ridgeland, MS

Commissioner

Beth Fisher

Beth Fisher

Canton, MS

Commissioner

Susan Garrard

Susan Garrard

Jackson, MS

Commissioner

Roschelle Gibson

Roschelle Gibson

Commissioner

Lisa Grantham

Lisa Grantham

Jackson, MS

Commissioner

Rochelle Hicks

Rochelle Hicks

Jackson, MS

Commissioner

Dr. LeMia Jenkins-Thompson

Dr. LeMia Jenkins-Thompson

Jackson, MS

Commissioner

Merracle Jordan

Merracle Jordan

Southaven, MS

2nd Vice Chair

Katherine Krehbiel

Regional Office

Ex-Officio AmeriCorps Representative

Stewart McMillan

Tupelo, MS

Commissioner

Melanie Mitchell

Meridian, MS

Commissioner

Terryl Nordan

Greenville, MS

Commissioner

Aysha Robertson

Aysha Robertson

Commissioner

Dr. Josie (Jo) Shumake

Dr. Josie (Jo) Shumake

Columbus, MS

Commissioner

Tracy Smith

Corinth, MS

Commissioner

Cole Smith

Cole Smith

Jackson, MS

Commissioner

Kathy St. John

Madison, MS

Commissioner

Board of Commissioners Agenda

Volunteer Mississippi Staff

Suzanne Scales Rutherford

Suzanne Scales Rutherford

Executive Director

Adrian Austin

Adrian Austin

Chief of Staff

Jin Joo Crosby

Jin Joo Crosby

Director, National Service Programs

Kerry Nash

Kerry Nash

Executive Assistant, Office Manager

Tanya Fortenberry

Tanya Fortenberry

Volunteer & Disaster Services Officer

Michelle Gordon

Michelle Gordon

AmeriCorps Member Engagement Officer

Chequetta Harper

Chequetta Harper

Fiscal Officer

Ann Bradley Maloney

Ann Bradley Maloney

AmeriCorps Systems Officer

Jessica Marley

Jessica Marley

AmeriCorps Programs Officer

Sydni Vandevender

Sydni Vandevender

Public Relations Officer

Thank You to Our Partners in Service