2025 Executive Board
The Mississippi Early Childhood Executive Board is dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of our state's youngest citizens. Founded on the principles of education, advocacy, and connection, our mission is to ensure that every child in Mississippi has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and enriching environment. Through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives, we aim to address the diverse needs of children and families across the state.
Sheri Anders, President, East MS Community College, sanders@eccc.edu
Tunga Otis, Immediate Past-President, Amplify Education, tunga.otis@mississippiearlychildhood.org
Heather Martin, President-Elect, Mississippi State University, heatherbdmartin@hotmail.com
Tara Dickerson, 1st Vice-President, Mississippi State University, tdickerson@humansci.msstate.edu
Vacant – 2nd Vice-President
Wendy Faulkner, 3rd Vice-President, Union County School District, wfaulkner@union.k12.ms.us
Judy Prine, Secretary, Mississippi, Retired, judy.prine.18@gmail.com
Gena Puckett, SECA Representative, Graduate Center for the Study of Early Learning, gpuckett@olemiss.edu
April J. May, Fiscal Officer, Mississippi Early Learning Alliance, amay@msearlylearning.org
Daffeyn - Cobbins, District 1 Northwest Member at Large, Director of Little Saints Academy, dcobbins83@gmail.com
Heather Martin, District 2 Northeast Member at Large, Mississippi State University, heatherbdmartin@hotmail.com
Mechelle Chane, District 3 Northwest Central Member at Large, Excel By Five, mchane@excelby5.com
Vacant, District 4 Northeast Central Member at Large
Leigh Sargeant, District 5 Southwest Central Member at Large, Tallahatchie Early Learning Alliance, leigh@wearetela.org
Cisley Barksdale, District 6 Southeast Central Member at Large, Mississippi State University, ctt58@msstate.edu
Jowanda Magee, District 7 Southwest Member at Large, Eva Gordon Lower Elementary, jowanda.magee@mississippiearlychildhood.org
Creola James, District 8 Southeast Member at Large, MSU Extension Service, jamescreola@gmail.com
Affiliate Presidents
Northeast Mississippi Early Childhood Association (NEMsECA) President, Bridget Robinson
Rankin Childcare Directors’ Association (RCDA) President, Beverly Peden