Executive Staff
Roy Hart is the chief executive officer of the Mississippi Public Health Institute (MSPHI). He serves as liaison to MSPHI’s Board of Directors and provides leadership and management oversight for the institute’s programs and partnerships. He originally joined MSPHI in 2015, as chief program officer after retiring from 30 years of state service. Upon leaving state service, Hart was given the Administrator of the Year Award in 2015, by the Mississippi Public Health Association. During his career as a public professional Hart gained significant executive management experience in prevention and chronic disease as well as maternal and child health and special needs populations. Under Hart’s leadership MSPHI has grown from six full-time staff in 2015 to a complement in 2021 approaching 40 professional staff and similarly its funding is now significantly increased from multiple diverse partners/funders. Hart received his Master of Public Health from the University of Southern Mississippi with a concentration in health education and a minor concentration in health administration. He is a Certified Public Manager and a Certified Health Education Specialist.
Roy Hart
Executive/CEO
Glenda Crump, MS, CPM has served as MSPHI’s Chief Administrative Officer since 2014. She has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit programming and leadership. Before joining MSPHI. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Journalism from Tougaloo College and a Master of Science degree in Communications from Mississippi College.
Glenda Crump
Chief Adminstrative Officer
John Davis, Graduate of Mississippi College's M.B.A Program with a concentration in Accounting. John has over 18 years of non-profit accounting experience. He is originally from Charlotte, NC and lives in Madison with his wife and 3 children.
John Davis
Chief Financial Officer
Staff
Debbie is a Program Specialist for the HIV, Tuberculous, & Sexually Transmitted Infections Early Intervention Services Collaborative Program. Debbie is a native Mississippian and mother of two sons. She is deeply committed to driving social change and improving the lives of those in need. She is a dedicated Nonprofit Program Specialist with over 20 years of experience designing, implementing, and managing impactful programs. Her commitment to social causes and her expertise in nonprofit management has allowed her to contribute significantly to organizations striving for a better world. Beyond professionally, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, fishing, and watching sports.
Debbie Bates
Project Specialist
Imani Bennett, MPH, joined the Mississippi Public Health Institute in 2022 as the Continuing Education Coordinator for the Workforce Development Team. Ms. Bennett monitors all the trainings and creates the CEU certificates for the MSBHLN. She is a graduate of the Mississippi University for Women (MUW), with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health, as well as a Masters in Public Health (MPH) degree.
Imani Bennett
CE Coordinator
Lakesha Brooks is currently MSPHI Grants & Contracts Manager with sixteen+ years of experience in grants management, finance, contracts, and budgets, with solid customer service and communication skills. Lakesha has a master's degree in Higher Education and a certification in Supervisory Management (CSM). Lakesha is highly motivated and progress-focused applying her extensive experiences in community service and public health, promoting health and awareness and providing the resources needed while contributing to this institution's objectives and goals in creating an optimal environment for growth and success.
Lakesha Brooks
Grants & Contracts Manager
GIna Cabrera
Program Specialist
Daisy Carter-Slater
Program Manager
John Conway serves as a Program Manager at MSPHI, where he oversees the Prescription Drug Overdose (PDO) grant administered by MDMH and SAMHSA. The PDO grant focuses on training First Responders in the administration of naloxone to help address the opioid crisis in the state. A certified law enforcement officer, Conway has a B.A. in Communication from Mississippi State University, an M.A. in Community Counseling from Jackson State University and an Ed.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Mississippi College. In addition to his work at MSPHI, Conway works as an individual and group counselor, where he helps clients in their recovery from substance and process addictions. Prior to his work at MSPHI, Conway spent 15+ years as the Director of Campus Safety at Millsaps College and was assigned to the vice and narcotics squad through the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Unit.
John Conway
Program Manager
Jan Dawson (Ed. S. Northwestern State University) is Director of Substance Use Prevention, Control and Education at Mississippi Public Health Institute. She manages a portfolio of opioid epidemic response grants in Mississippi, as well as other substance use programs, including workforce development, state leadership teams for substance use policy guidance, and coordinates with state agencies to support substance use programs. Her current portfolio includes grants from MSDH, MSDMH, CDC, SAMHSA, HRSA, and COSSAP.
Jan Dawson
Substance Use Education Program Director
Jan has been with MSPHI since 2011 and during this time has worked on 10 different projects. She currently serves as the program manager for Choctaw Youth Suicide Prevention, Project Firstline Mississippi and Antibiotic Stewardship Educational Campaign. From 1998-2011, Jan was a consultant for the Early Intervention Program at the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Institute for Disability Studies at University of Southern Mississippi, the Mississippi Occupational Therapy Association and the Mississippi Rural Health Association. She was employed as a training coordinator at the Mississippi State Department of Health from 1988-1998. Jan has a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Mississippi.
Jan Enterekin
Program Manager
My name is Shelby Ford. I am passionate about serving my community and state. I have worked in public health for about 10 years in multiple settings. In my spare time I enjoy being with my family, traveling and playing with my dogs.
Shelby Ford
SmartTrack Manager
Meet Kai! The Senior AP Accountant/Human Resource Support for the Mississippi Public Health Institute. She is an alumnus of Mississippi College in Clinton, MS, receiving a BA in Business Administration. She is a Belhaven University graduate student (MSL, MBA) with a concentration in Human Resources, Jackson, MS. Kai brings an extensive background in accounting and human resources to her position. Her experience includes being an Accounting/HR Assistant for The Source of Mississippi, LLC, a Payroll Specialist for Jackson Public Schools, and a Grant Accountant for Tougaloo College (TRiO) and Jackson State University. Kai aims to provide excellent customer service with operational experience, a positive and uplifting attitude, and a helping hand when needed. She also served as the Executive Assistant for the Hinds County Tax Collector (2019), Jackson, MS. When Kai is not serving at MSPHI, she enjoys traveling, reading, self-care, and family time. Kai's daily mantra, meditation, and motivation are "You Did Not Wake Up to Be Mediocre" and "If We Aim for Perfection, We Will Reach Excellence."
Kaiysha Fortson
Senior AP Accountant/HR Support
Having worked in public health for over 14 years, connecting people with partners and resources that can positively affect the health of Mississippians is my passion. I am available to convene conferences, workforce trainings and strategic meetings.
Angie Gainey
Convening Strategist
Mike Kelly
Program Manager
Gerald Gibson
Subrecipient Services Manager
Angela Glasper
Finance Support Specialist
Originally from Colombia. Eliana Glass is the Manager of the Mississippi Breastfeeding Coalition through the Mississippi Public Health Institute. A Certified Lactation Consultant that has directly served WIC participants and lower income individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Her education and vast experience as a Lactation Consultant has helped her to develop an understanding of the community’s needs by improving the infant and maternal health in our state. She has promoted awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and committed to providing parents with the necessary resources to reach their breastfeeding goals. In addition, Eliana understands the importance of managing a business plan and carrying out feasibility plans to achieve a specific objective.
Eliana Glass
Coalition Manager
Seasoned Public Health Leader with over 15 years of experience in program management and epidemiology. Strong decision maker with experience mitigating risks, developing contingency plans, and keeping programs on track. Proven ability to lead and manage teams, work collaboratively with diverse populations, and successfully meet program goals on time and within budget. Skilled in Community-Based Participatory Research and engaging non-traditional partners. Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to manage medium to large scale projects and programs. Passionate about Improving Access to Health and Health Outcomes.
Candice Green
Program Manager
Lance worked in Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Prevention services for 14 years prior to coming to MSPHI. He brings with him a wealth of clinical experience in treatment of Mental Health issues as well as Substance Use Disorder.
Lannan Harden
Curriculum Specialist
LaQuita is a native of Jackson, Mississippi and has a love for the cuisine of the South. She is a dedicated and passionate individual with a deep love for creativity and education. LaQuita thrives in energetic environments and embraces challenges as opportunities for growth. With a background in Psychology and Human Services, she honed skills in Public Health, specifically sexual health, allowing her to educate both clinicians and community audiences locally and nationally. Throughout LaQuita’s journey, she has consistently proven her commitment to educating others about HIV and AIDS. In the South there is still a great stigma and fear surrounding HIV, especially in the Black community. However, I believe together we can transform that. Beyond her professional life, LaQuita loves to travel, try new recipes, and write children’s stories. She is excited about what the future holds and is always eager to learn new skills and make a positive impact in the world.
Laquita Hatcher
HIV Early Intervention Project Manager
Jordon Hillhouse is a Certified Prevention Specialist with over twelve years of experience in substance use prevention. In the past, he has worked with state agencies targeting the opioid crisis, underage drinking, and mental health awareness efforts. His passion is with alcohol and drug prevention education. He has developed many prevention-related trainings and has had the opportunity to speak to thousands of people across the country. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from Alcorn State University and is a published author. He currently works at the Mississippi Public Health Institute as the Workforce Development Manager, where he oversees the Mississippi Behavioral Health Learning Network, providing relevant trainings to state and national mental health professionals.
Jordon Hillhouse
Workforce Development Manager
Urenna O. Ihezue
Data Analyst
Johnnetta Jackson serves as a Project Specialist for the MS HIV Planning Council at the Mississippi Public Health Institute. Johnnetta has worked in the fields of Public Health and Corrections for numerous years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Jackson State University and a Master's of Science degree in Management from Belhaven University.
Johnetta Jackson
Program Manager
Sophia Jefferson-Griffin serves as the Fiscal Manager at the Mississippi Public Health Institute (MSPHI). In her role, she manages the financial aspects of the Ryan White Part B Program, by ensuring proper budget, tracking expenditures, and maintaining compliance with federal regulations related to grant funding. With two master's degrees, one in finance and public administration and over ten years of experience in accounting and finance, Sophia brings expertise in financial management, compliance, budgeting, payroll, allocations, financial statements, and general ledger management and analysis. Sophia is currently working to obtain her doctoral degree in accounting at Capella University. Her dedication to career and community engagement has led her to a career in the nonprofit sector, where she is extremely passionate about providing accurate, sound, and transparent financial structure. In her free time, Sophia enjoys spending time with her husband, four dogs, and cat, as well as amateur gardening and painting.
Sophia Jefferson-Griffin
Fiscal Manager
Shakeizia “Kezi” Jones, CHES, MPH is the Program Manager for the R.E.A.C.H (Racial and ethnic approaches to community health) project at the Mississippi Public Health Institute in the Maternal and Child Care department. She received her master’s degree from Columbia Southern University in Public Health with an Emphasis in Health Promotion. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Southern Mississippi in Community Health Science with an emphasis in Community Health. Kezi is certified by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc., as a Certified Health Education Specialist. Her passion for community derives from her childhood where she volunteered for numerous non-profit organizations and developed a sense of leadership skills and community organizing. The majority of her experience derives from health promotion working primarily in disparate populations. She understands the need for collaboration to promote healthier communities and its value to addressing the social determinants of health. The R.E.A.C.H project is highly important to her both professionally and personally because she is a mother of two little girls and being a mom is her greatest joy.
Kezi Jones
Program Manager
Teresa Jones
Clinical Program Manager
Noverra Mahmud
Data Quality Manager
Merika McAlister's is the Project Specialist for the HIV Planning Council. She holds a pivotal position in devising and executing plans to combat the challenges associated with HIV. With a foundational background in Public Health and Healthcare Administration, she is committed to formulating strategies that enhance services, elevate awareness, and aid individuals impacted by HIV.
Merika McAlister
Project Specialist
April's current work is part of a SAMHSA funded, MS Department of Mental Health grant that aims to increase the awareness of prescription drug misuse and related risk behaviors of overprescribing and sharing of prescribed medication. April’s focus is on prescriber and pharmacist education to help prevent opioid related overdose and death. Prior to joining MSPHI, April worked as a pharmacist in retail and hospital environments since 2007. April received her Doctorate of Pharmacy and her Masters in Health Informatics from the University of Mississippi. She lives with her husband and 2 children in Brandon, MS. April is an active member of the Junior League of Jackson and teaches the 4th grade Sunday school class at First Baptist Fannin. In her free time, April enjoys traveling and trying to keep up with her children’s busy schedules! As a person in long term recovery, April has a passion for substance use prevention and treatment and hopes to use her own experiences to help others with substance use problems.
April Miller
Program Manager
Logan Nalker is a Project Manager at the Mississippi Public Health Institute on the Health Systems and Practice team. She currently holds her bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in Social Service Systems from the University of Southern Mississippi. Current projects include COVID-19 Response efforts, Opioid Crisis Response efforts in southwest Mississippi, and Overdose Response efforts. She is a loving cat mom to two furry angels sent straight from heaven.
Logan Nalker
Project Manager
Native of Jackson, MS., my background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Jackson State University and a Master of Public Health degree from Tulane University. I have a passion for helping underrepresented communities through public service and continuous education to fully understand the needs of others. Fun Fact, I have been a professional tattoo artist for 13 years.
Madison Nevels
Program Manager
Caroline Newkirk, MPH, CHES, CPH joined the Mississippi Public Health Institute in 2020 as the Evaluation Specialist on a number of projects. Her work is dedicated mostly to federally-funded statewide opioid prevention and surveillance grants, in partnership with the Mississippi State Department of Health, as well as additional maternal and child health projects directed by MSPHI in which social determinants of health and health disparities are addressed. Caroline is also an Adjunct Professor in the Public Health Technology Program at Itawamba Community College, teaching a number of public health courses in both the Fall and Spring semesters. She previously worked with the Mississippi State Department of Health’s Office of Preventive Health, where she served as Deputy Bureau Director of the Chronic Disease Bureau and Project Director of a youth obesity prevention research project in Head Start Centers. Caroline received her Masters in Public Health degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2008 and has been an active member of the Mississippi Public Health Association since 2013.
Caroline Newkirk
Evaluation Specialist
Carmen Osborne
Client Services Manager
Elizabeth Ozene
Program Manager
Heather Radcliffe is a Program Specialist at the Mississippi Public Health Institute, leveraging her knowledge in social work to drive impactful programs and initiatives. Hailing from Meridian, Mississippi, Heather laid the foundation of her professional journey at Mississippi State University - Meridian, where she earned her bachelor's degree in social work. Recognizing the power of education, she continues her academic pursuits at Jackson State University to attain her master's degree in social work.
Heather Jones
Program Specialist
Dr. Roach is a registered dietitian who serves as the Maternal and Child Health Program Director for the Mississippi Public Health Institute. She has also taught in higher education for the past 27 years and has previously worked in a variety of clinical settings. Dr. Roach has a passion for health promotion, particularly when it comes to mothers and their communities. Dr. Roach also loves teaching and sharing her knowledge and experience with students.
Jacinda Roach
Maternal and Child Health Program Director
Christopher Russell brings over 12 years of extensive experience in public health to his current role. Early in his career, Chris excelled in marketing and prevention within non-profit and community-based organizations, focusing on various public health initiatives such as HIV, STIs, substance use, underage drinking, and impaired driving. In 2018, Chris assumed the position of Director of Adolescent Health at the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH), Bureau of Maternal and Child Health. Here, he spearheaded efforts to improve services at School-based Health Centers, educated young adults on navigating healthcare and insurance, and emphasized the importance of health screenings for adolescents. Concurrently, he played a pivotal role in the Covid-19 Health Equity Response Unit, ensuring equitable distribution of over 2.5 million masks and essential Covid-19 resources to underserved communities across the state.
Christopher Russell
Communication Manager
Ken Seawright has served as the Operations/Budget Officer since 2020. Ken brings over 35 years of experience in governmental agency internal audit and program financial grant management and accounting. Ken has a passion for improving public health in MS, especially along the community-built environment aspect to encourage fitness activities
Ken Seawright
Operations Officer
As a registered nurse and program manager at MSPHI, I am a healthcare professional with expertise in public health services, environmental health, nutrition, education, social services, and health information technology. I am dedicated to developing partnerships that are committed to program innovation, the increase of health resources, education, health awareness, and applied research and policy. The work I do at MSPHI promotes public health through projects in policy evaluation, community health, data analysis, and health access.
Hannah Sheridan
Program Manager, Registered Nurse
Monica Stinson, a seasoned Public Health Professional, specializes in developing, implementing, and evaluating public health programs. Her extensive expertise includes effective leadership, adept project management, and administrative proficiency. Currently serving as the Program Manager for the Mississippi Perinatal Collaborative, Monica leads impactful transformative maternal and infant health improvement initiatives. Early in her career, Monica focused on chronic disease prevention and tobacco cessation, working as a health educator in the Mississippi Delta. She also directed the State Asthma Program for five years before shifting her focus to maternal and child health in 2014, overseeing various initiatives. Monica earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Education and Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s Degree in Health Education from Mississippi University for Women. She has held the title of Certified Health Education Specialist since 2007.
Monica Stinson
Program Manager
John Taylor
Information Technology Specialist
Roderick C. Thurman is a computer engineering technology professional with a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Southern Mississippi. As a Program Manager at the Mississippi Public Health Institute, he collaborates with SUD Teams to combat opioid abuse in Mississippi, providing crucial technical support when needed. With over 13 years of experience in public and mental health, Roderick's versatility shines through as he delivers technical support, maintains databases, and offers end-user training for state agencies, non-profits, and local conferences. Dedicated to leveraging technology for the betterment of his community and the State of Mississippi, Roderick is always prepared to contribute his skills and experience for a positive impact.
Roderick Thurman
Program Manager
I am Gary Touchstone, I work with the Mississippi Public Health Institute as a Data Analyst on the State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant for the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. I have worked in the areas of data analysis and data mining, Systems Engineering, RF Engineering, Data Base Administration and Systems Administration for over 25 years. I have been working with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for the past seven years in the capacity of Data Analyst. Primarily my function is to ensure data collection and compliance with federal reporting rules for individuals with substance use disorders within the state of Mississippi. The data collected is used to measure efficacy of substance use disorder (SUD) programs within the state. This data is then used to measure the levels of recidivism so that programs can be adjusted to more effectively provide services to an individual’s needs for treatment.
Gary Touchstone
Data Analyst
I am a dedicated Program Manager serving under Jan's Substance Use Disorder (SUD) team. In my role, I have the privilege of overseeing the COSSUP 2020 grant, where I work diligently to make a positive impact on our community's well-being. Beyond my managerial responsibilities, I'm passionate about mental health. As a certified Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor, I empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide crucial support during mental health crises. Additionally, I am a certified Naloxone Trainer, equipping individuals with the life-saving knowledge to combat opioid overdose emergencies. My mission is to foster a healthier and more compassionate community, and I am committed to making a difference in the lives of those I serve.
Ronald Turner
Program Manager
Sylvia Turner
Program Manager
Christie Ulmer
Accounts Payable/ PR Accountant
Antonio Twane Williams is a dedicated public health professional and educator. He is pursuing a Doctor of Public Health at Morgan State University, complementing his Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling from Jackson State University and a bachelor’s in education from Alcorn State University. Antonio has held various academic appointments, including a faculty assistant position at the University of Maryland College Park's School of Public Health. His research interests span gender and sexuality, community organization, mental health, and HIV/AIDS advocacy. Antonio's work has been published and presented at numerous conferences, focusing on public health and LGBTQ issues. He has also served as a compliance director, program director, and senior manager in various health organizations. His commitment to service is evident through his involvement in professional and community organizations, such as the American Public Health Association.
Antonio T. Williams
HIV Director
Abby Winstead, MPH, CHES®, CPH, CPS is a Program Manager for the Substance Use Disorder Department at the Mississippi Public Health Institute in Madison, Mississippi. She holds a Master’s in Public Health-Maternal and Child Health from the University of North Texas Health Science Center and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University. Abby’s interests in prevention stem from her passion for serving others, and she has worked for MSPHI in a variety of prevention roles. Prior to her time at MSPHI, she worked as a community health coordinator in a small village in Haiti for two years with But God Ministries. She is a member of the Mississippi Public Health Association, Opioid and Heroin Data Collaborative, State Epidemiological Workgroup, and Programs of Hope as well as an instructor for Adult Mental Health First Aid and Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training.
Abby Winstead
Program Manager
Senior Amy Winter
Program Manager
