Staff

Cynthia Hines serves as our Chief Program Officer is a key member of the Alliance’s leadership team. Her primary responsibilities include designing and implementing Alliance programs and services, expanding outreach, building strategic partnerships and developing special projects and initiatives with external partners while fostering trust and collaboration among Alliance staff, community partners, members, the public, […]

Evonna Lucas serves as Program Manager for the Alliance. She brings a wealth of skills and local insight to her role, organizing, managing, and coordinating various programs and initiatives that make a significant impact in strengthening the organization’s outreach and effectiveness. Her educational foundation in communications from Mississippi Valley State University supports her ability to

Willette Y. Thomas serves as the Executive Coordinator for the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofit and Philanthropy. In this role, she supports the Executive Director, oversees interoffice operations, and acts as the liaison to the Board of Directors. A native of Vaiden, Mississippi, Willette earned her degree in Journalism with a minor in African American Studies

Michael C. Martella serves as the Programs and Strategy Associate here at the Alliance.  He is responsible for providing a wide range of support to the Alliance’s program team, including assistance in the planning and management of the training and capacity building unit, membership, and policy.

Melissa Butler serves as the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager for the Alliance. In this role, she is responsible championing the marketing and communication of the Alliance’s core values and purpose and developing the MarComm strategic plan and calendar. Melissa is dedicated to stewarding the organization’s brand image and enhancing its visibility by engaging members,

Jason is a native of Summit, MS and became an avid golfer at North Pike School District. Jason also played for the Mississippi College golf team. Jason loves college sports, is married to Holly Easley and has 2 children at Ole Miss. He also enjoys movies and TV shows on demand and enjoys eating out or grilling with friends.

DeLorean King serves as the Programming and Membership Associate here at the Alliance. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, she graduated from Mississippi State University with two bachelor’s degrees, one in finance and one in risk management and insurance (RMI); and earned her MBA in Finance from Millsaps College.  DeLorean is a member of Beta Gamma

Jamie serves as Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships, where she manages affinity and policy groups focused on fostering increased learning, collaboration, and funding around critical policy issues. These groups bring together nonprofit and philanthropic partners to develop and implement strategies and public policies that create positive, lasting impacts for children, families, and communities across

Ellen Collins serves as the executive director for the Alliance.  In this role, Ellen provides leadership and support to nonprofit and philanthropic organizations in their efforts to strengthen Mississippi’s children, families, and communities. Her work involves interaction with nonprofits organizations, foundations, United Ways, public sector entities, and businesses throughout the state. She is also responsible