Staff

Evonna Lucas serves as Program Manager for the Alliance.

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

Donnebra Grant serves as Chief Programming Officer (CPO) at the Alliance.  In this role, Donnebra is be responsible for leading the strategic planning, development, and implementation of our organization’s programs; fostering trust and collaboration among the Alliance team, community partners, members, the public, and stakeholders, while building strategic partnerships and developing special projects and initiatives

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 Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager for the Alliance.  She is responsible for helping develop, establish, and promote the Alliance brand and communication strategy; creating, coordinating, and executing communications that increase public awareness and market the organization’s programs and services. Melissa received a BBA in marketing management from the University of Southern

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

Currently serving as the Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships, Jamie manages the affinity/policy groups that focus on increased learning, collaboration, and funding around critical policy issues. These affinity groups engage both non-profit and philanthropic partners to develop and implement strategies and public policies that produce positive impacts for children, families, and communities in Mississippi.

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