Nea Executive and Leadership Team

Jessica Parnell, the Chief Executive Officer at Nea, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the organization. This leadership role involves guiding Nea's mission to advance education and support education professionals across the nation. Parnell oversees the development and implementation of key initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and working conditions for teachers, support personnel, and faculty. The Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the organization's core values and advocacy goals, driving efforts in collective bargaining and policy influence. This position requires extensive collaboration with affiliate organizations and stakeholders to maintain Nea's substantial presence in the American education landscape. Parnell's strategic direction supports the professional development and career trajectories of members, reinforcing Nea's commitment to quality education and educator empowerment.

Jim Bender, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Nea, spearheads the organization's strategic direction and operational leadership, focusing on advancing education and supporting its professionals. Bender guides Nea's extensive network of affiliate organizations, ensuring a unified approach to advocacy and member support across thousands of communities. This executive position involves driving initiatives that improve educational conditions and outcomes, directly impacting public school teachers, support personnel, and higher education faculty. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees critical functions such as collective bargaining, policy advocacy, and professional development programs. Bender's leadership ensures Nea effectively addresses vital issues like compensation, working conditions, and curriculum standards, reinforcing the organization's commitment to its members' professional growth and career advancement within the American education landscape.

Ron Mentzer, the Chief Financial Officer at Nea, manages the organization's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. This role involves overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation to support Nea's mission of advancing education. Mentzer ensures fiscal responsibility across the extensive network of affiliate organizations, maintaining financial stability for collective bargaining and advocacy efforts. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include developing financial strategies that enhance the professional development and career trajectories of members. Mentzer's oversight supports Nea's ability to address critical issues affecting the education sector, such as compensation and working conditions, by providing sound financial management. This position is crucial for sustaining Nea's substantial presence and impact within the American education landscape.

David Boyd, the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer at Nea, orchestrates strategic initiatives and manages the organization's financial operations. This dual role ensures seamless execution of Nea's mission to advance education and support professionals by aligning administrative functions with fiscal objectives. Boyd oversees financial planning, budgeting, and resource management, providing critical support for collective bargaining and policy advocacy efforts nationwide. The Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer also facilitates communication and coordination across Nea's extensive network of affiliate organizations, enhancing operational efficiency. David Boyd's leadership ensures that financial resources effectively support programs designed to improve educational outcomes and working conditions, reinforcing Nea's commitment to its members' professional growth and career advancement.

Trista Hutchins, the Orleans Southwest Educational Association President at Nea, leads a key affiliate organization dedicated to supporting education professionals within its specific region. Hutchins champions the interests of local teachers, support personnel, and faculty, advocating for improved educational outcomes and working conditions. This leadership position involves engaging in collective bargaining and policy advocacy at the local level, directly impacting members' careers and professional development. Trista Hutchins ensures that the Orleans Southwest Educational Association effectively addresses critical issues affecting educators, such as compensation and curriculum standards. The President's role is vital in maintaining Nea's broad presence by fostering strong community-level engagement and providing essential resources and advocacy support to members throughout their professional journeys.

Jeremy Gibson, the President at Nea, directs the strategic operations and advocacy efforts for a significant segment of the organization's membership. This leadership role focuses on advancing education and supporting professionals by championing initiatives that improve learning environments and educator well-being. Gibson oversees the implementation of collective bargaining strategies and policy advocacy campaigns designed to address critical issues within the education sector. The President ensures that Nea's mission resonates across its extensive network, providing members with essential resources, training, and support to enhance their professional capabilities. Jeremy Gibson's leadership is instrumental in fostering career trajectories and reinforcing Nea's commitment to quality education and the empowerment of its diverse membership across the nation.

Rhienna Miscio, the Co President for Bethlehem Educators Association at Nea, spearheads advocacy and support for educators within the Bethlehem region. This leadership role focuses on advancing education and supporting local teachers and staff by addressing their professional needs and concerns. Miscio collaborates with fellow leadership to engage in collective bargaining and local policy advocacy, aiming to improve working conditions and educational outcomes. The Co President ensures that members receive vital resources, professional development opportunities, and advocacy support throughout their careers. Rhienna Miscio's efforts are critical in reinforcing Nea's mission at the community level, contributing to the organization's substantial presence and commitment to enhancing the professional lives of education professionals.

Shonda Justus, the PCEA Local President at Nea, leads advocacy and support initiatives for education professionals within the PCEA local chapter. This executive position focuses on advancing education and supporting members by addressing their specific professional needs and advocating for improved educational conditions. Justus directs efforts in collective bargaining and local policy initiatives, ensuring that compensation, working conditions, and curriculum standards are effectively addressed. The PCEA Local President provides members with crucial resources, training, and advocacy support to enhance their professional capabilities and career trajectories. Shonda Justus's leadership is vital for maintaining Nea's strong community presence and commitment to empowering educators and improving the education landscape.

Raeann Loy, the President at Nea, drives strategic initiatives and advocacy for a key constituent group within the organization, focusing on advancing education and supporting professionals. Loy oversees the implementation of programs designed to improve educational outcomes and working conditions, ensuring members receive comprehensive support. This leadership role involves active participation in collective bargaining and policy advocacy to address critical issues affecting educators nationwide. Raeann Loy ensures that Nea's mission is effectively communicated and executed across its network, providing members with resources and professional development opportunities. The President's focus on member empowerment and career advancement reinforces Nea's commitment to a robust and thriving education sector.

Brian Chance, the President at Nea, leads strategic efforts to advance education and support professionals within a designated area of the organization. This role involves directing initiatives that enhance educational quality and advocate for the well-being of teachers and staff. Chance oversees the execution of collective bargaining agreements and policy advocacy campaigns, addressing key concerns such as compensation and professional development. The President ensures that members have access to essential resources and support systems to foster their career growth and professional capabilities. Brian Chance's leadership is critical in strengthening Nea's presence and impact, reinforcing the organization's dedication to improving the education landscape and empowering its membership across the nation.