Nea Executive and Leadership Team

Jessica Parnell, the Chief Executive Officer at Nea, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Parnell manages the alignment of advocacy efforts with the needs of public school teachers and university faculty across the nation. By overseeing the implementation of policy initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization maintains a strong presence in the American education landscape. This leadership role involves coordinating with affiliate organizations to improve working conditions and compensation standards for members. Jessica Parnell actively monitors the impact of educational reforms on classroom environments. Through rigorous engagement with stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary to support professional development programs. Parnell drives the long-term mission of the organization by fostering collaboration between educators and policymakers. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the collective voice of the membership to enhance educational outcomes nationwide.

Jim Bender, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Nea, leads the executive team in executing the core mission of supporting education professionals. Bender oversees the national advocacy agenda, focusing on curriculum standards and access to quality educational resources. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Bender facilitates high-level negotiations that directly influence the professional trajectories of teachers and support personnel. This role requires constant interaction with the Board to ensure that organizational goals remain consistent with the evolving needs of the education sector. Jim Bender drives initiatives that expand the reach of the organization into diverse communities across the country. By prioritizing the needs of students and educators, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the organization's collective bargaining efforts. Bender ensures that all strategic decisions promote sustainable growth and improved conditions for members throughout their careers.

Jennifer Clutter, the Chief Financial Officer at Nea, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire organization. Clutter oversees the financial planning required to sustain advocacy programs and professional development initiatives for members. As the Chief Financial Officer, Clutter ensures that all budgetary decisions support the long-term stability of the organization's extensive network of affiliates. This leadership role involves analyzing economic trends within the education sector to optimize funding for critical member services. Jennifer Clutter directs the financial reporting processes that maintain transparency and accountability to the membership. By implementing robust fiscal controls, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets necessary for ongoing policy advocacy and collective bargaining efforts. Clutter works closely with other C-suite leaders to align financial resources with the strategic mission of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation required to advance educational outcomes.

Tonia Natesan, the Chief Financial Officer, Planning & Budgeting Office of at Nea, manages the strategic allocation of funds for specific organizational planning and budgeting cycles. Natesan oversees the development of detailed financial models that support the long-term goals of the organization. As the Chief Financial Officer, Planning & Budgeting Office of, Natesan ensures that every department receives the necessary financial support to execute its specific advocacy and professional development programs. This role involves coordinating with regional affiliates to align local budgeting needs with the broader national mission. Tonia Natesan drives the process of identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining the quality of services provided to members. By monitoring budget performance, the Chief Financial Officer, Planning & Budgeting Office of provides the executive team with the data required for informed decision-making. Natesan ensures that all financial planning activities remain focused on improving educational conditions and outcomes.

David Boyd, the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer at Nea, coordinates the daily operations of the executive office while maintaining oversight of financial integrity. Boyd manages the flow of information between the leadership team and the various departments to ensure operational alignment. As the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer, Boyd directs the integration of financial strategy into the organization's broader administrative functions. This role involves overseeing the execution of high-priority projects that impact the entire membership base. David Boyd drives the efficiency of the executive team by streamlining communication and decision-making processes. By balancing administrative oversight with financial management, the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization remains agile in its advocacy efforts. Boyd works to maintain the fiscal health of the organization while supporting the strategic initiatives led by the President and other executives.

Tyra Holt, the Chief Financial Officer, Shared Capacity at Nea, manages the financial resources dedicated to shared services and cross-functional support across the organization. Holt oversees the distribution of funds that enable different departments to collaborate on large-scale advocacy and professional development initiatives. As the Chief Financial Officer, Shared Capacity, Holt ensures that shared resources are utilized effectively to maximize the impact of the organization's work in the education sector. This role involves developing financial frameworks that support the needs of diverse member groups, including students and retired educators. Tyra Holt drives the optimization of shared service models to reduce operational redundancies. By providing financial oversight for these collaborative efforts, the Chief Financial Officer, Shared Capacity enables the organization to maintain a consistent presence in communities nationwide. Holt ensures that all shared financial activities align with the core mission of advancing education.

Brian Chance, the President at Nea, represents the organization in its mission to advocate for educators and improve educational conditions. Chance oversees the development of policy positions that address critical issues such as curriculum standards and compensation. As the President, Chance facilitates engagement with affiliate organizations to ensure that the voices of teachers and support personnel remain central to the organization's advocacy efforts. This leadership role involves building relationships with key stakeholders to advance the interests of the membership. Brian Chance drives the public-facing initiatives that highlight the importance of quality educational resources. By leading the organization's efforts in collective bargaining and policy advocacy, the President ensures that the needs of the education community are met at both local and national levels. Chance works to foster a culture of professional excellence and continuous improvement throughout the entire organization.

Mike Friedman, the Chief Technology Officer at Nea, architects the digital infrastructure that supports the organization's vast network of educators and students. Friedman oversees the development of platforms designed to facilitate professional development and networking opportunities across the nation. As the Chief Technology Officer, Friedman ensures that all technological systems provide secure and efficient access to research and best practices in the education field. This role involves integrating advanced data analytics to track the effectiveness of advocacy initiatives and member support programs. Mike Friedman drives the digital transformation of the organization to enhance communication between affiliates and the central office. By modernizing the technological landscape, the Chief Technology Officer enables the organization to respond rapidly to critical issues affecting the education sector. Friedman collaborates with the executive team to leverage technology for improved member engagement and operational efficiency.