Nea Executive and Leadership Team

Jessica Parnell, the Chief Executive Officer at Nea, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Parnell architects high-level advocacy campaigns that support public school teachers and university faculty across the nation. By aligning internal resources with national policy goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that educational outcomes remain the primary focus of all labor union activities. Parnell manages complex relationships with affiliate organizations to maintain a unified voice in the American education landscape. This leadership role involves constant engagement with stakeholders to improve working conditions and compensation standards for members. Through rigorous oversight of organizational initiatives, Jessica Parnell secures the long-term viability of professional development programs. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a sharp focus on expanding the reach of the organization into diverse communities, ensuring that every educator receives necessary support and advocacy to thrive within the modern classroom environment.

Jim Bender, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Nea, leads the executive team in executing the core mission of advancing education. Bender oversees the integration of collective bargaining efforts with broader policy advocacy to protect the interests of support personnel and retired educators. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Bender drives the implementation of national standards that enhance the professional capabilities of members. This role requires constant coordination with regional affiliates to ensure consistent delivery of training and research resources. Jim Bender maintains a focus on legislative impact, working to influence curriculum standards and access to quality educational materials. By fostering a culture of excellence, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the organization's presence in thousands of communities. Bender ensures that all operational activities align with the goal of improving educational conditions, ultimately securing a stronger future for students and teaching professionals alike.

Moshe Buchnik, the Chief Financial Officer at Nea, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation of the organization. Buchnik directs the financial planning and analysis required to fund large-scale advocacy and professional development programs. As the Chief Financial Officer, Buchnik oversees the budgeting process for national initiatives, ensuring that capital supports the needs of teachers and support personnel. This role involves maintaining transparency in financial reporting to sustain member trust and organizational integrity. Moshe Buchnik monitors economic trends affecting the education sector, providing data-driven insights to the executive team for strategic decision-making. By securing the financial foundation of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer enables the expansion of services into new communities. Buchnik ensures that all fiscal activities align with the long-term mission of improving educational conditions, providing the necessary monetary support to drive policy advocacy and collective bargaining efforts across the nation.

David Boyd, the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer at Nea, synchronizes executive operations with financial strategy. Boyd directs the administrative functions of the leadership office while simultaneously overseeing the organization's investment and expenditure policies. As the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer, Boyd manages the flow of information to the Board, ensuring that financial constraints inform all strategic decisions. This role involves balancing the immediate needs of member advocacy with the long-term fiscal sustainability of the organization. David Boyd monitors the performance of various departments to ensure alignment with the core mission of supporting educators. By integrating operational management with financial oversight, the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer optimizes the use of resources across the national network. Boyd ensures that all administrative and fiscal activities contribute to the improvement of educational outcomes, providing a cohesive approach to organizational leadership and resource management.

Tyra Holt, the Chief Financial Officer, Shared Capacity at Nea, manages the distribution of financial resources across shared service departments. Holt directs the allocation of funds to support collaborative projects between different affiliate organizations and national programs. As the Chief Financial Officer, Shared Capacity, Holt ensures that shared resources are utilized efficiently to maximize the impact of professional development and advocacy initiatives. This role involves coordinating with various stakeholders to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising the quality of member services. Tyra Holt monitors the financial health of shared initiatives, providing regular updates to the executive team to ensure alignment with organizational goals. By focusing on the collaborative aspects of fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer, Shared Capacity, strengthens the unity of the organization. Holt ensures that all shared financial activities support the mission of improving educational conditions for teachers and students nationwide.

Brian Chance, the President at Nea, represents the organization in high-level negotiations and public advocacy efforts. Chance directs the engagement with policymakers to influence curriculum standards and educational funding at the national level. As the President, Chance leads the efforts to mobilize members for collective bargaining and grassroots campaigns. This role involves building coalitions with other education-focused entities to amplify the voice of teachers and support personnel. Brian Chance monitors the political landscape to identify opportunities for advancing the organization's mission and improving educational outcomes. By providing a strong public face for the organization, the President inspires members and fosters a sense of community across the nation. Chance ensures that all advocacy activities remain focused on the needs of educators, providing the leadership necessary to drive systemic change and secure better working conditions for all professionals within the education sector.

Mike Friedman, the Chief Technology Officer at Nea, architects the digital infrastructure that connects educators across the country. Friedman directs the development of online platforms used for professional development, research access, and member networking. As the Chief Technology Officer, Friedman manages the cybersecurity and data systems that protect sensitive information for thousands of members. This role involves implementing innovative software solutions to streamline collective bargaining and policy advocacy efforts. Mike Friedman oversees the integration of new technologies into the organization's service model, ensuring that teachers and students have access to modern educational resources. By driving digital transformation, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the efficiency of communication between national and local affiliates. Friedman ensures that the technological framework supports the organization's mission, providing a robust and secure environment for all members to engage with professional best practices and training initiatives.

Monness Wittiness, the Managing Director at Nea, coordinates the daily operational functions that sustain the organization's extensive network. Wittiness directs the administrative workflows that support college faculty and staff, ensuring that professional development initiatives reach members efficiently. As the Managing Director, Wittiness manages the internal infrastructure required to facilitate networking opportunities and research dissemination. This leadership role involves streamlining communication between national headquarters and local affiliates to maintain operational consistency. Monness Wittiness monitors the effectiveness of member support programs, adjusting strategies to meet evolving needs within the education sector. By optimizing internal processes, the Managing Director enhances the overall capacity of the organization to advocate for better working conditions. Wittiness ensures that all departments function in harmony, providing a stable foundation for the broader mission of improving educational outcomes across the United States through disciplined management and resource allocation.