Nea Executive and Leadership Team

Jessica Parnell, the Chief Executive Officer at Nea, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the organization. Parnell guides Nea's mission to advance education and support education professionals across the nation. This leadership involves aligning the extensive network of affiliate organizations with core objectives, ensuring a unified approach to advocacy and member support. Parnell oversees the development and implementation of initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and working conditions for teachers, faculty, and support staff. The Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in shaping Nea's response to evolving challenges within the education sector, including policy advocacy and collective bargaining strategies. Jessica Parnell ensures that the organization remains a powerful voice for educators, driving progress in compensation, curriculum standards, and access to quality resources. The strategic direction set by Parnell impacts thousands of communities and tens of thousands of members, solidifying Nea's substantial presence in the American education landscape.

Jim Bender, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Nea, spearheads the organization's strategic vision and executive leadership. Bender drives Nea's commitment to advancing education and empowering its diverse membership, which includes public school teachers, university faculty, and retired educators. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass guiding collective bargaining efforts, shaping policy advocacy, and fostering professional development programs nationwide. Bender ensures that Nea effectively addresses critical issues such as educator compensation, working conditions, and curriculum standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with affiliate organizations across thousands of communities to amplify the collective voice of educators. Jim Bender's strategic oversight is fundamental to enhancing educational outcomes and supporting members throughout their careers. The President & Chief Executive Officer's influence extends across the American education landscape, reinforcing Nea's position as a leading professional organization.

Jennifer Clutter, the Chief Financial Officer at Nea, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Clutter oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility across Nea's extensive national network. The Chief Financial Officer's role is vital in supporting the organization's mission to advance education and advocate for educators. Clutter directs financial strategies that enable professional development initiatives, collective bargaining support, and policy advocacy efforts. By maintaining robust financial controls, Jennifer Clutter ensures that Nea can effectively invest in programs that improve educational outcomes and working conditions for its members. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is crucial for navigating the financial complexities of a large membership organization with a presence in thousands of communities. Clutter's leadership guarantees the sustainable funding required to uphold Nea's commitment to educators and the education sector.

David Boyd, the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer at Nea, provides critical leadership across both operational strategy and financial management. Boyd ensures seamless execution of Nea's mission by aligning internal operations with the organization's advocacy and professional development goals. As Chief Financial Officer, Boyd oversees financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, guaranteeing fiscal integrity for the national organization. The Chief of Staff function involves coordinating executive initiatives, managing key projects, and facilitating communication across Nea's broad network of affiliate organizations. David Boyd's dual role is essential for driving efficiency and effectiveness in supporting public school teachers, university faculty, and other education professionals. This leadership ensures that Nea can continue to champion improvements in compensation, working conditions, and educational outcomes across thousands of communities. Boyd's strategic oversight strengthens Nea's capacity to serve its members and impact the American education landscape.

Tonia Natesan, the Chief Financial Officer, Planning & Budgeting Office of at Nea, directs the strategic financial planning and budgeting processes for the organization. Natesan is responsible for developing comprehensive financial models that support Nea's mission to advance education and advocate for its members. This role involves meticulous oversight of budget allocation, ensuring resources are effectively deployed to enhance professional development, collective bargaining, and policy initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is critical in guiding Nea's financial trajectory, enabling sustained support for educators and improvements in educational conditions nationwide. Tonia Natesan ensures financial discipline and strategic foresight, crucial for an organization with a substantial presence across thousands of communities. Natesan's leadership in planning and budgeting underpins Nea's ability to address critical issues affecting the education sector and maintain its impactful role in the American education landscape.

Tyra Holt, the Chief Financial Officer, Shared Capacity at Nea, optimizes financial resources and operational efficiencies across the organization's shared services. Holt manages the financial aspects of collaborative initiatives, ensuring that shared capacity models effectively support Nea's core mission of advancing education and advocating for professionals. This role involves strategic financial oversight to maximize the impact of resources dedicated to professional development, collective bargaining, and policy advocacy. The Chief Financial Officer's focus on shared capacity ensures that Nea leverages its financial strength across its extensive national network, benefiting tens of thousands of members. Tyra Holt's financial acumen is vital for driving cost-effectiveness and enhancing the delivery of services to educators in thousands of communities. Holt's leadership ensures that Nea's financial structure robustly supports its commitment to improving educational outcomes and working conditions across the American education landscape.

Brian Chance, the President at Nea, leads the organization's strategic direction and advocacy efforts on behalf of education professionals. Chance champions Nea's mission to advance education and improve the working conditions and compensation for teachers, faculty, and support staff nationwide. The President's role involves spearheading policy advocacy, guiding collective bargaining strategies, and fostering professional development programs that empower members throughout their careers. Brian Chance works closely with affiliate organizations across thousands of communities to amplify the collective voice of educators and address critical issues impacting the education sector. This leadership ensures Nea remains a powerful force for positive change in the American education landscape. Chance's commitment is fundamental to enhancing educational outcomes and supporting the professional growth of tens of thousands of members.

Rhienna Miscio, the Co President for Bethlehem Educators Association at Nea, drives local advocacy and member support within the Bethlehem region. Miscio collaborates with fellow leadership to advance educational goals and champion the rights and professional development of educators in the local affiliate. This role involves direct engagement with members to address specific concerns regarding working conditions, compensation, and curriculum implementation. Rhienna Miscio works to ensure that the Bethlehem Educators Association effectively implements Nea's broader mission at the community level, fostering a supportive environment for teachers and staff. The Co President's efforts are crucial for translating national advocacy into tangible improvements for educators on the ground. Miscio's leadership strengthens Nea's presence in thousands of communities by empowering local associations to meet the unique needs of their members.

Shonda Justus, the PCEA Local President at Nea, leads advocacy and member engagement for the PCEA affiliate, representing educators within its jurisdiction. Justus directs efforts to improve local educational environments, focusing on critical issues such as compensation, working conditions, and professional development opportunities for teachers and staff. The PCEA Local President works to ensure that the collective voice of educators is heard and acted upon within the local community. Shonda Justus plays a key part in implementing Nea's national strategies at the grassroots level, fostering a strong network of support for education professionals. This leadership is vital for enhancing educational outcomes and supporting members' career trajectories within the specific context of the PCEA's reach. Justus's dedication strengthens Nea's impact across thousands of communities by empowering local leadership.

Trista Hutchins, the Orleans Southwest Educational Association President at Nea, leads the local affiliate's initiatives to support and advocate for educators in the Orleans Southwest region. Hutchins directs efforts focused on enhancing working conditions, securing fair compensation, and promoting professional growth for teachers and support personnel. The President's role involves actively engaging with members to understand and address their specific needs and concerns, ensuring local alignment with Nea's broader mission. Trista Hutchins champions educational improvements within the community, working to foster a positive and productive learning environment. This leadership is essential for translating national advocacy into effective local action, strengthening Nea's presence across thousands of communities. Hutchins's commitment directly contributes to improving educational outcomes and supporting the professional lives of educators.