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 cohesive advocacy efforts. Parnell oversees the development and implementation of key initiatives focused on collective bargaining, policy advocacy, and professional development programs. The Chief Executive Officer ensures Nea effectively addresses critical issues such as compensation, working conditions, and curriculum standards. By fostering collaboration among public school teachers, support personnel, and higher education faculty, Parnell drives improvements in educational outcomes and conditions. Jessica Parnell's strategic direction solidifies Nea's substantial presence in the American education landscape, enhancing professional capabilities and career trajectories for its members.

Jim Bender, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Nea, spearheads the organization's dual focus on leadership and strategic direction. Bender drives Nea's commitment to advancing education and providing robust support for education professionals nationwide. This role encompasses guiding the organization's advocacy efforts, ensuring the collective voice of educators is heard on critical issues. Bender oversees the strategic planning process, aligning Nea's extensive network of affiliate organizations with its core mission. The President & Chief Executive Officer is responsible for fostering an environment that supports improved educational outcomes and working conditions for all members. Bender's leadership ensures the organization effectively addresses challenges related to compensation, curriculum standards, and access to quality educational resources. Jim Bender's comprehensive oversight strengthens Nea's position as a vital force in the American education landscape, enhancing professional development and career advancement opportunities.

Ron Mentzer, the Chief Financial Officer at Nea, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Mentzer oversees all fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring the sustainable growth of Nea. This leadership role involves developing financial strategies that support the organization's mission of advancing education and advocating for education professionals. Mentzer ensures compliance with all financial regulations and implements robust internal controls to safeguard organizational assets. The Chief Financial Officer plays a crucial part in evaluating the financial implications of policy advocacy and collective bargaining initiatives. By providing critical financial insights, Ron Mentzer supports informed decision-making across all departments. This financial acumen is essential for maintaining Nea's extensive network and its capacity to deliver professional development programs and advocacy support nationwide.

David Boyd, the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer at Nea, directs both the strategic operational alignment and the financial stewardship of the organization. Boyd ensures that Nea's extensive network of affiliate organizations operates efficiently and effectively towards advancing education. This dual role involves overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, while simultaneously managing internal operations and cross-departmental coordination. The Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer provides critical support to the executive leadership team, facilitating the implementation of key initiatives in policy advocacy and professional development. Boyd's financial oversight guarantees the fiscal integrity of Nea's operations, supporting its mission to improve educational outcomes and conditions. David Boyd's strategic management ensures that all organizational efforts are aligned with Nea's core objectives, enhancing the professional capabilities and career trajectories of its members across the nation.

Joel Sherard, the President at Nea, leads the organization's advocacy efforts and strategic direction for advancing education. Sherard champions the interests of public school teachers, support personnel, and other education professionals across the nation. This leadership role involves guiding collective bargaining strategies and policy advocacy initiatives designed to improve working conditions and compensation. Sherard works closely with the extensive network of affiliate organizations to ensure a unified approach to addressing critical issues within the education sector. The President fosters collaboration and provides resources to enhance professional development programs. Joel Sherard's dedication to educational excellence drives Nea's mission to support its members throughout their careers and improve overall educational outcomes. This focus strengthens Nea's substantial presence in the American education landscape.

Brian Chance, the President at Nea, directs the organization's strategic initiatives aimed at advancing education and supporting its professionals. Chance leads advocacy efforts focused on improving compensation, working conditions, and curriculum standards nationwide. This role involves close collaboration with Nea's extensive network of affiliate organizations, ensuring cohesive action on critical educational issues. The President oversees the development and delivery of professional development programs designed to enhance member capabilities and career trajectories. Brian Chance champions the collective bargaining process, empowering educators and support personnel. By fostering a strong professional community, Chance reinforces Nea's commitment to improving educational outcomes and conditions across thousands of communities. Brian Chance's leadership solidifies Nea's vital role in the American education landscape.

Raeann Loy, the President at Nea, spearheads the organization's mission to advance education and champion the rights of education professionals. Loy guides strategic advocacy efforts, focusing on improving compensation, working conditions, and educational standards across the nation. This leadership position involves coordinating with Nea's broad network of affiliate organizations to ensure unified action on key issues affecting educators. The President oversees the provision of resources and professional development opportunities designed to support members' career growth. Raeann Loy is instrumental in facilitating collective bargaining and policy advocacy, ensuring the voice of educators is effectively represented. Raeann Loy's commitment to educational excellence strengthens Nea's impact and its dedication to improving learning environments and professional lives.

Jeremy Gibson, the President at Nea, leads the organization's strategic direction and advocacy for advancing education. Gibson champions the interests of educators and support personnel nationwide, focusing on enhancing working conditions and compensation. This role involves directing collaborative efforts with Nea's extensive network of affiliate organizations to address critical challenges within the education sector. The President oversees the implementation of professional development programs and resources designed to support members' career advancement. Jeremy Gibson is committed to improving educational outcomes and ensuring access to quality learning resources for all students. By fostering strong relationships with educators and stakeholders, Jeremy Gibson reinforces Nea's mission to provide comprehensive support and advocacy throughout members' professional journeys.

Rhienna Miscio, the Co President for Bethlehem Educators Association at Nea, directs local advocacy and support for educators within the Bethlehem region. Miscio focuses on advancing education and improving the professional lives of teachers and support personnel in the community. This leadership role involves spearheading initiatives related to collective bargaining, ensuring fair compensation and favorable working conditions. Rhienna Miscio collaborates closely with Nea's broader network to align local efforts with national objectives. The Co President for Bethlehem Educators Association provides essential resources and professional development opportunities to enhance member capabilities. Miscio's dedication strengthens the local chapter's ability to address specific educational challenges and advocate for improved learning environments. Rhienna Miscio's commitment ensures educators have a strong voice and robust support system.

Shonda Justus, the PCEA Local President at Nea, leads advocacy and support initiatives for educators within the PCEA local chapter. Justus champions the advancement of education and the well-being of teachers and support staff in the local community. This role involves directing efforts to improve compensation, working conditions, and professional development opportunities. Shonda Justus works to ensure the local chapter effectively addresses the unique needs of its members, aligning with Nea's national mission. The PCEA Local President facilitates collective bargaining and policy advocacy, empowering educators to enhance educational outcomes. By fostering a strong sense of community and providing essential resources, Shonda Justus strengthens the local chapter's impact and its commitment to supporting educators throughout their careers.