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 United States. By aligning internal resources with national educational goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that collective bargaining efforts remain effective and impactful. Parnell maintains constant communication with affiliate organizations to address critical issues like curriculum standards and educator compensation. This leadership role involves navigating complex policy landscapes to secure better working conditions for members. Through rigorous oversight of organizational initiatives, Jessica Parnell strengthens the professional capabilities of educators nationwide. The Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of excellence, ensuring that every program supports the broader mission of improving educational outcomes. Ultimately, Parnell secures the long-term sustainability of the organization by championing the needs of those who work within the American education landscape.

Jim Bender, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Nea, manages the executive operations and organizational growth of the entity. Bender drives the implementation of large-scale professional development programs designed to enhance career trajectories for educators. Overseeing the integration of research and best practices, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that members receive high-quality training and advocacy support. Jim Bender coordinates with regional affiliates to expand the reach of the organization into diverse communities. This leadership role requires balancing immediate member needs with long-term policy goals that impact the entire education sector. By optimizing operational efficiency, Bender supports the expansion of resources available to support personnel and students pursuing teaching careers. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility while advancing the core mission of the organization. Through strategic decision-making, Bender strengthens the influence of the organization within the national education landscape.

Moshe Buchnik, the Chief Financial Officer at Nea, directs the financial health and resource allocation strategies for the organization. Buchnik architects robust fiscal frameworks that support collective bargaining and policy advocacy initiatives. By monitoring economic trends within the education sector, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funds are directed toward programs that improve educational outcomes. Moshe Buchnik manages the budgetary requirements for national affiliate networks, providing the necessary capital to sustain professional development programs. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of financial data to mitigate risks and maximize the impact of member dues. Through careful stewardship of assets, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to provide consistent support to teachers and staff. Buchnik collaborates with other executive leaders to align financial goals with the overarching mission of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability required to advocate for better working conditions across the country.

David Boyd, the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer at Nea, synchronizes internal operations with financial planning to drive organizational efficiency. Boyd architects the administrative workflows that allow the organization to respond rapidly to emerging issues in the education sector. As the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer, Boyd oversees the allocation of resources to support advocacy efforts and member networking opportunities. David Boyd ensures that the executive team remains aligned on strategic priorities, facilitating seamless communication across all departments. This leadership role involves managing the intersection of operational logistics and fiscal accountability. By streamlining internal processes, Boyd enhances the ability of the organization to provide high-quality training and research to its members. The Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the advancement of education professionals. Through this dual-focused approach, Boyd supports the long-term growth of the organization.

Tonia Natesan, the Chief Financial Officer, Planning & Budgeting Office of at Nea, leads the long-term financial forecasting and strategic budgeting processes. Natesan architects detailed financial models that guide the organization in allocating funds for policy advocacy and professional development. By analyzing the budgetary needs of various affiliate organizations, the Chief Financial Officer, Planning & Budgeting Office of ensures that resources reach the communities where they are needed most. Tonia Natesan manages the complex task of balancing immediate operational costs with the long-term goals of the organization. This leadership role involves working closely with department heads to ensure that all initiatives remain within fiscal constraints while maximizing impact. Through precise planning, the Chief Financial Officer, Planning & Budgeting Office of supports the organization in addressing critical issues like curriculum standards and educator compensation. Natesan provides the financial clarity necessary for the executive team to make informed decisions that benefit educators across the nation.

Tyra Holt, the Chief Financial Officer, Shared Capacity at Nea, oversees the distribution of shared financial resources across the organization's extensive network. Holt architects systems that allow for the efficient sharing of capital and administrative support among various affiliate organizations. By managing shared capacity, the Chief Financial Officer, Shared Capacity ensures that smaller or regional groups have access to the same high-quality research and training as larger entities. Tyra Holt coordinates with regional leaders to identify areas where financial support can drive the greatest improvement in educational conditions. This leadership role involves optimizing the use of shared assets to reduce overhead and increase the effectiveness of advocacy efforts. Through strategic resource management, the Chief Financial Officer, Shared Capacity enables the organization to maintain a substantial presence in the American education landscape. Holt ensures that financial operations remain flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of members, from students to retired educators.

Brian Chance, the President at Nea, represents the organization in high-level negotiations and public advocacy efforts. Chance architects partnerships with educational institutions and policy makers to advance the mission of supporting those who work in education. By leading public-facing initiatives, the President ensures that the concerns of teachers and support personnel remain at the forefront of national discourse. Brian Chance engages in collective bargaining to secure better compensation and working conditions for members. This leadership role involves traveling across the country to connect with affiliate organizations and understand the unique challenges faced by educators in different regions. Through active advocacy, the President strengthens the influence of the organization in the American education landscape. Chance fosters a sense of unity among members, encouraging participation in professional development and networking opportunities. Ultimately, the President drives the organization toward its goal of improving educational outcomes through persistent and effective representation.

Rhienna Miscio, the Co President for Bethlehem Educators Association at Nea, manages local advocacy and member support within specific regional jurisdictions. Miscio architects grassroots campaigns that address local curriculum standards and working conditions for educators. By serving as the Co President for Bethlehem Educators Association, Miscio ensures that the national mission of the organization is translated into actionable local initiatives. Rhienna Miscio facilitates networking opportunities for teachers and staff, fostering a collaborative environment that supports professional growth. This leadership role involves direct engagement with members to understand their daily challenges and provide the necessary advocacy support. Through local leadership, the Co President for Bethlehem Educators Association strengthens the overall network of the organization. Miscio coordinates with regional affiliates to share best practices and research, ensuring that local members benefit from the broader resources of the organization. Ultimately, Miscio drives improvements in educational conditions at the community level.

Raeann Loy, the President at Nea, focuses on the expansion of professional development programs and member engagement strategies. Loy architects initiatives that provide educators with access to the latest research and best practices in the field. By leading the organization's efforts to enhance professional capabilities, the President ensures that members remain equipped to handle the evolving demands of the education sector. Raeann Loy collaborates with other leaders to design training programs that support career trajectories for both new and experienced educators. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of programs that improve educational outcomes in diverse learning environments. Through strategic outreach, the President strengthens the connection between the organization and its members across the nation. Loy maintains a focus on providing tangible value to educators, ensuring that the organization remains a vital resource for professional growth. Ultimately, the President drives the organization's commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

Joel Sherard, the President at Nea, directs the organization's efforts in policy advocacy and legislative engagement. Sherard architects strategies to influence educational policy at the national level, ensuring that the voices of educators are heard by decision-makers. By leading the charge on critical issues such as access to quality educational resources, the President works to create a more equitable education system. Joel Sherard coordinates with affiliate organizations to mobilize members for collective action and advocacy. This leadership role involves analyzing legislative proposals and their potential impact on the education sector. Through persistent advocacy, the President strengthens the organization's ability to shape the future of American education. Sherard fosters collaboration between teachers, support personnel, and university faculty to create a unified front for change. Ultimately, the President drives the organization's mission by ensuring that policy decisions reflect the needs and expertise of those who work within the education landscape.