MASS Fuels Momentum with New Board of Directors
Education leaders focus on advancing public education
JACKSON ― Continuing its long-standing tradition of leadership and advocacy, the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents has announced its board of directors for 2025-26. This diverse group of education leaders from across the state has a bold mission of advancing public education and strengthening Mississippi’s schools for the future.
MASS has been a trusted advocate for public education since 1969, advancing policies that improve student outcomes and support school leaders. Through collaboration, professional development, and targeted advocacy, the organization empowers superintendents to lead with confidence and ensures all Mississippi regions have a voice in shaping the future of education.
“The MASS board brings together passionate, experienced leaders who have committed their careers to strengthening Mississippi’s public schools,” said Dr. Phil Burchfield, executive director of MASS. “With a dynamic mix of new and returning members, our board is well-positioned to provide steady leadership, fresh perspectives, and the momentum needed to move public education forward in our state.”
Leading the board as president is Tyler Hansford, superintendent, Union School District. He is joined at the executive level by president-elect Christie Holly, superintendent, Tishomingo County School District; secretary Cory Uselton, superintendent, DeSoto Coutny School District; treasurer Alan Lumpkin, superintendent, Scott County School District; and past president Jessie King, superintendent, Leland School District.
District representatives are superintendents Tony Elliott, South Tippah School District; Chris Fleming Senatobia Municipal School District; Lisa Bramuchi, Cleveland Public School District; Adrian Hammitte, Jefferson County School District; Hilute Hudson, Kemper County School District; Amy Carter, Meridian Public School District; Jay Smith, North Pike School District; Roderick Henderson, Brookhaven School District; Tommy Branch, Wayne County School District; and Taliah Lock, Long Beach School District.
At-large members include superintendents Regina Biggers, Benton County School District; Brock Puckett, Pontotoc County School District; Lawrence Hudson, Western Line School District; Irene Walton Turnage, Holly Springs School District; and Toriano Holloway, Vicksburg-Warren School District.
Board members meet several times a year to set the association’s goals and priorities and identify legislative issues of interest to Mississippi’s public education system. By proactively engaging with members of the State Legislature, the Mississippi Department of Education and other groups, MASS ensures that the statewide education community has input into legislation that impacts public schools.
Through its outreach and coalition-building efforts, MASS has successfully advocated for higher teacher pay, stronger certification standards, improved hiring and recruiting practices, and other strategies to strengthen Mississippi’s teacher workforce.
“MASS shows the power of collaboration in building a stronger future for Mississippi,” said Tyler Hansford, board president. “Our focus is on creating opportunities for every student by strengthening our schools, supporting our leaders, and driving meaningful progress across the state. That’s the mission we’re committed to advancing this year.”
The Mississippi Association of School Superintendents and the Alliance of Educational Leaders of Mississippi is a non-profit association whose membership is made up of 139 public school superintendents and more than 2,000 public school administrators. Its mission is to provide resources, advocacy, leadership, policy information, training, support, renewal, and public relations services that improve the quality of public education.