Governance
Tripartite Board of Directors:
As a Community Action Agency, the agency’s governing board of directors is subject to the requirements outlined in the CSBG Act and Information Memorandum 82. MCCAA is required to have a tripartite board. This simply means that our board is made of three parts:
Target Sector– a person who is a member of or affiliated with the low-income community
Public Sector– a person who is either an elected official or appointed by an elected official
Private Sector– a person who is a private citizen or business person
MCCAA is required to have one member from each sector for every county in which the agency administers Community Service programs. Additionally, the Head Start program also provides guidance on the composition of the agency’s board of directors.
The board of directors are responsible for providing fiscal oversight and strategic guidance that fosters an environment of success for the agency. The Board of Directors meets bi-monthly. The meetings are open to the public.
“Everyone at MCCAA truly embodies the characteristics and traits of those who dedicate their lives to helping those in need and making the world better. They are the change you want to see. It is my goal to support MCCAA in their current projects and together envision new ways, new projects, new goals to strengthen community relationships and partnerships to bring more services to those in need.”
Spotlight on Rachel Jones, MCCAA Chairman of the Board of Directors
Rachel Jones hails from Middle Tennessee. Growing up as a Preacher’s daughter and a Daddy’s girl, Rachel was raised with small town values and a sense of community.
After graduating from Trousdale County Highschool, Rachel went on the earn her Nursing Degree from Tennessee State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Rachel has an extensive background in working within the community: she served as the Chairman of the Republican Party in Trousdale County from 2019-2023, serving as Vice-Chairman since 2023. Rachel has also served as a County Commissioner for the 9th District of Trousdale County from 2017-2022.
Rachel joined the Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency Board of Director in 2021 and was elected Board Chairman in October 2024. Rachel cites being elected as Chairman, to be entrusted with the role by her peers, as one of the proudest, yet most humbling moments in her life.
Rachel currently livers in Hartsville, TN with her youngest daughter, Julia, who is currently a freshman at Cumberland University. Her oldest daughter, Olivia, resides in Chattanooga and is expected to graduate from UT Chattanooga in May with her Master’s Degree in Education.
Rachel enjoys politics, reading, and running. She has one cat, Woodrow or Woody (depending on the day) who is 14 years old.
Head Start Policy Council:
The Head Start Policy Council is an important part of agency governance. The Policy Council provides valuable input and guidance in most aspects of the Head Start program administration, ensuring that the parents of Head Start are represented in the decision-making process.
The Policy Council is comprised of parent representatives and community members from each county served by the program. The community members participating on Policy Council must be familiar with early childhood education and development or barriers inherent in the low-income community. Parent representatives are elected by his or her peers in an open election at each site.
“Being Policy Council Chair to me means leadership, trust, and responsibility. I am so blessed our council has voted me and trusted me with this position that has opened several doors for me elsewhere in the Head Start world. I love being that person that people can count on to be there and speak up in needed times and situations. It's a responsibility that some don't feel comfortable enough to take on and I'm blessed that I can be that leader to step in and do those difficult things.”
Spotlight on Brook Johnson, Head Start Early Head Start Policy Council Chairwoman
Meet Brook Johnson, a proud mother of two daughters and resident of the Hartsville community in Trousdale County. Her favorite activities include traveling with her girls and exploring new experiences. She and her family are actively involved in their church and love spending time outdoors.
Before becoming a homemaker, Brook worked as a barber stylist and enjoyed the satisfaction of making people feel good about themselves. When the Site Manager for Hartsville Head Start, Jackie Mungle, invited her to join the Policy Council as a site representative, Brook eagerly accepted the opportunity. She found great joy in being part of the council and influencing the children’s learning and activities. As the Policy Council Chair, Brook takes her role seriously and sees it as a responsibility to lead with trust and accountability. She feels blessed that her council voted her into this position, which has opened doors for her in the Head Start world. Brook is a dependable leader who is willing to speak up in challenging situations.
Brook hopes to make a lasting impact on the Head Start Policy Council by demonstrating strong leadership. She believes that it’s okay to have differing opinions and that expressing those thoughts can give others a fresh perspective. We are grateful to have Brook’s leadership and dedication on the council this year!
We are grateful to Brook for her strong leadership this year!
