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.
"As the Chairperson, I hope to advocate for our students and parents. I appreciate being able to bring my thoughts and ideas to Policy Council and hope to have meaningful impact on my kids and their classmates."
Spotlight on Elizabeth Axe, Head Start / Early Head Start Policy Council Chairwoman
Meet Elizabeth Axe, a second-year Policy Council member helping to represent parents across the region. Before becoming Chairperson this year, Axe served as Policy Council Treasurer last year.
Axe has twins that are students at MCCAA’s Murfreesboro campus and has loved their growth and is proud of their development at Head Start.
Brook hopes to make a lasting impact on the Head Start Policy Council by demonstrating strong leadership and advocating for students and parents. We are grateful to have Brook’s leadership and dedication on the council this year!
