The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi has elected its 2025 Board Chair and officers, welcoming four new Board members representing DeSoto and Coahoma Counties.
Billy Myers, an attorney from DeSoto County who has practiced law for more than 40 years, has been elected as the Foundation’s 2025 Board Chair. A graduate of the University of Mississippi with both a bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor, Myers was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1978. He is the founder of Myers Law Group, which has offices in Hernando and Oxford. Myers is a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation and a member of the Mississippi Bar, American Bar Association, American Inns of Court, and the Mississippi and American Trial Lawyers Associations. In addition to his legal career, Myers played a key role in establishing the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi in 2002 and was instrumental in writing the organization’s bylaws.
“It is an honor to serve as Board Chair of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi,” said Myers. “This organization plays a vital role in strengthening our communities by connecting people with causes that matter. I look forward to working with our dedicated Board and staff to expand our impact and ensure long-term support for the nonprofits, schools, and initiatives that make our region stronger.”
Ann H. Lamar, 2024 Board Chair and retired Mississippi Supreme Court Justice, formally passed the gavel over to Myers at the Community Foundation’s 2025 Strategic Planning meeting in Greenwood, Mississippi. Reflecting on her tenure, Lamar shared: “Serving as Board Chair for the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi has been a privilege. I am proud of the work we have accomplished to support and strengthen our communities. I have full confidence that under Billy Myers’ leadership, the Foundation will continue to grow its impact and help create lasting change throughout our region.”
Keith Fulcher, President of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, expressed his enthusiasm about the new leadership and the Foundation’s future: “The continued growth and success of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi is made possible by the dedication and vision of our Board members. We are thrilled to welcome Billy Myers as Board Chair, as well as our new and returning Board members. Together, we will work to ensure that the Foundation’s efforts continue to benefit the communities we serve, today and for generations to come.”
The 2025 Board Officers include Vice Chair Cindy Gordon, retired Area Manager for Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation; Secretary Colie Sanford, President of Guaranty Bank and Trust Hernando; and Treasurer Becky Beard, Partner at Williams, Pitts, & Beard, PLLC.
In addition to its newly elected officers, the Foundation welcomes four new Board members, each bringing valuable experience and leadership: Crandall Craigen (DeSoto County), Senior Vice President at Primerica; Sandy Lipscomb (DeSoto County), retired Director at Mississippi State Extension Services; Sanford Johnson (Coahoma County), Mississippi Executive Director at TeachPlus; and Colie Sanford (DeSoto County), President of Guaranty Bank and Trust Hernando, returning for a second term.
The returning Board members continue to provide valuable leadership and expertise across various sectors. They include: Mickey Aldridge (Panola County), Principal at Williams, Pitts, & Beard; John Rodgers Brashier (Sunflower County), Managing Partner at Delta Pride Catfish; Will Brown (DeSoto County), Wealth Advisor and Partner at Bright River Private Wealth; Cynthia Pride Gleeton (DeSoto County), Owner of Sugaring NYC Oxford; Robin Hurdle (DeSoto County), President of the Maddox Foundation; Kirkwood McClintock (Tunica County), Search Consultant at ST Search & Consulting; Mimi Mehrle (Quitman County), Community Volunteer; Lisa Melton (Leflore County), Speech Language Pathologist; and Jack Nichols (Lafayette County), Attorney and Trustee at M&J Creekmore Foundation Trust.
Additional returning members are Becky Nowell (Bolivar County), Community Volunteer; Toya Brooks Pride (DeSoto County), Realtor at RE/MAX Realty Group; Linda Turner (Marshall County), Executive Director at Alliance Charitable Foundation; Julia Mitchener Turnipseed (Tallahatchie County), Mitchener Planting Company; and Ravonda Griffin Willis (DeSoto County), Partner at Perry Griffin, PC.