Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service

Call to Order

The Board Vice Chair, Becky Cade called the June 7, 2023 Board of Commissioners Meeting to order at 10:17am CST at the Embassy Suites Jackson/Ridgeland.  No virtual platform was offered for today's meeting.  Roll call was performed; quorum was satisfied.  

Roll Call

Owen Brown, II, Dr. Jo Shumake, Donna Stewart, Lisa Grantham, Becky Cade, Jennifer Hopping, Rochelle Hicks, Cole Smith, Merracle Jordan, Susan Gerrard, Quint Withers, and Meredith Aldridge.  

General Business

Board Vice Chair Cade introduced Leyser Hayes, Special Assistant Attorney General.  Mr. Edward Wiggins, Board Counsel, could not attend; Ms. Hayes graciously sat proxy.

Approval of the Agenda

The meeting agenda was reviewed.  The Board Vice Chair asked for any additions or corrections to the agenda.  Commissioner Susan Garrard presented a motion to approve the agenda as circulated.  Commissioner Quint Withers seconded the motion.  No discussion was needed.  The measure carried by vote of acclamation.  

Approval of the Minutes: April 2023 and May 2023

Commission Reports

Officer Reports

Communication Report

Corie Jones, Deputy Director, Director of Public Relations thanked all for their support of recent efforts and events hosted by the Commission.  She shared on the development of Volunteer Mississippi's communications and outreach strategies.  

Mini Grants Report

Director of AmeriCorps Programs, Kelly McBride, highlighted the efforts of the VM Mini Grant Initiative.  Five different volunteer projects have been funded:

Committee Reports

Nominating Committee

Commissioners Meredith Aldridge, Merracle Jordan, and Quint Withers comprise the Ad Hoc Nominating Committee. They will work together to present a slate of officers at the August 2023 Board Meeting. 

Executive Director Search Committee

Commissioners Becky Cade, Quint Withers, and Jennifer Hopping to head the search for the new MCVS Executive Director.  A draft position description with performance standards was shared with all present, and feedback was encouraged. Commissioner Merracle Jordan volunteered to sit on the Search Committee, as well as Commissioners Josie Shumake, Donna Stewart, and Lisa Grantham.

New Business

Becky Cade motioned to break for lunch.  Commissioner Merracle Jordan moved to have short recess and working lunch with Quint Withers seconding; all approved.  

Finance Report

Co-Interim Executive Director and Senior Finance Officer, Adrian Austin presented the monthly Budget and Finance Report on behalf of the Finance Committee. General expenditures and revenues were shared; transactions were standard at this juncture in the fiscal year. Investment accounts and community foundation funds were also highlighted. It was requested that the Commission review MOUs in place with the Community Foundation for Mississippi for situational awareness. The Vice Chair asked for a motion to approve the finance report, as presented. Commissioner Rochelle Hicks presented the motion as such; Commissioner Quint Withers seconded the motion. Hearing no further discussion, a vote by acclamation occurred and the motion carried (with no opposition.)  

Legislative Budget Request 

Adrian Austin shared with all present the Commission’s proposed Legislative Budget Request Submission. The Vice Chair asked for a motion to approve the proposed Legislative Budget Request. Commissioner Rochelle Hicks moved with Commissioner Owen Brown seconding the motion. Discussion commenced, noting that category amounts may change slightly based on previous utilization, but the bottom-line request amount will not. There being no further discussion, a vote by acclamation occurred. The motion carried unopposed.

Consideration of Executive Session

Vice Chair Becky Cade presented a motion to consider Executive Session.  Executive Session was found to be unnecessary at this time.  With a second motion not being required the Board voted to not go into Executive Session.  

Announcements

Statement of Economic Interest (SEI) MUST be completed by all Commissioners on an annual basis.

Co-Interim Executive Director Suzanne Rutherford reminded Commissioners about completing the Statement of Economic Interest. 

Next Board Meeting: 9 August 2023 – Canopy Children’s Solutions

Co-Interim Executive Director Rutherford announced the next Board Meeting location and time to be at Canopy Children's Solutions.  

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Board, Vice Chair Becky Cade called for a motion to adjourn the June 7, 2023, Meeting of the MCVS Board of Commissioners at 1:41 pm, CST.  Commissioner Merracle Jordan moved to adjourn, and it was seconded by Commissioner Lisa Grantham.  There was a consensus, and the meeting was adjourned.