Board of Directors
| President | Jay Huffstatler - Gulf Coast Community Foundation |
| Vice President | Sandra Braasch - Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi |
| Secretary | Valari Kyzar - 2-1-1 Mississippi, United Way of the Capital Area |
| Treasurer | Bill Brent - American Red Cross, MS Gulf Coast Chapter |
| Ken Skalitzky - FEMA |
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| Don Gann - Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief |
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| Steven Howard - Mississippi Coast Interfaith Disaster Task Force |
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| Robert Renfroe - Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service |
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| Jennifer Cobb-Willis - MEMA |
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| Talatha Denison - Mississippi Protection and Advocacy |
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| C.J. Caufield - Mississippi United Methodist Disaster Relief |
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| Bill Feist - The Salvation Army |
From the President
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina left an indelible mark on Mississippi. More than 400,000 residents of Mississippi’s coastal counties were pummeled with sustained hurricane-level winds and a vicious tidal surge that reached over 35 feet and stretched inland over 10 miles in places. Many lost their lives. More than 100,000 homes and businesses along the Gulf Coast were damaged –– more than 70,000 of those structures suffering severe damage or total destruction. As Mississippi was dealt such a powerful blow, the indomitable spirit of the people of our great State continues to thrive.
Mississippi VOAD’s member and partner organizations are eternally grateful to those who answered our initial call for help. Years after the storm, however, our needs continue to be daunting as we rebuild the vast infrastructure that was destroyed while maintaining the multi-ethnic mix of the people that make up the fabric of our communities. We continue to address ongoing challenges such as affordable housing, mental health issues, and the socioeconomic impact of entire neighborhoods being displaced. We also continue to preserve our history.
Mississippi VOAD is poised to assist in any event that should occur throughout the year. We take pride in the outstanding success we have achieved over the past several years as well as our accomplishments. Mississippi VOAD has doubled in membership size over the past 2 years. Not only has our membership doubled, but our organizations have forged partnerships that have been non-existent – showcasing the community spirit which abounds among our member agencies. Mississippi VOAD held our first ever 2-day conference in February 2008. The conference is now planned to become an annual event and occur in many different areas of Mississippi. Last, but not least, we are so proud to be able to overhaul our website and be able to bring you valuable information about the agencies and organizations working within Mississippi.
The Board of Directors and I encourage you to browse through this site. In it, you’ll find information about our tremendous member organizations and partners – whose support would make it impossible for Mississippi VOAD to carry out its mission.
Thank you for your continued commitment and support to our organization.
Sincerely,
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