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Board of Directors List

The Board of Directors at a Senior Center bears the fundamental responsibility for guiding the organization's mission and ensuring its long-term viability and effectiveness. This involves setting the strategic vision and policies that direct the center's programs and services, ensuring they remain relevant, beneficial, and responsive to the evolving needs of the senior community it serves. A significant duty is robust financial oversight, including approving budgets, monitoring expenditures, and safeguarding the center's assets; they are often instrumental in fundraising efforts, securing the resources necessary for operations, facility maintenance, and program expansion. Furthermore, the Board is responsible for hiring, evaluating, and supporting the Executive Director, who manages the day-to-day operations and provides the leadership to achieve the center's goals. They also ensure legal and ethical compliance, uphold the center's values, and often act as advocates for senior welfare within the broader community. Ultimately, their collective expertise and dedication are paramount to fostering a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where seniors can thrive.

Edward Pinero Sr.

Board President

Ed Pinero has been a dedicated member of the Picayune community for decades. He moved to the Henleyfield Community in 1978 and later made Picayune his home in 1990, where he continues to reside today. A proud family man, Mr. Pinero is the father of three sons and a stepdaughter, and he is blessed with five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Mr. Pinero served with honor in the United States Marine Corps for nine years, including two years in active combat. His service instilled in him the values of leadership, perseverance, and commitment, which have guided him throughout his personal and professional life. Following his military service, he went on to build a successful 25-year career with Bell South, where he retired after many years of dedicated service.

In 2017, Mr. Pinero joined the Senior Center of South Pearl River County. His passion for community service quickly led him into leadership, and he has served on the Board of Directors for the past five years. For the last two years, he has held the role of President of the Board, where he has been instrumental in supporting programs, fostering fellowship, and strengthening the Center’s mission.

When asked what he values most about the Senior Center, Mr. Pinero shares, “The reason that I love the Senior Center is the friendly staff and the camaraderie.” His leadership and dedication continue to make a lasting impact on both the Center and the community it serves.

Term Start:
December 1, 2019

Term Ending:

December 31, 2025

Shay Harland

Vice-President

I am a retired Registered Nurse and a native of Picayune. After completing nursing school, I relocated from the area, but recently returned to care for my 95-year-old father. Since my return, I have become an active member of the Senior Center and am greatly enjoying my volunteer activities. The Center has truly become a new home for me, and I am continually impressed by the dedication and commitment demonstrated by both the staff and fellow members. It is an honor to be part of such a welcoming, supportive, and vibrant community.

Term Start:
May 1, 2025

Term Ending:

May 31, 2028

Marguerite White

Board Treasurer

As a board member at the Senior Center, I'm thrilled to give back to my community and support the seniors who make our area so special. A proud graduate of the University of New Orleans, I spent many years working as an accountant before retiring and discovering new passions. When I'm not serving on the board, you can find me line dancing to my favorite tunes or hooked on a new crochet project. I'm committed to helping our Senior Center provide a vibrant and supportive community for all members, and I'm excited to work with our team to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Term Start:
January 1, 2025

Term Ending:

January 31, 2028

Christy Goss

Board Secretary

Christy Goss has been a lifelong resident of the Pearl River and Hancock County area. She and her husband, Kevin, have been married for 26 years and are the proud parents of two daughters, Emily and Elise.

Christy began her career as a dental assistant, serving for 14 years before transitioning into the public sector. For more than 15 years, she has dedicated her professional expertise to city and county government, including roles with the City of Picayune, Pearl River County, and the Pearl River County Economic Development District.

Committed to lifelong learning, Christy has completed numerous leadership trainings, including the Community Development Institute. Her dedication to community service is evident through her many volunteer roles: she serves on the board of the Picayune Main Street Association, is director of Keep Pearl River County Beautiful, secretary of The Senior Center of South Pearl River County, past president and current member of The Rotary Club, and a member of Friends of Boley.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Christy was honored as the 2022 Volunteer of the Year by the Greater Picayune Chamber of Commerce.

Term Start:
December 1, 2020

Term Ending:

December 31, 2026

Janice Cox

Board Member

Janice Cox

Term Start:
December 1, 2021

Term Ending:

December 31, 2027

Nancy Bishop

Board Member

Nancy [Last Name] is a native of Saugus, Massachusetts. She graduated from Saugus High School and went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from Salem University.

Nancy dedicated her career to education, serving as a teacher in the Virginia Beach School System until her retirement. She and her husband, Ralph, have been married for more than 55 years and are the proud parents of five children, twelve grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

After residing in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for 42 years, Nancy and Ralph relocated to Carriere in January 2021 to be closer to family. She is actively involved in the community as a member of the Senior Center of Picayune, Piece Makers, CWC of Picayune, Loving Stitches, four local book clubs, and the Red Hatters. In addition, she attends West Union Baptist Church, where she sings in the choir.

Nancy’s personal interests include line dancing, reading, knitting, sewing and quilting, painting, swimming, biking, playing canasta, and traveling. She enjoys her life in Pearl River County and values the friendships she has developed within the community.

Term Start:
July 1, 2022

Term Ending:

July 31, 2028

Stacy Clark

Board Member

Stacey Clark is passionate about serving people and the community. He brings over a decade of experience working with nonprofit organizations and holds a B.S. from William Carey University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. In addition to his role as a Financial Advisor, Stacey serves as Alumni President for both Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and William Carey University.

He particularly enjoys serving on the board of the Senior Center of Pearl River, where he helps with the annual Senior Game each October and connects with members through their stories. Stacey resides in Lamar County with his wife, Roseann, and their three children.

Term Start:
September 1, 2022

Term Ending:

October 1, 2028

Lori Cossitt

Board Member

I truly love this Senior Center and feel privileged to serve as a board member. I am a retired special education teacher and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. I am happily married to my husband, Kevin, and we are blessed with one son.

Term Start:
December 1, 2025

Term Ending:

December 31, 2028

Darren Champagne

Board Member

Darren

Term Start:
May 1, 2025

Term Ending:

May 31, 2028

Christine Collier

Board Member

My name is Christine Collier, I am a native of New Orleans transplanted to Picayune in 1994. My husband, 2 children, and I moved here seeking a slower lifestyle and more fresh air. I am a retired registered nurse, cosmetology and permanent makeup artist. I also authored 5 faith based recovery books, 3 of which are published. I have 9 amazing grandchildren which are all my heart.

Before becoming a board member, I was asking God how I could spend my days worthily. I visited the Senior Center with my mother,, who is now 82. I was so impressed with the Center and how clean, organized, and bustling with activities and events it was. All of the patrons seemed so happy and fulfilled. I am blessed to be able to serve our seniors and be involved. I cannot think of a more worthy thing to be doing with my time. I just love seniors and I am one now, too!

Term Start:
June 1, 2025

Term Ending:

July 1, 2028
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