Executive Director Barbara Carpenter has served in that capacity since 1996. She oversees all operations and activities of the council and staff and coordinates relations with state and federal governments and all other agencies, organizations, and institutions. She holds the Ph.D. in Modern British Literature from Tulane University, M.A. in American Literature from the University of Georgia, and B.A. in English and French from Southeastern Louisiana University.

As assistant director for special projects, Shana Walton works with leaders of Mississippi cultural organizations to identify ways the Council can assist them.

As assistant director for programs, Carol Andersen monitors the Council’s re-grant program, oversees Council publications and coordinates various Council projects and cooperative programs with other agencies and organizations in Mississippi.

The Fiscal Administrator handles all financial transactions for the Council. Some of these duties include completing reports, processing requests from regrantees, maintaining materials for auditors, and preparing financial reports to the NEH, IRS, and the State of Mississippi. The Fiscal Administrator also serves as MHC’s office manager and is responsible for other duties as required by the Executive Director. Brenda Gray earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Business Education from Jackson State University.

The Project Specialist oversees the “We the People” NEH grant along with the Council’s literacy programs, and helps coordinate traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution.