BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Dr. Rhea C. Williams-Bishop has been named the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s (WKKF) new director of Mississippi and New Orleans Programs, effective May 16, 2016.
Currently, Williams-Bishop serves as the director of the Center for Education Innovation in Jackson, Mississippi, a nonprofit education intermediary focused on impacting and transforming education through engagement and innovation.
“We are delighted that Rhea will now be a part of the WKKF team,” said Joe Scantlebury, the foundation’s vice president for program strategy. “Rhea brings tremendous knowledge of Mississippi and New Orleans as well as a proven track record of partnering with community residents and organizations to improve the lives of all children. We couldn’t feel better about the newest member of our team.”
Prior to her work at the Center for Education Innovation, Williams-Bishop held many positions at the Children’s Defense Fund, including: the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) administrator, executive director of Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) and the deputy director of Southern Regional Office.
“After spending over 15 years in my career as a child and family advocate, I am very excited about my new role with the foundation and looking forward to leading its efforts in Mississippi and New Orleans, working to improve the conditions for children and families,” Williams-Bishop said. “I hope to build on the rich legacy of support and commitment that the Kellogg Foundation has provided to communities all across this region.”
Williams-Bishop obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Jackson State University, where she earned a Master of Public Policy & Administration degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Affairs.
About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.
The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti.