The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi Announces Leadership Transition

Dr. Ashley Parker Sheils Named Next Executive Director Following the Retirement of Founding CEO, Dr. Linda Southward

Jackson, Mississippi – The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi (CFM) Board of Directors announces the retirement of the founding CEO, Dr. Linda Southward, effective December 31, 2025. Dr. Southward worked to establish the Foundation in 2019 and led it to new heights during her tenure.

Board Chair Dave Dennis describes Dr. Southward as the perfect leader to establish CFM. “She was able to tap her passion for children across the state and design programming that was meaningful and impactful. The result of her work has elevated the future of Mississippi and thousands of children have been the recipients of programming under her leadership. We are grateful to her for sharing talents which allowed CFM to become a true leader in child wellbeing in Mississippi. While she will be missed, we are pleased that she will continue to work with special projects within the organization as is appropriate.”

To support a smooth transition and to honor her legacy, Dr. Southward will continue to be involved with select initiatives as President Emeritus.

The Board of Directors is also announcing that Dr. Ashley Parker Sheils will become the next Executive Director and CEO of the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi, effective January 1, 2026. Dr. Sheils comes to the Foundation with a wealth of experience in nonprofits, having been Mississippi’s first Campaign for Grade Level Reading Director, a consultant to numerous United Ways across Mississippi, and a consultant to CFM over the past year.

“Dr. Sheils has a stellar track record of working with nonprofits, academics, and research partners, and has a demonstrated understanding of the importance of working in concert with communities across Mississippi,” said Dr. Southward. “Her passion for improving outcomes for children, families, and communities is unmatched, making her the ideal choice to lead the Foundation to higher levels of success.”

Dr. Sheils expressed her excitement about stepping into this new role. “I am honored and thrilled to lead the CFM into a new chapter, building upon successes over the last six years and continuing to advance the mission and growing impact for successful outcomes for children, youth, and their families. We will continue to lead with data and turn data into action to elevate opportunities for children and promote systems change. Together with the dedication of the CFM Board of Directors, staff, partners, and supporters, we will work to increase opportunities for all children and youth to reach their potential across Mississippi.”

Reflecting on her tenure, Dr. Southward added, “Having the opportunity and support to bring the Foundation from a vision to a reality has been the result of an incredibly supportive Board of Directors, team, funders, along with state and national partners, for whom I am incredibly grateful for.”

The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi expresses deep appreciation for Dr. Southward’s leadership and looks forward to a strong next chapter under Dr. Sheils.