Dr. Jonathan Bines has been installed as Region IV Head Start Association Board president for the 2021-2023 term.

Bines was elected Feb. 22 and installed by U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.). Region IV is a regional affiliate of the National Head Start Association with a network including a growing alliance of corporate partners and individual members, as well as eight state affiliates: Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. The association represents more than 170,000 children, 40,000 staff and 300 member programs.

Bines is the fourth Region IV president from Mississippi since the association was started in 1986. The first president was Mississippian Dr. Arvern Moore. Billy J. McCain and John Hales, both from Mississippi, also served as presidents.

The mission of the association is to support the Head Start community through leadership, advocacy, partnership and professional development, promoting the delivery of high quality services for children and families.

Bines said it is an awesome privilege and wonderful opportunity to serve as president.