MRCTI Leadership
HON. paul Young, MAYOR, MRCTI CO-CHAIR
Paul Young was sworn in as mayor of Memphis on January 1, 2024, with a commitment to creating a stronger, safer, and thriving community for all Memphians. He is a Memphian, father of two, husband to Dr. Jamila Smith-Young, and son of Pastor Dianne Young and the late Bishop William Young.
Young earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Science in urban and regional planning, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis. Young has spent the last decade improving the quality of life in Memphis by advancing housing security and fostering healthy neighborhoods where families can thrive. As the former President of the Downtown Memphis Commission and Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Memphis, Young applied a holistic approach to unifying the city through public and private partnerships and targeted investments in our future.
Young believes moving the city forward requires strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure, and the potential of our greatest asset – our people.
HON. Melisa Logan, MAYOR, MRCTI CO-CHAIR
Elected to the office of Mayor in November 2022. The first female and only the second African American elected to this office in the city’s 100+ yrs. history. Former Human Resource Director, Mayor’s Assistant, Former Election Coordinator, Owner and Operator of the Tax Boutique Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation Service, and Adjunct Instructor at Arkansas Northeastern College. 16 ½ year decorated Army Veteran, Served in Desert Storm and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. BA in Behavioral Science, BS in Business Administration with a Minor in Political Science; Master’s degree in Law with an Emphasis in Non-Profit Management, and a current doctoral candidate in Public Administration. Mother of three beautiful children Ellisjah, Jelisa and Christopher, her family is very dear to her. Home is where she learned that what matters more than your name is how you love people. She has wonderful living and very active parents who support and encourage every step of life’s journey.
Her military tenure included Army careers in Behavioral Science as a Neuro-Psychometrist, JAG as a Unit Readiness Specialist, The Medical Corp as a Paramedic, and as an Active-Duty member of the Arkansas Army National Guard as a Training and Mobilization Specialist. She has had tours of duty in Venezia and Vincenza, Italy, Ramstein AFB, Germany, the 121st Infantry Hospital, Seoul, Korea, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and her most grueling tour Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Service to her country and for her fellow man has been one of her most treasured milestones.
People are her business, moreover, the city of Blytheville is her business. She is diligently working with the City Council and Administrative Staff on a 5-year strategic plan, moving forward with tearing down dilapidated housing, rebuilding infrastructure and creating safe spaces for all families to live work and play.
Executive Committee
Hon. Hollies Winston Brooklyn Park, MN
Hollies Winston made history as the first Black mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. A former two-term member of the city’s Budget Advisory Commission, Winston is also the founder of Guaranteed America, a business advocacy firm focused on supporting minority-owned and small businesses. Backed by the DFL Party, he campaigned on a balanced approach to public safety—emphasizing full police funding alongside significant investment in youth programming to address the root causes of crime.
Hon. Shaundel Washington-Spivey, La Corsse, WI
Shaundel Washington-Spivey is a dedicated advocate for youth and equity in La Crosse. As co-founder and Executive Director of B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge), Inc., he leads initiatives such as Ujima Circle, LOTUS, and the Summer Youth Experience, providing mentorship and opportunities for local young people. His commitment to community extends to public service, having served on the La Crosse School Board and participating on Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion, as well as numerous regional boards.
An alumnus of the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a bachelor’s in political science and a master’s in student affairs administration, Shaundel also holds an associate’s degree from Western Technical College and is pursuing graduate studies at Viterbo University in mental health counseling. Through workshops, programs, and community engagement, he works tirelessly to advance racial equity, social justice, and stronger, more inclusive communities across La Crosse and the state.
Hon. Brad Bark, Muscatine, IA
Brad Bark, Mayor of Muscatine, Iowa, brings a unique blend of education, leadership, and community spirit to his role. A native of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Brad earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and went on to earn his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Today, he serves as CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, guiding local businesses and fostering economic growth in the region.
Brad and his wife Candice, an environmental engineer at Stanley Consultants, have been married since 2007 and are proud parents to three children. The family is also joined by their dog, Max. Outside of his professional and civic work, Brad enjoys watching football, pheasant hunting, collecting autographs and sports memorabilia, renovating buildings, and finding innovative ways to improve both his community and his personal projects.
Hon. David Goins, Alton, IL
David Goins was born on July 26, 1960 to Mark and Opal Goins. David received his formal education at the Alton Public Schools and graduated from Alton High School in June 1978. While attending high school, he played basketball and eventually attended College of the Ozarks in Clarksville Arkansas, playing four years and in 1983 where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English Education.
In December of 1985 David Goins was hired by the City of Alton as a police officer for the Alton Police Department. Goins served as a DARE Officer and School Resource Officer in the Alton School District for 7 years and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the department. Goins retired on his birthday July 26, 2010 from the Alton Police Department after nearly 25 years of service.
David made history becoming the first black Mayor for the city of Alton, which he was sworn into on May 12 of 2021.
David is married to his high school sweetheart Sheila and they have three children and eleven grandchildren.
Hon. Darrell McCoy of Hannibal, MO
Darrell McCoy was elected mayor of Hannibal on April 8, 2025, winning 61% of the vote and sworn in on May 6. A lifelong public servant, he began his career as an EMT with the Marion County Ambulance District and a firefighter/EMT with the Hannibal Fire Department. McCoy also served as Marion County Deputy Coroner and later as Coroner from 2011 to 2016. Transitioning to the private sector, he joined BNSF Railway in 2014 and is now a Division Trainmaster overseeing logistics and about 100 employees.
In local government, McCoy was appointed to the Hannibal City Council in 2020, elected in 2021, and later served on the Board of Public Works before launching his mayoral campaign.
Mayor McCoy is married to Jamie, and they have four children. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering, outdoor activities, and kayaking with family. Early in his term, he prioritized unifying the community, promoting transparent governance, addressing public safety funding, advancing infrastructure projects, and declaring Hannibal a Purple Heart City.
Hon. Cliff Berry of Tiptonville, Tennessee
Mayor Cliff Berry Jr. was elected in November 2018 to the Tiptonville City Board. Prior to his current position, Mayor Berry served as Alderman and Vice Mayor to the Tiptonville City Board for 4 years. Mayor Berry was born and raised in Tiptonville, TN and graduated from Lake County High School in 1995. Mayor Berry works for the United States Postal Service and serves on numerous other boards including the Lake County Road Commission and the Tiptonville Planning Commission.
Hon. Joe Harris, Osceola, AR
Joe Harris, Jr. has deep roots in Osceola, Mississippi County, where community and connection are at the heart of daily life. A lifelong resident, Harris has served as a state representative and runs his own business, Joe Harris, Jr. Trucking and Excavating Company. Now, he’s breaking new ground as the first African American mayor elected in Osceola, bringing his experience and dedication to the city he calls home.
Hon. Errick Simmons Greenville, MS
Mayor Errick D. Simmons is the first African-American male and the second African-American mayor of Greenville, Mississippi, where he received the highest percentage (74%) of the popular vote ever received by a mayoral candidate in Greenville.
In 2007, Mayor Errick D. Simmons began his career in municipal government. Before returning home to Greenville to start his municipal government career, Simmons graduated second in his class at T.L. Weston High School in 1995, second to his twin brother and law partner, Mississippi State Senator Derrick T. Simmons, who is the Senate Minority Leader for Democratic Party. Simmons later studied at Jackson State University, where he received a Bachelor in Business Administration in Economics in 2000. In 2002, he received a Master’s in Arts in Economics from Howard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and received his Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law in 2005.
Currently, Simmons serves as a member of several local, state, and national boards and organizations, to name a few: President, Mississippi Delta Mayors Association, 1st Vice President of Mississippi Municipal League (MML), Vice President of Delta Council, Mississippi Economic Council Board of Governors, Boys Scouts of America, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Washington County Economic Alliance Board of Directors, Greenville Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), Annie E. Casey Applied Leadership Network, life member of NAACP, life member of Magnolia Bar Association, life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., member of Mississippi Association of Justice, Mississippi Bar Association, National Bar Association, American Bar Association, Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Society, and Chairman of Washington County Democratic Party. Simmons is a certified municipal official who has completed all three certification levels (i.e. basic, advanced, and professional) of the Mississippi Municipal League’s Certified Municipal Official Program.
Hon. Belinda Constant, Gretna, LA
Before entering public office, Mayor Belinda C. Constant enjoyed a career in the Louisiana court system as a court reporter, educator and leader of alternative sentencing programs. In 2005, Mrs. Constant was elected as the first woman to the Gretna City Council. Since 2005, she has driven revitalization efforts in the City’s downtown. After two terms as Councilwoman, Mrs. Constant was sworn in on July 1, 2013, as the City’s first female Mayor. As Mayor, she has prioritized quality of life, economic development and cultural promotion issues. Working with residents and the business community, her administration has helped facilitate a renewed interest in the City – resulting in countless business openings, new community events and greater community appreciation for the City’s potential. She is a past co-chair and the current Louisiana chair of the MRCTI. Mrs. Constant has been recognized numerous times for her economic development work, having recently received an honorary doctorate in humane services from the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans. She is most proud to say that she has been happily married to her husband, Ronnie, for 45 years and has three married children (Blair, Brennan, and Cambre), two daughters-in-law (Ashley and Meghan), a son-in-law (Joshua), and four grandchildren (Kennedy Grace, Brennan Konrad, Noah Paul, and Stelly Bee).
Hon. Gary Iocco, Mayor of Red Wing, MN for CAB Presiding
Gary Iocco came to Red Wing seeking an affordable riverfront home, and over the years, the city has become the center of his life and work. With a strong commitment to community, he has served on numerous local boards, including Red Wing Downtown Main Street, Noontime Kiwanis, United Way, and the CARE Clinic, where he oversees the dental expansion.
Gary built a successful career in dental laboratories, co-founding Apex Dental Laboratory Group and retiring as Chairman in 2023. He has also served as Goodhue County Commissioner and Wacouta Township Supervisor. As mayor, Gary acts as an ambassador for Red Wing, highlighting its parks, riverfront, arts, and small-town charm, while focusing on priorities like workforce housing and economic development to keep the city thriving.
Hon. Buz Craft, Mayor of Vidalia, LA for City/State Task Force Chair
Buz Craft has served as the mayor of Vidalia, Louisiana, since 2016, guiding the city through important infrastructure improvements and community initiatives. Under his leadership, projects such as the renovation of Polk Park and the management of the Concordia Avenue sinkhole have strengthened the city’s public spaces and infrastructure.
Mayor Craft is also a strong advocate for economic development, focusing on leveraging Vidalia’s natural resources and promoting sustainable growth. He has been active in regional efforts, including the Delta Agriculture Research & Sustainability District, and participates on various boards and commissions to foster collaboration and partnerships that benefit the broader community. Throughout his tenure, Craft has emphasized building a resilient, thriving city through smart planning, regional cooperation, and community engagement.
Staff
Colin Wellenkamp
j.d., LLM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Colin Wellenkamp's extensive career in the legal and policy fields has been focused on advocating and advancing public interests through improving local government functions and the activity of the business world. Mr. Wellenkamp is dedicated to assisting organizations and people transition to a sustainable way of life. Colin has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Saint Louis University, a J.D. from Creighton University School of Law, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Sustainable Development Law from George Washington University Law School.
A native of Missouri, Colin now lives in St. Charles, MO, with his wife and daughters.
Tiara Lumas
Operations Manager
Tiara Lumas educational background is in Human Service Management and Business Administration. Previously Ms. Lumas worked for the Saint Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) assisting with operations in Human Resources, Communication/Marketing, Minority Business Development(MBE/WBE), and Real Estate. Ms. Lumas has extensive experience scheduling and planning events. Ms. Lumas's current role as Operations Manager includes a wide variety of duties, including outreach and community engagement, project management assistance, forming and nurturing multisector collaboration, and plastic waste reduction efforts.
Tiara cares deeply about public interest and expanding growth in communities surrounding the Mississippi River with an emphasis on equity and environmental justice in underserved communities.
Tiara spends her time learning about restoring natural infrastructure, working in real estate, cosmetology, and participating in community engagement activities. and spending quality time with her family.
Brandt Thorington
Director of Public Policy
Brandt Thorington serves as the Policy Director for the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI). Brandt has over 14 years experience advancing the interests of state and local governments, in the process, he has helped to secure millions in funding from federal, state and local governments. Brandt specializes in analyzing legislation affects, building coalitions and advancing legislation. His primary areas of expertise are tax policy, appropriations, budget, energy, health care, immigration reform, homeland security, public safety, transportation, water infrastructure, and community development. Brandt has extensive experience working with various levels of government including Congress, federal officials, state legislators, mayors, and other local officials.
Brandt received his Bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Economics at The Pennsylvania State University. He also has Master's degrees in Political Management from George Washington University and an MBA from John's Hopkins University.
Jennifer Wendt
Plastic Waste Reduction Campaign Manager
Jenny Wendt began her career in environmental stewardship by receiving a degree in Chemistry and working in environmental laboratories analyzing soil, water, and wastewater for contamination. Ms. Wendt moved from the laboratory field to focus on widespread environmental stewardship, currently as a senior project manager for University City dedicated to improving sustainability pertaining to waste reduction, energy efficiency, stormwater management, and a variety of other projects and environmental programs, as well as the co-chair for the regional OneSTL Materials and Recycling working group. Ms. Wendt’s primary area of expertise are sustainable materials management and resource conservation.
Ms. Wendt joined MRCTI in 2018 as the Plastic Waste Reduction Campaign Manager for the Mississippi River watershed. Ms. Wendt has devoted her professional life to environmental protection