Bill Anderson, Ed. D. | Executive Director

Bill Anderson was named Executive Director of MeckEd in December 2010. Prior to that he was the Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc. (CIS) from 2002 – 2006.  MeckEd is committed to quality public education for all students and is also an independent voice for public education that is trusted in all corners of the community.

Dr. Anderson has been an educator for more than 30 years, 25 of those with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). Prior to becoming Executive Director of MeckEd, he was the Assistant Superintendent for High School Curriculum and Instruction in CMS. He previously served as principal and assistant principal at several middle and high schools in Charlotte and in Shelby, including four years as Principal at Myers Park High School. During his tenure at Myers Park, the school was named the seventh best public high school in the nation by Newsweek magazine (2003). During his work at Shelby High School (1997-2001), the school was named one of the “Top 10 Most Improved Schools in North Carolina.” Dr. Anderson was named N.C. Principal of the Year in 2001.

Dr. Anderson and his wife, Herminia Flores, have two grown children, Jessica and William. Anderson is an avid cyclist who regularly participates in cycling events in the Charlotte area.  He likes to reminder everyone to “Please Share the Road” whenever you happen to drive near cyclists.

Contact Bill: 704.335.0100 ext. 223; banderson@mecked.org

Tori Belle-Miller | Director of Community Relations and Marketing

Tori Belle-Miller joined the MeckEd staff in February 2011. Tori has a Bachelor of Journalism Degree from the University of Missouri and has worked in several fields, including marketing, journalism and graphic design. Prior to joining the MeckEd Staff, Tori lent her talents to Communities In Schools, Midcontinent Financial Center in Missouri and various publications, including the Charlotte Observer.

Tori is truly passionate about working to ensure all students have access to excellent public education and are academically successful, because that is the key to opening doors for multiple opportunities in the future. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering and freelancing as a writer/graphic designer.

Contact Tori: 704.335.0100 x 224; vmiller@mecked.org

Erin Edwards | Director of Development

Erin Edwards joined the MeckEd staff in February 2012. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History from Lehigh University. Prior to joining the MeckEd team, Erin served as the Vice President of Development for Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas, Inc., leading all fundraising efforts in Mecklenburg County. Prior to that, Erin worked as a Legislative Assistant on Capitol Hill for U.S. Congressman Charles W. Dent, with policy issues including Government Reform and Education. Additionally, Erin worked as Finance Director on Mr. Dent’s Congressional Campaign and as a Staff Assistant for U.S. Senator Rick Santorum. Erin enjoys spending time with her family.

Contact Erin: 704.335.0100 x 225; eedwards@mecked.org

Shana Phillips | Office Manager

Shana Phillips joined MeckEd in 2010. Shana is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in business administration and brings a diverse career background to the organization. Prior to joining MeckEd she was with Skirt Magazine and has also worked as an executive recruiter for eight years. Shana is an avid fitness enthusiast and certified fitness instructor that enjoys aerial dance, pilates, and yoga. She also enjoys traveling all over the world to experience new places and cultures.

Contact Shana: 704.335.0100 x 221; sphillips@mecked.org

Julie Sheffer | Director of Programs

Julie Sheffer joined the MeckEd staff in 2011. Prior to joining the MeckEd team Julie was a founding staff member at Teach Plus, a national nonprofit working to improve results for urban students by retaining and developing excellent teachers. As Teach Plus’ National Program Coordinator and Director of Recruitment and Selection, Julie led outreach efforts, implemented an interactive discussion series for teachers in five cities nation-wide, and managed the application process for the highly selective and rigorous Teaching Policy Fellowhip. Previously, she worked with The Steppingstone Academy to prepare urban schoolchildren for educational opportunities that lead to college. As an AmeriCorps volunteer, Julie began her career implementing literacy and social justice programming aimed at affecting lasting positive change at a low-income elementary school in Boston, MA. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s Degree in Education Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Contact Julie: 704.335.0100 x 222; jsheffer@mecked.org