Blair Jussely, MMNSF Board Member

Meet Blair Jussely, MMNSF Board Member

August 14, 2025

Blair Jussely is an attorney at Butler Snow and is a member of the firm’s Business Services group.  She focuses her practice on estate planning, estate administration, tax-exempt organizations, and state and local tax.  She is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Blair received her Bachelor of Accountancy, Master of Taxation, and Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi.  She received her Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University.

Blair grew up and still lives in Brandon with her husband, Aaron, and their two young sons, James and Luke. 

Chandler Parker MacDonald, MMNSF Board Member

Meet Chandler Parker MacDonald, MMNSF Board Member

August 14, 2025

A dedicated nonprofit professional and passionate advocate for education and community engagement, Chandler Parker MacDonald serves as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Millsaps College. In this role, she brings years of expertise in fundraising strategy, grant writing, and donor relations. Her work is deeply rooted in personal experience - having been both a scholarship recipient and Yellow Ribbon student, she understands firsthand the life-changing impact of philanthropy. A native of Southwest Mississippi, Chandler earned both her BBA and MBA from Millsaps College.

Chandler’s commitment to giving back extends well beyond her professional life and is exemplified through her active involvement in the community. In addition to serving on the MMNS Foundation Board of Directors, she volunteers with the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Millsaps Alumni Association, and her children’s school supporting educational and cultural initiatives that enrich lives across Mississippi.

She considers the Museum a true gem of Mississippi, a place where education, science, and the natural world converge to inspire curiosity, learning, and stewardship. For Chandler and her family, it’s more than a beloved institution - it’s a place of learning, joy, and shared discovery. As Members, they spend countless weekends exploring the trails, attending new exhibits, and engaging with the museum's hands-on, interactive spaces. Watching her preschool-aged children light up with curiosity reinforces her belief in the Museum’s vital role in shaping future generations.

Her service on the Foundation Board reflects her broader mission: to help build a more connected, equitable, and inspired Mississippi. Whether through supporting education, preserving the environment, or deepening access to the arts, Chandler is proud to champion institutions that make a lasting impact.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking and exploring Mississippi’s great outdoors with her husband and children - often finding fresh inspiration in the state’s rich biodiversity.

Micheal King, MMNSF Board Member

Meet Micheal King, MMNSF Board Member

August 14, 2025

Micheal D. King is a communication specialist and strategic storyteller with a strong commitment to public engagement, education, and cultural preservation. He currently serves as a Communication Specialist for the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, where he leads creative initiatives in digital media, brand strategy, and public outreach to support the agency’s environmental mission.

With more than a decade of experience in graphic design, public relations, and nonprofit leadership, Micheal brings a collaborative and community-focused perspective to the Foundation. Before relocating to Mississippi in 2023, he served on the board of the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau for over 11 years, including as Public Relations Chair for the Glenn House. He also contributed as a board member for Autism Awareness of Southeast Missouri from 2020 to 2022.

Micheal holds degrees in Graphic Computer Technology and Computer Technology and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Graphic Information Technology at Arizona State University. In addition, he is actively working toward his Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), further demonstrating his dedication to professional excellence and ethical communication.

Celebrating Board Member J.T. Mitchell – Top 40 Under 40 Honoree!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation - board member J.T. Mitchell has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 honoree by the Mississippi Business Journal!

J.T. currently serves as the News Director for SuperTalk Mississippi News, where he leads statewide coverage with clarity, integrity, and an eye toward the stories that shape Mississippi. His career in journalism and communications has been marked by excellence, earning him respect throughout the state - and now, a well-deserved spot among Mississippi’s rising leaders.

But beyond the newsroom, J.T. brings that same energy and dedication to his service on the MMNSF Board of Directors. J.T. uses his voice to amplify our mission and leads with heart and purpose.

As Foundation Executive Director Susan Frazier shared,

“J.T. Mitchell approaches community service with commitment and drive. From the moment he joined the MMNSF board, J.T. hit the ground running, modeling servant leadership and demonstrating curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking. From chairing a committee to rallying museum volunteers, he leads with encouragement and a smile.”

We are so proud to have J.T. as part of our leadership and grateful for the enthusiasm and insight he brings to every project. His recognition as a Top 40 Under 40 honoree reflects not only his professional achievements, but also his character, and we couldn’t agree more with this recognition!

Congratulations, J.T., and thank you for your continued service to the Foundation and the museum!

Read more about J.T.'s career and recognition here:
https://www.supertalk.fm/supertalk-mississippi-news-director-j-t-mitchell-honored-as-top-40-under-40/

More about J.T.’s background and Foundation involvement:
https://www.mmnsfoundation.com/news/jtmitchellbio