Staff Directory
Executive Director Melinda Tidwell
I am originally from Fulton, Mississippi and attended the University of Mississippi receiving a Bachelor of Accountancy degree. I am married to Cliff Tidwell and we are about to celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary. We have two children, Mollie and Caleb. Our family lives in the Brewer Community and attends Brewer Baptist Church. I am a member of the Tupelo Rotary Club, past President of the Tupelo Ladies Civitan Club, and stay busy with my church and children’s extra-curricular activities. I have been employed with United Way of Northeast Mississippi since March of 1991. My first position was Director of Finance and Funds Distribution and I served in that capacity for 9 years. In 2000, I was promoted to Associated Executive Director and in 2001 became Executive Director. It has been my honor and privilege to serve our community through United Way for the last 18 years! melinda@unitedwaynems.org
Director of Finance and Funds Distribution Shelia McCool
I have worked with United Way since August of 2007 as Director of Finance and Funds Distribution. Before United Way, I worked 27 years in Accounting at Lane Furniture Industries, with the last position being Manager of Financial Accounting. Originally I am from Maben, Mississippi, and attended Wood College in Mathiston. I am married to Jerry McCool, have 2 great sons and daughters in law, and 5 wonderful grandchildren. I am the membership retention chairman of the Tupelo Luncheon Civitans and an active member of Shannon First Baptist Church. I love to travel (anywhere, anytime), spend time with my sisters. . . and just found out I enjoy fishing! shelia@unitedwaynems.org
Director of Marketing and Communications Susie Morgan
I joined the United Way staff in November 2011. I am originally from Chicago, Illinois; however, Mississippi is my home. I received my BA in Journalism from the University of Mississippi in 1991. My husband Greg and I have been married for 17 years. I have spent the last 14 years rearing our redheaded boys, Noel and Eric, and helping in our community whenever and where ever. I have served through the Tupelo Symphony League, numerous PTAs, Parkgate Pregnancy Clinic, Shockwave Aquatics, Tupelo Women’s Club and, most recently, Junior Auxiliary of Tupelo. My family and I are active members of Calvary Baptist Church where I sing in the Sanctuary Choir, teach children’s choir and fulfill any need for a daughter by teaching 11th grade girls in Sunday School. I have many interests and hobbies that I will get back to when I am finished watching my boys grow up! susie@unitedwaynems.org
Campaign Director
Campaign Associate
Administrative Assistant Cara Waters
I have been with United Way since July of 2004. I am originally from Columbus, Mississippi and attended Mississippi University for Women receiving my Bachelor’s degree in 1996. My husband is Justin Waters, and after marrying in 1997, we moved to Atlanta, Georgia. After a three year stay in Atlanta, Justin was transferred back to the Tupelo area and we have lived here since. We have two sons, Cooper and Samuel. cara@unitedwaynems.org
AmeriCorps VISTA Robin Matkin
I am an AmeriCorps VISTA serving at United Way to work on the Back 2 School Resource Fair. I am originally from Nettleton, Mississippi, and I have a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Mississippi. I have been married to my husband James for ten years. After spending a few years in California while my husband served with the Marine Corps, we moved back to Mississippi in 2004 to be near our families and raise our son, Jacob. I am involved with the Northeast Mississippi Birthing Project as a volunteer mentor to new mothers, and in my free time, I love traveling, knitting, and cooking. robin@unitedwaynems.org