Big ideas, real impact.

STEM in Action’s Board reflects the cross-sector leadership needed to advance high-impact STEM education and workforce-connected learning. Representing expertise in education, defense, engineering, energy, science, communications, and nonprofit leadership, the board provides strategic oversight and mission-driven guidance to help expand opportunity for students, schools, and communities.

Meet the STEM in Action Board

  • Vice Admiral John J. Donnelly


    Vice Admiral John “Jay” Donnelly, U.S. Navy, (Ret.) is formerly corporate vice president of advanced technologies for Huntington Ingalls …

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  • Dr. Sandra Knight

    Dr. Sandra Knight resides in Washington, DC and is an internationally recognized expert in disaster resilience, flood risk management, hydraulic engineering and marine transportation …

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  • Dr. Nashlie Sephus


    Dr. Nashlie Sephus is a pioneering force in artificial intelligence and community empowerment, serving as Principal AI/ML Evangelist for Amazon AI, where she leads …

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  • Vice Admiral Fred Midgette


    Vice Admiral Fred Midgette retired from the Coast Guard in 2018 after 36 years of service. He currently serves on …

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  • Dr. Benjamin Jaffe


    Dr. Benjamin Jaffe, Section Manager, Environmental Science, ExxonMobil is a broadly trained ecologist who develops and implements practical, nature-based solutions …

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  • Tanya Rankin

    Tanya Rankin, a resident of Brandon, Mississippi, serves as Vice President of the C Spire Foundation, where she champions …

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  • Shalaya Morissette

    Shalaya Morissette is a visionary leader and current Key Account Executive at DNV, a global leader in assurance and risk management. She leads cross-sector energy strategies …

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  • Misty Shaw-Feder

    Misty Shaw-Feder, APR, CDME, is a development professional at the R&B Feder Foundation, where she helps advance military history, cultural, and arts initiatives across Mississippi …

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  • John Brenke

    Board Secretary

    John Brenke is a strategic executive whose 27-year career has been defined by his ability to drive organizational …

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  • Ken Flottman

    Board Counsel

    Mr. Flottman is an accomplished attorney with a 25-year career advising government contractors in the defense …

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