AARP Hearing Center
AARP Mississippi Announces 2026 Executive Council
Leaders helping to advance AARP's mission across Mississippi.
AARP Mississippi's Executive Council brings together volunteer leaders with experience in public service, advocacy, health, communications, and community engagement. Their collective expertise supports work to improve the lives of Mississippians age 50 and older.
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Chelsea Crittle, Ph.D.
MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
Dr. Chelsea B. Crittle is an accomplished public administrator and advocate for older adults with more than 26 years of public service experience. As Aging Division Director for the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District/Area Agency on Aging, she provides strategic leadership for publicly funded programs serving older adults throughout Central Mississippi. Dr. Crittle also serves as AARP Mississippi State President, leading volunteer advocacy and engagement efforts across the state, and as President of the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging, supporting professionals and organizations that advance aging services across the Southeast. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. A three-time graduate of Jackson State University, Dr. Crittle earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration, a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Karen Renee' Payne-Fountain
MOSS POINT, MISSISSIPPI
Karen Renee' Payne-Fountain brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, community service, and health care support. Her professional background includes more than 19 years in the chemical industry and consulting support for a Medicaid provider agency serving clients in the New Orleans region. A longtime AARP volunteer, she has held a leadership role with AARP Chapter 1213 and supports community initiatives through the City of Moss Point and Moss Point Main Street. In 2025, Payne-Fountain received the AARP Mississippi Andrus Award for Community Service, the organization's highest volunteer honor. She holds a bachelor's degree in organizational management and leadership from the University of Mobile.
Sunny Fridge, Ph.D.
PEARL, MISSISSIPPI
Dr. Sunny Fridge is an award-winning speaker, broadcaster, educator, and leadership development professional with more than 30 years of experience in communication and journalism education. An AARP Mississippi communications volunteer since 2022, she has served as a presenter and panelist for the AARP Mississippi Cares Conference and hosted Tele-Town Hall programs focused on caregiving and fraud prevention. Dr. Fridge is a co-author of Voice of Hope: Inspiring Untold Stories of Caregivers and a certified coach, speaker, and trainer with the John Maxwell Leadership Team. As CEO of Speak & Shine LLC, she helps individuals strengthen their communication, leadership, and presentation skills.
Paige Lewis
BRANDON, MISSISSIPPI
Paige Lewis leads the reimplementation of Ethel's Place Memory Cafe, an AARP-supported community program that provides social engagement, education, and resources for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, as well as their caregivers. She also serves as volunteer coordinator for The Nursing Home Ministry, connecting volunteers with opportunities to support residents and families in long-term care communities. Lewis began her career as a counselor with Baptist Children's Village. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Mississippi College and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The University of Southern Mississippi.
Eugenia King, Ph.D.
RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI
Dr. Eugenia King is director of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, where she leads initiatives focused on improving the health and well-being of Mississippians. A Certified Health Education Specialist, Dr. King holds a bachelor's degree in health care administration, a Master of Public Health, and a Doctor of Public Health from Jackson State University. Her professional interests include maternal health, health disparities, healthy aging, mentoring, and volunteerism. She is active in professional and civic organizations, including the Mississippi Public Health Association, the Society for Public Health Education, the Junior League of Jackson, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.
Laurie Smith Lawson
RAYMOND, MISSISSIPPI
Dr. Laurie Smith Lawson is executive director of the Clinton Community Christian Corporation and an associate professor and social work program director at Mississippi Christian University. She previously served as an assistant professor with the Jackson State University School of Social Work. Lawson contributes to several civic and professional organizations, including Clinton Habitat for Humanity, the Mental Health Association, the National Association of Social Workers Mississippi Chapter, and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health Suicide Prevention Task Force. She also serves as vice president of the Hinds County Public School District Foundation board. Lawson holds social work degrees from Mississippi College, The University of Southern Mississippi, and Tulane University. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®.
Mona Arnold-McBride, Pharm.D.
RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI
Dr. Mona Arnold-McBride is executive director of the Mississippi Pharmacists Association and a pharmacy executive with extensive experience in health care leadership, patient care, and community service. A graduate of the University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy, she was recognized as a Merck Scholar and held several student leadership positions. Her professional honors include the Best Patient Care Award and recognition as Health and Wellness Market Director of the Year. Dr. Arnold-McBride has also supported international health outreach and serves in leadership roles with professional, civic, and service organizations. She is recognized as a speaker and advocate for health and wellness. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®.
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