AARP Hearing Center
AARP Names Nikki K. McCelleis as Mississippi State Director
Bringing more than two decades of nonprofit and community leadership to the role
AARP
AARP has named Nikki K. McCelleis as the new AARP Mississippi State Director, effective September 28, 2026. An accomplished nonprofit executive with deep roots in Mississippi, McCelleis will lead AARP's work across the state. She will advocate for Mississippians 50 and older and their families, strengthen community engagement, and advance solutions that support people's ability to choose how they live as they age.
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A Career Rooted in Mississippi Communities
McCelleis brings a strong record of leadership in community impact, education, nonprofit management, and cross-sector partnership. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of United Way of the Capital Area, covering Hinds, Madison, and Rankin Counties. In that role, she led efforts to address critical community needs, expand opportunity for individuals and families, and align partners around shared priorities.
Her career also includes executive leadership with 100 Black Men of Jackson, Inc. She directed education initiatives at Mississippi Public Broadcasting for nearly nine years and held leadership roles with the Mississippi Department of Education focused on curriculum, instruction, school support, educator development, outreach, and public service.
McCelleis holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Arts from Belhaven University, and an Educational Specialist degree from Delta State University. In 2025, she was recognized as one of Mississippi's Most Influential African Americans by Our Mississippi Magazine. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
What AARP Mississippi's New State Director Will Lead
As state director, McCelleis will oversee AARP Mississippi's advocacy, community engagement, volunteer engagement, and communications on behalf of nearly 250,000 AARP members statewide. She will work alongside staff, volunteers, community partners, and elected leaders to advance priorities that matter most to older Mississippians. Those priorities include financial security, caregiving, livable communities, and access to resources that support healthy aging.
McCelleis on Joining AARP Mississippi
"I am deeply honored to serve as AARP Mississippi State Director and to champion the voices, needs, and aspirations of Mississippians 50-plus. I look forward to building strong partnerships across our state and advancing meaningful opportunities that empower people to live with purpose, security, and dignity as they age."
— Nikki K. McCelleis, AARP Mississippi State Director
AARP South Region Vice President on the Appointment
"Nikki's experience, credibility, and deep roots in Mississippi make her an outstanding choice to lead AARP's work in the state," said Tina Tran, AARP South Region vice president. "She has built her career around service, partnership, and community impact, and we are thrilled to welcome her to AARP as she brings that same commitment to improving the lives of older Mississippians and their families."
Connect with AARP Mississippi
Whether you are a caregiver, retiree, or planning for the years ahead, AARP Mississippi is here to help. Visit the AARP Mississippi state page to find local resources, upcoming events, and ways to get involved.
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