About MRCTI

MRCTI Leadership

Meet the dedicated mayors and staff working together to protect and restore America's most vital waterway

Co-Chairs

Leading MRCTI's mission to unite cities along the Mississippi River

Hon. Paul Young

MRCTI Co-Chair — Mayor, Memphis, Tennessee

Paul Young was sworn in as mayor of Memphis on January 1, 2024, with a commitment to creating a stronger, safer, and thriving community for all Memphians. He is a Memphian, father of two, husband to Dr. Jamila Smith-Young, and son of Pastor Dianne Young and the late Bishop William Young. Young earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Science in urban and regional planning, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis. Young has spent the last decade improving the quality of life in Memphis by advancing housing security and fostering healthy neighborhoods where families can thrive. As the former President of the Downtown Memphis Commission and Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Memphis, Young applied a holistic approach to unifying the city through public and private partnerships and targeted investments in our future. Young believes moving the city forward requires strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure, and the potential of our greatest asset – our people.

Hon. Melisa Logan

MRCTI Co-Chair — Mayor, Blytheville, Arkansas

Elected to the office of Mayor in November 2022. The first female and only the second African American elected to this office in the city's 100+ year history. Former Human Resource Director, Mayor's Assistant, Former Election Coordinator, Owner and Operator of the Tax Boutique Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation Service, and Adjunct Instructor at Arkansas Northeastern College. 16½ year decorated Army Veteran who served in Desert Storm and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. BA in Behavioral Science, BS in Business Administration with a Minor in Political Science; Master's degree in Law with an Emphasis in Non-Profit Management, and a current doctoral candidate in Public Administration. Mother of three beautiful children Ellisjah, Jelisa and Christopher, her family is very dear to her. Her military tenure included Army careers in Behavioral Science as a Neuro-Psychometrist, JAG as a Unit Readiness Specialist, The Medical Corp as a Paramedic, and as an Active-Duty member of the Arkansas Army National Guard as a Training and Mobilization Specialist. People are her business, moreover, the city of Blytheville is her business. She is diligently working with the City Council and Administrative Staff on a 5-year strategic plan, moving forward with tearing down dilapidated housing, rebuilding infrastructure and creating safe spaces for all families to live, work and play.

Executive Committee

Guiding strategic initiatives across the Mississippi River corridor

Hon. Hollies Winston

Executive Committee Member — Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Hollies Winston made history as the first Black mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. A former two-term member of the city's Budget Advisory Commission, Winston is also the founder of Guaranteed America, a business advocacy firm focused on supporting minority-owned and small businesses. Backed by the DFL Party, he campaigned on a balanced approach to public safety—emphasizing full police funding alongside significant investment in youth programming to address the root causes of crime.

Hon. Shaundel Washington-Spivey

Executive Committee Member — La Crosse, Wisconsin

Shaundel Washington-Spivey is a dedicated advocate for youth and equity in La Crosse. As co-founder and Executive Director of B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge), Inc., he leads initiatives such as Ujima Circle, LOTUS, and the Summer Youth Experience, providing mentorship and opportunities for local young people. His commitment to community extends to public service, having served on the La Crosse School Board and participating on Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers's Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion.

Hon. Brad Bark

MRCTI Treasurer — Muscatine, Iowa

Brad Bark, Mayor of Muscatine, Iowa, brings a unique blend of education, leadership, and community spirit to his role. A native of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Brad earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and went on to earn his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Today, he serves as CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, guiding local businesses and fostering economic growth in the region.

Hon. David Goins

Executive Committee Member — Alton, Illinois

David Goins made history becoming the first black Mayor for the city of Alton, sworn in on May 12, 2021. Born on July 26, 1960, he graduated from Alton High School in 1978 and received a Bachelor's of Arts degree in English Education from College of the Ozarks in 1983. He served as a police officer for the Alton Police Department for nearly 25 years, including roles as DARE Officer and School Resource Officer, before retiring as Sergeant on his birthday in 2010.

Hon. Darrell McCoy

Executive Committee Member — Hannibal, Missouri

Darrell McCoy was elected mayor of Hannibal on April 8, 2025, winning 61% of the vote and sworn in on May 6. A lifelong public servant, he began his career as an EMT with the Marion County Ambulance District and a firefighter/EMT with the Hannibal Fire Department. McCoy also served as Marion County Deputy Coroner and later as Coroner from 2011 to 2016. He joined BNSF Railway in 2014 and is now a Division Trainmaster overseeing logistics and about 100 employees.

Hon. Cliff Berry Jr.

Executive Committee Member — Tiptonville, Tennessee

Mayor Cliff Berry Jr. was elected in November 2018 to the Tiptonville City Board. Prior to his current position, Mayor Berry served as Alderman and Vice Mayor to the Tiptonville City Board for 4 years. Mayor Berry was born and raised in Tiptonville, TN and graduated from Lake County High School in 1995. Mayor Berry works for the United States Postal Service and serves on numerous other boards including the Lake County Road Commission and the Tiptonville Planning Commission.

Hon. Joe Harris Jr.

Executive Committee Member — Osceola, Arkansas

Joe Harris, Jr. has deep roots in Osceola, Mississippi County, where community and connection are at the heart of daily life. A lifelong resident, Harris has served as a state representative and runs his own business, Joe Harris, Jr. Trucking and Excavating Company. Now, he's breaking new ground as the first African American mayor elected in Osceola, bringing his experience and dedication to the city he calls home.

Hon. Errick Simmons

Executive Committee Member — Greenville, Mississippi

Mayor Errick D. Simmons is the first African-American male and the second African-American mayor of Greenville, Mississippi, receiving the highest percentage (74%) of the popular vote ever received by a mayoral candidate in Greenville. He graduated second in his class at T.L. Weston High School in 1995, studied at Jackson State University receiving a Bachelor in Business Administration in Economics in 2000, received a Master's in Arts in Economics from Howard University in 2002, and his Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law in 2005.

Hon. Belinda Constant

Louisiana Chair — Gretna, Louisiana

Before entering public office, Mayor Belinda C. Constant enjoyed a career in the Louisiana court system as a court reporter, educator and leader of alternative sentencing programs. In 2005, Mrs. Constant was elected as the first woman to the Gretna City Council. After two terms as Councilwoman, Mrs. Constant was sworn in on July 1, 2013, as the City's first female Mayor. She has been recognized numerous times for her economic development work, including receiving an honorary doctorate in humane services from the University of Holy Cross.

Hon. Gary Iocco

CAB Presiding — Red Wing, Minnesota

Gary Iocco came to Red Wing seeking an affordable riverfront home, and over the years, the city has become the center of his life and work. With a strong commitment to community, he has served on numerous local boards. Gary built a successful career in dental laboratories, co-founding Apex Dental Laboratory Group and retiring as Chairman in 2023. As mayor, Gary acts as an ambassador for Red Wing, highlighting its parks, riverfront, arts, and small-town charm.

Hon. Buz Craft

MRCTI Secretary / City-State Task Force Chair — Vidalia, Louisiana

Buz Craft has served as the mayor of Vidalia, Louisiana, since 2016, guiding the city through important infrastructure improvements and community initiatives. Under his leadership, projects such as the renovation of Polk Park and the management of the Concordia Avenue sinkhole have strengthened the city's public spaces and infrastructure. Mayor Craft is also a strong advocate for economic development, focusing on leveraging Vidalia's natural resources and promoting sustainable growth.

MRCTI Staff

Expert professionals dedicated to advancing our mission

Colin Wellenkamp

J.D., LL.M — Executive Director

Colin Wellenkamp's extensive career in the legal and policy fields has been focused on advocating and advancing public interests through improving local government functions and the activity of the business world. Mr. Wellenkamp is dedicated to assisting organizations and people transition to a sustainable way of life. Colin has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Saint Louis University, a J.D. from Creighton University School of Law, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Sustainable Development Law from George Washington University Law School. A native of Missouri, Colin now lives in St. Charles, MO, with his wife and daughters.

Tiara Lumas

Operations Manager

Tiara Lumas's educational background is in Human Service Management and Business Administration. Previously Ms. Lumas worked for the Saint Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) assisting with operations in Human Resources, Communication/Marketing, Minority Business Development (MBE/WBE), and Real Estate. Ms. Lumas's current role as Operations Manager includes outreach and community engagement, project management assistance, forming and nurturing multisector collaboration, and plastic waste reduction efforts. Tiara cares deeply about public interest and expanding growth in communities surrounding the Mississippi River with an emphasis on equity and environmental justice.

Brandt Thorington

Director of Public Policy

Brandt Thorington serves as the Policy Director for the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI). Brandt has over 14 years experience advancing the interests of state and local governments, helping to secure millions in funding from federal, state and local governments. Brandt specializes in analyzing legislation effects, building coalitions and advancing legislation. His primary areas of expertise are tax policy, appropriations, budget, energy, health care, immigration reform, homeland security, public safety, transportation, water infrastructure, and community development. Brandt received his Bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Economics at The Pennsylvania State University, with Master's degrees in Political Management from George Washington University and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.

Jennifer Wendt

Plastic Waste Reduction Campaign Manager

Jenny Wendt began her career in environmental stewardship by receiving a degree in Chemistry and working in environmental laboratories analyzing soil, water, and wastewater for contamination. Ms. Wendt moved from the laboratory field to focus on widespread environmental stewardship, currently as a senior project manager for University City dedicated to improving sustainability pertaining to waste reduction, energy efficiency, stormwater management, and environmental programs. Ms. Wendt joined MRCTI in 2018 as the Plastic Waste Reduction Campaign Manager for the Mississippi River watershed. Ms. Wendt has devoted her professional life to environmental protection.

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Work with MRCTI leadership to build sustainable, resilient communities along America's most vital waterway

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