MCH Senior Leadership

Gretchen Cook
Interim Chief Executive Officer
gcook@mchms.org | 601.853.5000 ext 1242
Gretchen W. Cook is a native Floridian who fell in love with Mississippi on a trip to the state in 1986. She worked for Belhaven University for 16 years as both library director and accreditation officer. She has long been publisher of a number of parenting-focused magazines distributed in the state, from Parents & Kids, to Mothers & Babies, Greetings and the College Planner.
She began volunteering at Methodist Children’s Homes of Mississippi and became an advocate for the organization, leading to her eventual employment as a member of the senior leadership team and later appointment as interim CEO.

Keisha Varnell
Director of Program Operations
kvarnell@mchms.org | 601.853.5000 ext. 1239

Stephanie Williams
Director of Human Resources
swilliams@mchms.org | 601.853.5000 ext 1700
As Human Resources Director, Stephanie is passionate about the mission, vision and values of MCH. She has spent the last 20 years working in hospital and healthcare human resources. Stephanie has her undergraduate degree from the School of Public and Urban Affairs at Georgia State University and her masters in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is thrilled to be using her skills, knowledge and abilities to make a positive impact on children and families in Mississippi.
Stephanie is a transplanted Mississippian who has returned to be closer to her parents. She lives in Jackson with her husband, Leon and their two furry companions, Benji and Bear. Stephanie and Leon have four children, six grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Kim McMillan
Director of Finance and Accounting
kmcmillan@mchms.org | 601-853-5000 ext 1241

Bob Schroeder
Director of Facilities and Technology
bschroeder@mchms.org | 601-853-5000 ext 1750
Bob supervises multiple departments at Methodist Children’s Homes, including property, fleet, I.T., security, food service and equipment. Having served at other non-profits for nearly 13 years, he understands the unique set of challenges working in the non-profit sector presents. Bob brings over 30 years of experience in property maintenance and management to MCH.
Originally from Metairie, LA, Bob is a lifelong fan of both the Saints and LSU. He enjoys Cajun foods, all types of music and being Grandpa to 6 wonderful girls. He and his wife Darlene live in Brandon.
MCH Leadership

LaKiesha Thomas
Residential Services Director
l.thomas@mchms.org | 601.853.5000 ext 1801

Josie Higgins-Latham
Director of Foster Care
jhiggins-latham@mchms.org | 601-853-5000 ext 1600
Michael has been a local licensed Pastor with the Mississippi Conference of The United Methodists Church for four years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Local Pastors License from Millsaps College’s Center for Ministry. He is in pursuit of a Master of Divinity.
Michael is happily married with two daughters.