Board of Directors

Brandon McCall is Vice President of Structured Finance at the National Equity Fund (NEF), where he originates debt and equity transactions focused on preservation and workforce housing. With nearly 15 years of experience, Brandon previously served as Senior Tax Credit Underwriter at Enterprise Housing Credit Investments, managing affordable housing transactions across several regions. He has also held roles at Enterprise Community Loan Fund, Mercy Housing California, and Citibank, N.A. Brandon holds a Master’s of Public Administration from USC and a B.A. in English from Dickinson College. In addition to lending his expertise to Springboard, Brandon is the Board Chair for Innovative Housing Opportunities and serves on the Real Estate Executives Forum board.

Ira Murray is the associate director of research and development at the Vanderbilt University Initiative for Race Research and Justice, focusing on race, racism, and society. He collaborates with communities to develop tools addressing racial justice. A former nonprofit executive in Jackson, Mississippi, Murray served as CEO of United Way of the Capital Area, Inc. He has worked with several HBCUs and is a third-generation graduate with a bachelor’s from Florida A&M, a master’s from Vanderbilt, and a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. Murray is a native of South Carolina.

Elliott Flaggs is a principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs’ Jackson, Mississippi, office, advocating for clients in state and municipal government, business development, and public relations. Previously, he served as special assistant attorney general and legislative liaison for Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. Elliott holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Mississippi State University and graduated cum laude from the University of Mississippi School of Law. He is active in the Mississippi Bar Association and several community organizations, including The First Tee of Central Mississippi. Elliott has been recognized for his leadership and community service, including being named one of Mississippi’s Top 50 Most Influential People. He and his daughter, Lianne Marie, reside in Jackson.

Alison Anderson brings a multifaceted blend of entrepreneurial insight, brand development experience, and community‑minded leadership to her work across the specialty coffee and sustainable packaging industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University and consistently applies her strategic thinking, creative problem‑solving, and collaborative approach to every organization she supports.

As the founder of Exploradora Coffee, Alison has built a brand rooted in cultural appreciation, responsible sourcing, and meaningful connection. With an exclusive focus on women coffee growers, Exploradora partners with women‑led farms and cooperatives to help elevate their visibility, economic stability, and long‑term success within the global coffee supply chain. 

In her role as National Sales Director at Impak Retail Packaging, Alison works closely with businesses across the country to develop sustainable, design‑forward packaging solutions. She serves as both a strategic guide and a relationship‑builder, helping brands navigate evolving consumer expectations while maintaining a strong focus on environmental responsibility and thoughtful presentation.

Alison’s professional path is complemented by her dedication to ethical business practices, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Her leadership style emphasizes curiosity, empathy, and shared purpose – qualities that underscore her ongoing commitment to fostering positive impact through collaboration and service.

Heidi Flynn Barnett possesses over thirty years of expertise in developing internationally acclaimed visual communication design solutions as both a designer and art director. She holds a BFA in Communication Design from The New School’s Parsons School of Design and consistently applies her creative vision and strategic approach to every team she collaborates with. As President of Flynn Design, Heidi serves as a thought partner and visual storyteller, working closely with organizations who share a commitment to social justice and actionable change. Her recent participation in the Terra Foundation for American Art Planning Convening in Paris and Giverny, France demonstrates her engagement in global artistic initiatives. Between 2013 and 2020, she was founding senior partner at Kiyomi, specializing in book design and exhibition graphics. Heidi’s extensive community involvement highlights her dedication to effective leadership and service, underscoring her ongoing efforts to foster positive change through community and collaborative partnerships.