MIRA’s Bill Chandler retires; baton passed to Kathy Sykes

By Alice Thomas-Tisdale

JA Publisher Emerita

After decades of service as the founding executive director of the Mississippi Immigrant Rights Alliance (MIRA), Bill Chandler has officially retired. Monday’s announcement comes on the heels of a yearlong strategic succession plan. Starting immediately, he will assume the role of Executive Director Emeritus, leaving the day to day operations to Kathy L. Sykes, a highly regarded grassroots organizer and former state representative. 

“It has been the privilege of my professional life to help establish and guide MIRA’s work advancing the rights, dignity, and well-being of immigrant communities across Mississippi,” said Chandler. “I will remain engaged in supporting the organization’s mission and long-term vision.”

Chandler, along with MIRA’s board of directors, shared enthusiasm for Sykes’ new leadership role in the 25 year old human rights organization. 

“Kathy brings distinguished experience in public service, policy advocacy, and community organizing. She was part of MIRA’s founding and has served on its Board of Directors. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a consistent commitment to civic engagement, coalition building, and principled leadership,” stated Chandler. 

MIRA board chair and former state representative Jim Evans concurs. “Kathy’s background in the legislature and grassroots collaborations positions her exceptionally well to lead MIRA during a time when experienced, steady leadership is essential. I have every confidence in her capability to guide this organization with integrity, discipline, and vision,” he said.

Wasting no time after accepting  the baton, Sykes has set as her priorities strengthening MIRA’s programs, deepening its partnerships across Mississippi and the Deep South, and expanding its capacity to respond to urgent community needs while building long-term power. 

“I am especially committed to ensuring that immigrant voices guide our work and shape the future we are building together. We are fighting for all immigrants regardless of country of origin,” she said.

As America pauses this week to observe the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sykes stated, “Dr. King’s unwavering courage motivates me still today. As I listen to his speeches, some well known and the lesser known ones, it is obvious that he was a man ordained by God to lead us as a people through the darkest times. I can see up close how an entire group of people can be treated as less than and stereotyped; this is in 2026. I have internalized his teachings and use them as a guide in my life.”