Our Team
Missa Hollis Brizendine, Founder and President
Missa began volunteering in Maumelle right after moving here. She saw a dire need for groceries, diapers, and toiletries which she began collecting and distributing to the community. This led to the creation of Maumelle Philanthropists. Missa has a background in education and directing non-profits.
Diana Strong, Board Vice President
Diana is a certified self-defense instructor, mom, and friend. She has been a supporter, advocate, and mentor to those in need for more than two decades.
Jonathan Brizendine, Board Treasurer
After 29 years of service, Jonathan retired from the USAF/ANG as a Master Sergeant. He currently works for the Department of Defense. He has many hobbies and according to his wife, Missa, he is addicted to cryptocurrency.
Rock Perkins, Board Secretary
Rock is a Chemical Engineer for L’Oreal USA and owns a local real estate investment company. He has been a long time supporter and donor of Maumelle Philanthropists. Rock lives in Maumelle and has lived here most of his life. In his spare time he is a volunteer member of his church’s video production and security crew. He tutors math and science to local children and volunteer coaches basketball at Maumelle Charter School. He has 2 children, Braeden and Liam and 1 dog Narah.
Lisa Havniear, Board Member
Lisa was born and raised in Central Arkansas. Currently owner of LA Designs, she is an environmental and graphic designer with over 38 years of experience in the creative industry. With over 10 years volunteering and chairing several non-profit organizations, she is most proud of her only daughter and granddog. Lisa likes to be creative in any form, hang out with friends, loves the summer at the lake, sports, is highly competitive and likes a challenge.
Lynn Bullard, Board Member
Lynn Bullard was a career educator, serving as both a teacher and an administrator. For the past 10 years Lynn was President of Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science, Inc., a non-profit partnered with UALR who supported math and science education in public schools across Arkansas; she retired in 2024 and lives in Maumelle with her husband, Tony and Beau, her Goldendoodle. She has 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Today, Lynn stays busy enjoying family, traveling, gardening, volunteering, and reading.
Laura Thomas, Board Member
Laura Thomas moved to Maumelle in 2009 and absolutely loves it. She is a physical therapist assistant and has worked with children with special needs for 28 years. She is a master gardener and loves working in soil. Laura enjoys volunteering at the pantry and helping to collect items to stock and has made many new friends by helping others.
Maria Swicegood, Board Member
Maria taught secondary business for 25 years and then spent 7 years at Arkansas Department of Career Education before retiring. Her husband, Tim, and Maria moved to Maumelle in 2003. Maria enjoys volunteering and spending time with family and friends. She also spends time with her two rescue dogs, Daisy and Bliss). She started volunteering for Maumelle Philanthropist in 2023 and is very honored to be a member of the board.
Ethan Beall, Board Member
Ethan Beall has been a volunteer at the pantry since 2023 and joined the board in January 2025. as a restaurant employee and our youngest board member he knows(literally) what it means to serve and brings a fresh set of eyes to our organization. In his spare time he enjoys going to the casino, reading and listening to music.
Lisa Favor, Board Member
Lisa has called Maumelle "home" for a little over five years. She has three grown children and five grandchildren. When she is not volunteering outside and within the community, she manages the office of an appraisal company in Little Rock. She has held that position for over 23 years. Lisa is proud to be a Navy Veteran. She always loved serving others and our country. This is what led her to the pantry. She enjoy serving at my church, prison ministry and the food pantry. In her spare time she enjoys time with family , friendships and fur babies. Reading, playing cards, board games, and putting together puzzles are activities she enjoys.