MCC strengthens leadership team with key appointments
Meridian Community College is reinforcing its leadership team with a series of appointments aimed at supporting institutional growth, strengthening operations, and advancing student success.
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner has appointed Dr. Leia Hill as chief of staff and Eugene Perry as chief financial officer, while Brandy Hill has been named associate vice president for operations and foundation finance, and Lucy Lamberth as assistant vice president for financial services. Together, the appointments reflect the college’s continued focus on strategic leadership, operational excellence, and service to students and the community.
Dr. Hill will continue serving as vice president for institutional advancement and operations and executive director of the MCC Foundation while taking on the additional role of chief of staff. Dr. Huebner said the position will help the president’s office manage priorities, strengthen institutional coordination, and keep major initiatives moving forward.
“The chief of staff role is common in higher education and helps ensure strong coordination across the institution,” Dr. Huebner said. “Dr. Hill has long served as a bridge between the president’s office and our broader operations. She understands how to take big-picture goals and turn them into measurable progress.”
An MCC alumna, Dr. Hill has worked in higher education for nearly two decades and has served the college for more than 16 years in a range of leadership roles, including foundation program coordinator and associate vice president of communications. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi and has received multiple state and national honors for her leadership.
“MCC has been my home for a long time, first as a student and now as a leader,” Hill
said. “I’ve seen firsthand how this college changes lives, and I’m excited to step
into this new role to help our team keep that momentum going for our students and
our community.”
Working closely with Dr. Hill is Brandy Hill. A five-year employee of the college who previously served as senior foundation accountant, Brandy Hill oversees the financial operations of the MCC Foundation as well as the teams responsible for human resources, payroll, the Eagle’s Nest Bookstore, and the dining services contract.
“I really enjoy my new role and the opportunity it gives me to make a difference in so many areas across campus,” Brandy Hill said. “There’s definitely a lot going on right now as we evaluate and streamline processes and implement new systems, and we have great teams in each of these areas. That makes all the difference, and I’m excited about where we’re headed.”
Perry joins MCC as chief financial officer and will oversee the college’s financial
operations. A 1989 graduate of Delta State University, he worked in the private sector
before joining the City of Meridian in 2008 as purchasing agent. He later served as
assistant director of finance and deputy city clerk, building experience in budgeting,
financial reporting, grant administration, and municipal finance.
Dr. Huebner said Perry brings both expertise and credibility to the role.
“He is highly respected and brings a strong track record of competence and integrity,” Dr. Huebner said.
“I’m glad to be joining Meridian Community College and to have the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way,” Perry said. “My goal is to help strengthen the college’s financial operations so MCC can continue growing, meeting its priorities, and providing the support students and the community need.”
Serving alongside Perry is Lamberth. She assists the CFO and oversees the day-to-day operations of the college’s Business Office. Lamberth also manages grants administration, including reporting, reimbursements, and compliance with funding requirements.
“A big part of my role is reviewing our processes and policies to ensure we operate
efficiently while maintaining compliance and accuracy across all areas,” Lamberth said.
“My focus is ensuring operations run smoothly and in a way that supports the college
as a whole. I also work closely with different areas across campus to make sure our
financial processes align with program needs and institutional priorities.”
Lamberth joined the college in 2010 as workforce project and grants manager and said the position has allowed her to build on her previous experience while remaining connected to MCC’s broader mission.
Dr. Huebner said the appointments come at an important time for the college.
“As we navigate the opportunities and challenges facing higher education, having the right leadership in place is critical,” he said. “These roles help ensure that MCC remains focused on serving students and supporting our community.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.