FORGE Leadership
Executive Director
Melinda Lowe serves as the Executive Director of FORGE, where she leads the organization’s strategic vision and statewide efforts to expand career awareness and connect students with meaningful career pathways in the skilled trades and other high-demand fields.
With more than 30 years of experience in education and program leadership, Melinda brings a deep understanding of workforce development, curriculum, and student engagement. Her background includes leadership roles in both K-12 and higher education, where she focused on building innovative programs and strengthening outcomes for students and educators.
In her role with FORGE, Melinda works closely with industry partners, educational leaders, and community stakeholders to grow the organization’s impact, strengthen workforce connections, and guide the expansion of FORGE chapters across Mississippi.
Email: mlowe@forgeyourpath.org
Northeast Mississippi Chapter Director
Angie Davis serves as the Chapter Director for FORGE Northeast Mississippi, where she leads efforts to expand career awareness and connect students with hands-on experiences and meaningful career pathways in the skilled trades and other high-demand fields.
With more than 25 years of experience in education and career and technical education (CTE), Angie brings deep expertise in curriculum development, professional learning, and workforce readiness. Most recently, she served as a Project Manager and Curriculum Specialist with the Mississippi State University Research and Curriculum Unit, supporting educators and advancing CTE initiatives across the state.
In her role with FORGE, Angie works closely with educational partners and industry leaders across Northeast Mississippi to strengthen workforce connections and create opportunities for students to explore, prepare for, and succeed in high-demand careers.
Email: adavis@forgeyourpath.org
Advisory Board
FORGE’s Advisory Board is made up of leaders from across Mississippi who provide strategic guidance, support organizational growth, and help strengthen connections between education and industry. Several members of the Advisory Board also served as founding members of FORGE, helping to establish the organization’s vision and early impact.
| Katie McCrary* | McCrary West Construction |
| Lu McCrary* | McCrary West Construction |
| Nic Parish* | Burns Dirt |
| Christee Roberson* | Graham Roofing, Inc. |
| Laura Tinsley | Century Construction Group |
| Rob Winklepleck* | West Brothers Construction |