CISSC Welcomes 2025-26 Board Members & Officers
Communities In Schools of South Carolina (CISSC) is proud to introduce new board members and announce its slate of officers for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
CISSC continues to grow its reach and deepen its impact statewide, with recent expansion to two additional counties, bringing the total number of partnering districts served to nine. These dedicated professionals will be instrumental in advancing our mission to ensure every student is surrounded by support and empowered to stay in school and achieve in life.
The newly appointed board members bring diverse backgrounds and profound expertise to enhance our ability to navigate and respond to the complex needs of students and families throughout South Carolina.
New Board Members:
Janisha P. Thomas — Chief Human Resource Officer, The Ritedose Corporation
Tim Cotter — Development Manager, The Beach Company
2025-26 Board Officers:
Chair: Amir Abdullah — AVP, Growth & Customer Acquisition, The Hartford Insurance Group
Vice Chair: Merriweather Mulé, CFP®, CDFA®, FCEP — Senior Wealth Advisor, Beacon Pointe Advisors
Treasurer: Lindsay Ball, CPA — Managing Partner, Elliott Davis
Secretary: Katherine Watts, LMSW, ACM-SW — Director of Medical Social Services, Lexington Medical Center
Immediate Past Chair: Mark Fell, AIF® — Financial Advisor, Conte Fell Advisors
“Our new board members bring a wealth of knowledge and immense commitment to our mission. We’re elated to welcome Janisha Thomas and Tim Cotter to CISSC,” said Jamie Cooper, President and CEO of CISSC. “We’re grateful to Mark Fell for serving as our 2024-25 Board Chair, and we welcome Amir Abdullah into his new role as our incoming Chair. Their leadership and commitment continue to strengthen our work in support of students across South Carolina.”
“I am truly honored to contribute to this mission and to serve alongside passionate advocates who believe that every student deserves an opportunity and a champion in their corner,” said Janisha Thomas.
The new board members join a committed group of returning leaders who have helped steer the organization’s success since its statewide merger in 2021. Together, they will continue to strengthen and expand CISSC’s reach, ensuring even more students across South Carolina have access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
See the complete list of Board Members here.
