Our Board

Nicci Rucker

Chair

Nicci Rucker is an officer in the United States Air Force Reserves with over 20 years of experience leading teams, briefing senior leaders, and shaping strategy across global missions. With advanced degrees in National Security Strategy and Education: Curriculum & Instruction, she brings both strategic insight and developmental depth to her role as Chair of Mending Broken Branches.

A passionate advocate for family-centered learning, Nicci leads with conviction— expanding access to books and nurturing early reading habits that build confidence in young learners; strengthening parent engagement through trust-building, shared goals, and open communication; and fostering meaningful relationships between families, educators, and communities.

Nicci leverages this rich tapestry of experience to champion literacy as a pathway to empowerment—restoring dignity, sparking curiosity, and helping families grow together through learning.

Under her leadership, Mending Broken Branches has launched signature programs, including DEAR Dad, summer reading camps, and family engagement workshop initiatives, that do more than distribute books. They plant seeds of hope. Seeds that grow into stronger families, thriving students, and communities rooted in connection.

“We pick up the scattered pieces—not just to mend what’s broken, but to build something stronger, lasting, and full of hope.”

Patricia Russell

Co-Chair

I’ve spent more than a decade in early childhood education, working in a variety of classroom settings and now serving as both Director and Pre-K 3 Teacher in Peoria, Illinois.

My path to education has been anything but ordinary — from my time in the United States Air Force to community work and building online business skills, each experience has shaped how I lead, teach, and connect with others.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve discovered a deep passion for building strong, supportive communities. My focus is on equipping and encouraging the adults who are called to nurture and teach our youngest learners, helping them grow with confidence and purpose.

Evita Bass

Secretary

My journey to becoming an educator hasn't been a straight line, but every step has shaped the person I am today. It actually began in healthcare. After attending ECPI and earning my Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting, I spent years working in pediatrics. While I loved caring for children’s health, I always had a feeling deep down that I wanted to educate—I just hadn't found the right doorway into the classroom yet.

That doorway finally opened when I joined the Center of Excellence. Interestingly enough, I started there as a cook. While I was busy nourishing the kids from the kitchen, I was also watching the incredible learning happening in the classrooms. When the opportunity came to sub for a teacher in the infant room, I jumped at the chance.

In that room, everything clicked. I realized that this was how I was meant to educate.

Once I found my passion, I went all in. I wanted to be the best resource possible for my students and their families, so I dedicated myself to further training. Since then, I have earned my CDA (Child Development Associate) credentials and completed my Admin 1 & 2 certifications to better understand the leadership side of childcare.

I’ve gone from checking vitals in a clinic to preparing meals in a kitchen, to leading a cassation, and finally becoming a Director. My medical background gives me a unique perspective on child safety and development, and my heart for teaching keeps me inspired every single day. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and even more excited about the impact I get to make on my families' lives.

Evan Widney

Treasurer

Dr. Evan Widney brings his passion for education and lifelong learning to the board of Mending Broken Branches. With a career dedicated to improving how students, educators, and institutions learn and grow, Evan is deeply committed to helping every child discover the power of literacy and the doors it can open.

Evan currently serves as a leader in Operational Excellence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he works with faculty and staff to strengthen programs and enhance the student experience. Before joining UNC, he led accreditation and assessment initiatives at Duke University, helping ensure quality and continuous improvement across its academic programs.

He holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership in Higher Education from UNC Wilmington, as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Philosophy, and Leadership Studies from West Virginia University. A certified change management practitioner through Prosci, Evan brings a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to his work and service.

Madison Hicks

Behavioral Specialist

Madison Hicks has over five years of experience in early childhood education and currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree as a Behavioral Specialist. She is passionate about understanding how and why children think, feel, and behave the way they do, and she uses this knowledge to support positive growth and development. Madison has a genuine love for working with children and is deeply committed to giving back by helping young learners build strong reading and comprehension skills. Her dedication to nurturing both the academic and emotional success of children shines through in everything she does.

Joseph Pinkney

Board Member

Joseph C. Pinkney is a multifaceted leader—entrepreneur, supply chain executive, engineering officer in the U.S. Air Force, and most importantly, a devoted son of God, husband, and father.

Raised in Washington, D.C., in a single-parent household and underserved community, Joseph understands firsthand the challenges of growing up in difficult environments. Despite limited resources, his mother instilled in him three foundational values: respect, education, and faith in God. These principles became the cornerstone of his success and the guiding force that kept him from becoming another statistic.

A lifelong learner, Joseph has earned five collegiate degrees across the disciplines of Engineering, Physics, and Business. Today, he serves as a Senior Manager for a leading global supply chain company, where he applies his technical expertise and leadership skills to drive operational excellence.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joseph is deeply committed to giving back. He is passionate about mentorship, community upliftment, and empowering underserved youth-helping them see the possibilities that education and perseverance can bring. Through his faith and leadership, Joseph continues to inspire and invest in the next generation, determined to help others rise above their circumstances and reach their full potential.