Ginger Stevens, Executive Director

Wesley House Executive Director Ginger Stevens describes her personal and professional goals this way: to carry on the life changing work cultivated by past directors at Wesley House, by nurturing relationships and programs while exploring the vast array of financial, technological, and human resources available to serve our community.

     Ginger is a native of Meridian and a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she obtained both a Bachelor of Music degree and a Master’s Degree in Education. She is also trained in Medical and Therapeutic Massage.  Before coming to Wesley House, Ginger taught in both the Meridian School System and the Mesa Arizona School System.

     Ginger began her professional work at Wesley House in 1986, having practically grown up at the Center helping her mother, Nell Grissom, the previous Executive Director.  Her career at Wesley House was interrupted by experiences as Performing Arts Director and Teacher at Studio A in Meridian, a year of teaching at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, and an internship at Vanderbilt Medical Center. 

     Drawn by her passion to help people improve their lives, Ginger returned to Wesley House where she taught in and directed the Kindergarten program before being promoted to Program Director, and then Associate Director.  In choosing Ginger Stevens as Executive Director in 2006, the Board of Directors cited “the breadth and depth of her hands-on knowledge and experience, and the clear and decisive vision she expresses for the future of Wesley House.”

     Ginger lives in Meridian.  In addition to her work as Executive Director, Ginger finds time to lead the Wesley Belles singing group which performs to benefit Wesley House. She is a member of numerous professional organizations including the National Organization for Victim Assistance, the Mississippi Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the Mississippi Child Advocacy Coalition, and Rebuild East Mississippi.

     Ginger is energetic, enthusiastic, and creative, with a burning passion to help others achieve their goals by inspiring, motivating, and guiding them through their struggles. She expects hard work, commitment, and determination in herself and those she manages; above all, she is a person who trusts and leans on God in all decisions.

     Ginger is a double recipient of the Readers Choice Award for Woman of the Year in 2007 and 2009.  This award is voted on by the residents of the Meridian area.

     In 2010 Ginger was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award as well as presenting for and receiving the Michael Baisden Award.