Executive Council
The TBSAA is led by an Executive Council (EC) comprised of 6 members who are elected at-large nationally by the membership of the TBSAA. Each position has a 4-year term and the elections are staggered biennially, so that 3 members are elected every two years. Distance elections utilizing online ballots are held during the week leading up to each National Convention of the Sorority.
Each EC member must meet the following qualifications:
- At least 25 years of age
- A member in good standing of the TBSAA
- Hold an undergraduate college degree
- Demonstrate outstanding business ability
- Life Member of the Sorority
Each member of the Executive Committee has a different set of responsibilities. The EC elects its Chairperson from within its members. The Chairperson leads the meetings of the EC and is also an ex-officio member of the National Council of TBΣ. The other five members of the EC have an assigned role within council and serve as the director of one area within the TBSAA. The EC also elects a Vice Chair to serve in the absence of the chairperson. Members of the EC may only serve up to two consecutive terms.
Ms. Jessica Smith
2025-2027
Chairperson of the TBSAA ~ tbsaa-chair@tbsigma.org
Jessica L. Smith is a Life Member of the Epsilon Epsilon chapter at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where she was initiated on November 5, 2000. While at Kutztown, she was active in the color guard and held several leadership roles including chapter secretary, treasurer, and Convention Co-Coordinator for the 2004 Northeast District convention hosted by Kutztown. She also served as Northeast District Treasurer from 2004 to 2005. Jessica was a charter member of the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association in 2007 and served as secretary of the Northeast District Alumni Association from 2006 to 2010.
Jessica was granted Honorary Membership into the Zeta Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Kutztown University on November 16, 2007, and became a Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi in 2016. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education (2004) and a master’s degree in library science (2008). Currently residing in York, Pennsylvania, Jessica works as a Talent Management Specialist for WellSpan Health. In her free time, she enjoys participating in 5K events with friends and spending time with her niece and nephews.
Dr. Thea Murphy
2025-2027
Vice-Chairperson and Communications Director ~ tbsaa-communication@tbsigma.org
Dr. Ovura “Thea” Murphy was initiated into the Theta Kappa Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at Morris Brown College in Spring 1993. During her time at MBC, she held multiple chapter offices, served on various committees, and played the flute and piccolo as a member of both the Marching Wolverine Band and the Symphonic Band. She is an active member of the Atlanta Alumni Association of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, where she has served in several roles, including President. In 2012, she became a Life Member of the Sorority.
A passionate educator for nearly 30 years, Thea’s career includes service as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, District IB Coordinator, and College and Career Readiness Coordinator for Atlanta Public Schools before retiring from the public school system. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Morris Brown College and a Master of Science in Instructional Technology and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University. She now serves as Director of Outreach at the Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education (CASIE), an education non-profit. Outside of her professional and sorority commitments, Thea enjoys reading, quilting, belly dancing, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Ms. Venus Anderson
2025-2027
Finance Director ~ tbsaa-finance@tbsigma.org
Venus Anderson’s love for music began long before attending Alabama State University, where she proudly marched with the Mighty Marching Hornets under the leadership of the late Dr. Harold Bray. In May 2017, Venus was honored to be initiated as an Honorary Member into the Delta Theta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, marking a meaningful milestone in her life.
She currently resides in Maryland, with her son Aiden, who is both her travel partner and planner as they explore the world together. Venus brings nearly 26 years of federal service experience with the U.S. Census Bureau, serving with pride and dedication. Outside of work, she enjoys designing and sewing clothing for herself and Aiden and volunteering at his school to stay engaged in the learning community.
Mrs. Jessica Carswell
2025-2029
Special Projects Director ~ tbsaa-projects@tbsigma.org
Jessica Carswell is an educator, entrepreneur, and business owner based in Columbia, South Carolina where she was initiated in the Epsilon Chi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences Business/Multidisciplinary from South Carolina State University. Jessica began her career as a Family and Consumer Sciences educator in Sumter and Richland counties, where she earned recognition as an award-winning Career and Technical Educator.
In 2015, she co-founded The Food Academy with her husband Isaiah, which has grown to partner with organizations including Honda, Claflin University, South Carolina State University, the Girl Scouts, and the U.S. Federal Government. The Food Academy operates the café and catering services at the South Carolina State Museum.
Jessica also serves as an adjunct professor at South Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Family and Consumer Sciences. Her hobbies include jewelry making, traveling, music, and gaming. Jessica enjoys sharing her experiences and inspiring others through her work.
Mrs. Eve Jones
2025-2029
Membership Director ~ tbsaa-membership@tbsigma.org
Evelyn (Eve) Jones was initiated into the Beta Nu Chapter at Arkansas Tech University in Spring 2015 and has been a life member of the Sorority since 2017. While at ATU, she served as chapter Historian and on several committees. Eve’s primary instrument is tenor saxophone, and she was also a member of the Color Guard, participating in both the Arkansas Band of Distinction Marching Band and Concert Band. She joined the Southwest District Alumni Association of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma in 2017 and served two terms as Vice President of Membership, contributing on multiple committees including membership and programs.
Eve has nine years of experience as an educator primarily teaching elementary students. She holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies (2013) and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (2017), both from Arkansas Tech University. In her free time, Eve enjoys volunteering as a youth athletics coach, competing in pageants, reading, crocheting, and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Rhonda McKinney
2025-2029
LAA Relations Director ~ tbsaa-laa@tbsigma.org
Rhonda McKinney attended Kentucky State University, where she met her husband, Fredric McKinney, a proud member of Kappa Kappa Psi. She was initiated into Tau Beta Sigma through the Zeta Rho chapter in 2001 and became a Life Member in 2023. Rhonda plays clarinet and euphonium and serves as the Band Booster President at her children’s high school, actively supporting the band program.
A longtime member of the Atlanta Alumni Association of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, Rhonda has served as Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and co-chairperson of the AAA Golden Baton Scholarship Initiative. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Family Relations (Birth to Age 5) and is a passionate educator with 26 years of experience, currently teaching Kindergarten. In addition to education, Rhonda is an entrepreneur and owner of Gor-jus Creations, where she crafts personalized gift items.
