Dana McLain is a dedicated community leader and educator who currently serves as Workforce Development & Outreach Coordinator for McLain Plumbing & Electrical and as Workforce Liaison for the Neshoba County School District. After a distinguished 26-year career in education, Dana retired in 2025 and continues to invest her passion for student success by helping connect education, workforce development, and local industry.
Dana earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Mississippi State University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Mississippi State University–Meridian. Her background in education and workforce development has made her a strong advocate for preparing students and strengthening communities across East Mississippi.
An active civic leader, Dana serves as President of the Community Development Partnership of Neshoba County and as Secretary of the Philadelphia Rotary Club. She previously served as President of the Community Development Partnership Chamber of Commerce Board and as Treasurer of the Philadelphia Rotary Club.
Dana joined the Community Foundation of East Mississippi Board of Directors because of her passion for serving others and her belief in the Foundation’s vision for creating lasting opportunities throughout the region. She and her husband, Phillip, live in Philadelphia and are proud parents of six children—Erin, Taylor, Ellison, Aly, Zach, and Peter—and grandparents to Cooper and Baylor.
