Missy Rees

The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce welcomed Melissa Rees to their staff in February 2024 as the new LaunchPad Project Manager. In her role, Melissa, known in the community as Missy, will oversee all aspects of new initiatives made possible by recent funds awarded to LaunchPad by the Lilly Endowment Inc. Missy has 30+ years of educational experience and a proven record of leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration. She most recently served as the principal of Claypool Elementary for the last 13 years, retiring from that position in 2023. LaunchPad Director Sherry Searles says, “We are very excited to have Missy join our team. Her background and her heart for enhancing early education in the community make her a very valuable addition to our staff.” Missy is looking forward to helping LaunchPad start an early educator training center and a play café for working parents who work remotely.