Jackson Free Press

Wade Overstreet is passionate about improving the quality of life for children and families in Jackson. As the new development director for Operation Shoestring, Overstreet, 36, is in charge of raising funds and communicating the mission of the organization, a non-profit providing services for the inner-city community including after-school programs, parenting classes, summer camps and a food pantry.

Overstreet, a Jackson native, received his bachelor's degree in English from Mississippi State University and a master's degree in public service from De Paul University in Chicago. In Chicago he served as the chief operations officer for the Sigma Chi Foundation. In 2005 he moved back to Mississippi to serve as the executive director for the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation.

"When the full-time staff position opened (at Operation Shoestring), I thought I had the background to help," Overstreet says. "Operation Shoestring really matches the passion I have for being sure that all kids in Jackson have the opportunity to have a first-rate education, be healthy, safe and enjoy extra circular activities. "

Overstreet lives in Jackson with his wife Stacey and two daughters, Reese and Owen. He is an avid jogger and plans to run the half marathon portion of the Mississippi Blues Marathon in January.

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