<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> <title>Wildacres Leadership Initiative</title> <link href="styles/wastyles.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" /> </head> <body> <div id="container" align="center"> <table width="652" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td valign="top"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td colspan="3" width="217"><img src="images/design3_sliced_r2_c2.gif" width="217" height="3" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="3" bgcolor="#93C3F3"><img src="images/design3_sliced_r3_c4.gif" width="3" height="260" /></td> <td width="211" bgcolor="#93C3F3" align="center"><a href="index.htm"><img src="images/logo.jpg" width="203" height="252" border="0" /></a></td> <td width="3" bgcolor="#93C3F3"><img src="images/design3_sliced_r3_c2.gif" width="3" height="260" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3" width="217"><img src="images/design3_sliced_r8_c2.gif" width="217" height="3" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3" height="6"></td> </tr> </table> <table width="217" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td colspan="3"><img src="images/design3_sliced_r10_c2.gif" width="217" height="3" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#93C3F3" width="3"><img src="images/design3_sliced_r11_c2.gif" width="3" height="454" /></td> <td width="211" height="100%" align="left" valign="top" bgcolor="#93C3F3"> <div id="mainnav"> <a href="index.htm">Home</a><br /> <a href="about.htm">About WLI</a><br /> <a href="programs.htm">Three Core Programs</a><br /> <div id="subnav"> <a href="williamc.htm">William C. 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float: left; } h2 { clear: both; } </style> <h2>Susan Acker-Walsh (2001-2003)<br/> Chapel Hill</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/acker-walsh%20susan.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Susan is Chief Executive for Corporate Development at Constella Group, LLC, where she focuses on strategies for the company's future growth, including M&A activities, and serves as a member of the company's executive leadership team. Susan previously served as vice president of corporate development from 1997-1999 when the company was Analytical Sciences, Inc. (ASI). Prior to her return, she became the co-founder, president, CEO and chairman of the board of Blue292, a Durham-based provider of software solutions for crisis information management and environmental, health and safety systems. She was responsible for establishing Blue292's strategic direction, brand building, capital formulation, management team recruitment, product development, and sales and marketing initiatives. While at the helm of Blue292, Acker-Walsh raised nearly $20 million from top-tier tier venture capitalists. In 2004 she was awarded the Business Leader Woman Extraordinaire.</p> <h2>Sheryl Aikman (2001-2003)<br /> Asheville</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/aikman%20sheryl.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Sheryl is Vice President of Development at The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, where she is focused on building charitable resources for the future of the mountain region. Sheryl's community involvement has included serving on the boards of Mountain Microenterprise Fund and the NC Planned Giving Council, as member and chair of the Steering Committee for the Advancement Network for Community Foundations and on the Community Foundation Leadership Team at the Council on Foundations.</p> <h2>Maya Ajmera (1995-1997)<br/> Washington, DC/Durham</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/ajmera%20maya.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Maya is the Founder and Executive Director of The Global Fund for Children, an organization devoted to advancing the human rights of young people. The organization develops high-quality multicultural children's books and supports community-based educational programs for underserved children around the world. She is co-author of several award winning children's books including Children from Australia to Zimbabwe, To Be a Kid, and Extraordinary Girls.</p> <h2>Jane Alexander (1999-2001)<br/> Charlotte</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/alexander%20jane.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Jane is a Principal at ColeJenest & Stone, P.A., a land planning and civil engineering firm in Charlotte. Her community involvement includes serving as a Board member of Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association and the Urban Land Institute. She is the mother of Lida and Marguerite.</p> <h2>Bruton Allen (2006-08)<br/> Salisbury</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/allen%20bruton.jpg" class="fellowphoto" /> <p>Bruton is a business banker with First National Bank and Trust Company in Salisbury, NC. He was born and raised in Troy, a southern mill town of 3,000 people and spent many years as a sales representative selling commercial packaging, mainly to hosiery and textile mills while living in Winston-Salem. In the late 1990 s those mills moved their operations out of NC to remain competitive in world and national markets. From there Bruton became a business banker with BB&T and worked out of their offices in Elizabeth City for two years before returning to his native part of North Carolina to work with First National. Bruton is active in community service through his church, the Rotary and the Boy Scouts of America. He and his wife Jean have two sons, Daniel and Thomas.</p> <h2>Calvin Allen (2003-2005) <br/>Raleigh</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/allen%20calvin.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Calvin is the Deputy Director for the Southern Rural Development Initiative. Formerly her was executive director of Public Allies North Carolina. Calvin has worked in the nonprofit sector since 1992 as an administrator, trainer, facilitator, and consultant. Prior to Public Allies, he served as Associate Director of the Dispute Settlement Center of Orange County, developing programs and raising funds for youth and family programs using conflict management and anti-oppression education. His community involvement includes board membership on the Grassroots Fund Steering Committee and NetCorps NC's Advisory Council. In addition, he volunteers with several youth and LGBT-related organizations.</p> <h2>Emma Allen (1999-2001) <br/>Charlotte </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/allen%20emma.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Emma is Chief Executive Officer of AJ Financial Group, LLP, whose cornerstone program is Start Now Finish Rich, a program to help people gain control of their finances. She has served in volunteer roles for numerous civic and community initiatives including treasurer and board member for the March of Dimes and Vice Chairperson of the Afro American Cultural Center, and has been a volunteer for Junior Achievement since 1998.  In addition, Emma is active in the Urban League of Central Carolinas and has worked over the years in her professional roles to mentor over seventy-five young professionals. Emma is the recipient of the Roddey Foundation Award, Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Award and Thurgood Marshall Award.  She resides at Lake Norman with her family.</p> <h2>Cathy Alston-Kearney (1995-1997) <br/>Warrenton</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/alston%20kearney%20cathy.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Cathy is the Executive Director of the Warren Family Institute, an initiative designed to move low-income families with children toward economic self-sufficiency. With Cathy as its creative inspiration, the Institute is a family-centered community development corporation that has become a model for helping families help themselves in areas of high poverty. Cathy is active in many community efforts, including the NC Rural Economic Development Center and Halifax-Warren Smart Start Partnership for Children.</p> <h2>Iris Barrett (1997-1999) <br/>Hickory</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/barrett%20iris.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Iris is Founder of "The Word is My Life" Training Ministry which she began after a fifteen year career with Corning Cable System. The ministry's key objectives are to emphasize the value of faith and how to provide encouragement for those working to integrate faith in their lives. An active church teacher and community member, Iris is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and the Catawba Valley Community College Board of Trustees. She is also a patient volunteer with Hospice of Catawba Valley.</p> <h2>Andy Baxter (2001-2003)<br/> Charlotte</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/baxter%20andy.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Andy Baxter is a doctoral candidate Public Policy at UNC Charlotte.  Prior to matriculating, he served as executive director of Mecklenburg Ministries, an interfaith collaboration of congregations dedicated to fostering interfaith cooperation and racial understanding, from 2001 to 2005.  He is the founder of Social Change Research and Development, Co., a company specializing in data-driven program design and evaluation for groups wanting to create systemic change in their communities.  His community contributions include creating the Souls of White Folks initiative in Charlotte (2005), the Congregational College (2002), and the Davidson College Reverse Mission Trip Program (1998). He worked with colleagues from his class of Friday Fellows to create the documentary, "Coming Out, Coming In" (2005), a film that explores the lives of gay and lesbian Christians in NC.</p> <h2>Andrea Bazan Manson (1997-1999) <br/>Raleigh</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/bazan%20manson%20andrea.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Andrea is the President of Triangle Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization serving the region. Previously, she served as Executive Director of El Pueblo, a Latino advocacy and public policy organization and was its Chief Lobbyist at the NC General Assembly. She has also held positions in state government  (at the NC Office of Minority Health, Department of Health and Human Services) and in academia (at the UNC School of Public Health, Dept of Maternal and Child Health.) She continues her connections with UNC as a lecturer and field supervisor. She holds two appointments by Gov Easley- to the NC Medical Care Commission and the NC Institute of Medicine. Nationally, she is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Council of La Raza in Washington DC, and the National Immigration Law Center in Los Angeles. She also sits on the Board of the John Rex Endowment, and Wachovia Bank in Raleigh. Andrea has received recognition for her work as Alumni of the Year for the UNC School of Social Work, the 2000 Sidney Chipman Award from the Dept of Maternal and Child Health, the 2005 Women Achievement Award, and others. She lives in Durham with her husband and three daughters.</p> <h2>Lisa Bell (2001-2003) <br/>Charlotte</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/bell%20lisa.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Lisa is District Court Judge for the State of North Carolina in Charlotte where she presides over domestic and juvenile bench trials. In 1995 she co-wrote legislation entitled the "Stand-by Guardianship Act" which was ratified as Article 21, Chapter 35A of the North Carolina General Statutes. Her community involvement includes work with her church, Myers Park Presbyterian Church, Habitat for Humanity and Success by Six, for which she s a board member and early childhood council member.</p> <h2>Bernard Benson (2001-2003) <br/>Fayetteville</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/benson%20bernard.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Bernard is a US Army Captain, currently assigned to Ft. Bragg in Fayetteville. He serves as a Battalion Operations Officer responsible for staff oversight and support of the US Army recruiting operations training. Bernard is a former Battery Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division and an Operation Desert Storm veteran. His community involvement includes membership with the Cumberland Christian Center Church and the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International, a spiritually based business fellowship organization.</p> <h2>Taffye Benson Clayton (1997-1999) <br/>Greenville</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/benson%20clayton%20taffye.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Taffye Benson Clayton is the Assistant to the Chancellor for Special Assignments and Equal Employment Opportunity Officer at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. She is a former Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Fellow, serving in the United States Senate on the staff of Senator Edward M. Kennedy with the Committee on Labor and Human Resources, chaired by the senator. She also completed the Emily's List Campaign Management Training Program in Washington, DC. In 1995, Taffye became the first director of the Ledonia Wright African American Cultural Center at ECU. Taffye was principal investigator and project coordinator for the university's Coffee In the Kitchen university/ community Race Relations project, is on various university-wide committees, and has served as Membership Chair for the Greenville/Pitt County Chamber of Commerce as well as Co-chair of the Chamber's Building Bridges Race Relations Initiative. She currently serves on the Chamber Board of Directors. Taffye was a finalist for the City of Greenville's 2002 Best-Irons Humanitarian Award.</p> <h2>Adam Bernstein (1999-2001) </br>Charlotte</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/bernstein%20adam.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Adam is a Principal and Senior Counselor at Carolina Public Relations in Charlotte. His current community and civic involvement includes the Charlotte Symphony, Charlotte Chamber, Public Relations Society of America-Charlotte Chapter and Temple Beth El.  Adam also was recently appointed to the School Building Solutions Committee, a citizen stakeholders group created to study public school construction needs and develop a capital package that will be supported by the residents of Mecklenburg County. He is a member of the WLI Board of Advisors.</p> <h2>Robert Bilbro (1999-2001) <br/>Charlotte</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/bilbro%20rob.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Rob is the President of Personnel Resource Group, Inc., a human resource consulting and staffing company in Greensboro, which he founded in 1995. He is active in his community through Other Voices, the Guilford County Community Visioning Process, the Triad Business and Professional Guild, and the Human Resource Management Association of Greensboro.</p> <h2>Vicki Bott (1999-2001) <br/>Charlotte</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/bott%20vicki.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Vicki is the Director of the Land Use and Environmental Planning Division of the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. She was appointed by the Governor to the NC Smart Growth Legislative Commission (2000-2001), and has held leadership positions in the Central Piedmont Group of the NC Chapter of the Sierra Club (Vice Chair 1999, Chair 2000-2002, and Treasurer 2003-2005.) Vicki has also served on the Mecklenburg County Smart Growth Task Force and the City of Charlotte's Brownfields Project Partners Committee.</p> <h2>Michael Brader-Araje (2003-2005) <br/>Chapel Hill</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/brader%20araje%20michael.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Michael is the founder and managing partner of SunPocket Management, an early-stage investment firm dedicated to enhancing the success of early-stage companies and elevating the profile of Research Triangle Park, NC throughout the broader investment community. Michael is best known as the founder of OpenSite Technologies, which was acquired by Siebel Systems, Inc. for $542 million. He has earned recognition for his contributions to the entrepreneurial community, having received the Presidents Service Award from the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), and having been named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award finalist. Michael was also named one of Digital South Magazine's 50 most influential people in the southeast. He serves on the boards of CED, The Mariposa School for Children with Autism, Teach for America (NC Chapter), WUNC Radio, and other local organizations. In addition, Michael serves on the advisory council for the University of North Carolina School of Public Health, and chairs the school's Research Support/Innovation Committee. Michael is also an active philanthropist through his family foundation.</p> <h2>Jeff Brown (1997-1999) <br/>Charlotte</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/brown%20jeff.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Jeff is a partner with the law firm of Kennedy, Covington, Lobdell, & Hickman, L.L.P. in Charlotte where he practices in the areas of land use/zoning and real estate development and finance. He is currently active as Chair of the Public Policy Division of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Citizens Transit Advisory Group, and was former Chair of the Johnston Memorial YMCA, an inner-city family resource center serving low to moderate income neighborhoods.</p> <h2>Anita Brown-Graham (1997-1999) <br/>Chapel Hill</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/brown%20graham%20anita.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Anita is Executive Director of Institute for Emerging Issues based at NC State University. The Institute is a think-and-do tank and a catalyst for innovative public policy through research, ideas, debate and action that encourages civic leadership in business, government and higher education. Anita is also an Associate Professor of Law and Government at UNC-Chapel Hill's Institute of Government. She was honored with the Albert and Gladys Hall Coates Term Professorship for Outstanding Junior Faculty Achievement in 2000. In addition to teaching and writing, Anita provides technical assistance in the areas of community development and public liability.</p> <h2>Zelene Bunch (1999-2001) <br/>Hertford</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/bunch%20zelene.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Zelene is the owner of A Glass Slipper, a small business in Hertford. Her volunteer activities include developing the RHEMA Ministries activities for girls, stewardess and trustee duties at St. Paul AMEZ Church. She is a former Clerk of the AMEZ Edenton District, Secretary to the Presiding Elder and Albemarle AMEZ Conference Delegate.</p> <h2>Omisade Burney- Scott (1999-2001)<br/> Durham</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/burney%20scott%20omisade.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Omisade Burney-Scott is Project Officer at Active Living by Design, a program of the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation promoting environments that make it easier to be physically active. In addition she is the Principal for Ananse Consulting which provides organizational capacity building, coaching, program development, and board development to non profit organizations. Prior, Omisade worked in organized philanthropy as a Program Director with the Warner Foundation, and as the Program Director for Public Allies North Carolina. Omisade is a founding member of a Triangle Area African American Giving Circle called NGAAP, The Next Generation of African American Philanthropist. She serves on various non profit boards including as chair of the stone circles board and to the board of the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Omisade resides in Durham with her wonderful partner Michael and her amazing son Che.</p> <h2>Pat Cabe (2003-2005) <br/>Rocky Mount</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/cabe%20pat.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Pat is Vice President of Programs for the Golden LEAF Foundation in Rocky Mount. Prior to going to Golden Leaf, she was director of HandMade in America's Community Development Corporation, where she provided coordination and oversight for numerous community development projects throughout 23 counties in western North Carolina, including the Small Towns Revitalization Program, Leadership Development Initiative, EnergyXchange crafts and studio incubator and Stecoah Weavers training project. Pat has extensive experience working with community and economic development organizations in western North Carolina. A native of western North Carolina's mountains with deep family roots there, she is married to Geoff Cantrell, a writer and columnist.</p> <h2>Aura Camacho Maas (1995-1997) <br/>Raleigh</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/camacho%20maas%20aura.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Aura is the former Founder and Executive Director of the Latin American Resource Center, LARC, in Raleigh. Aura created DIALOGO, dedicated to improving human relations through education. "My Identity" and "Can We Move Beyond Stereotypes?," a traveling exhibit, are some of the tools. The One America White House Initiative and the National Association of Counties have recognized the program as a renowned, model program. She is a member of the North Carolina Human Relations Commission as well as of the City of Raleigh Advisory Commission for Human Relations.</p> <h2>Hugh Campbell, III (1999-2001) <br/>Mount Airy</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/campbell%20hugh.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Hugh is an attorney with the Gardner Firm in Mount Airy. His volunteer involvement includes the Surry County Board of Elections, Surry County Democratic Party, and Habitat for Humanity. Hugh's professional service includes serving as President of the District Bar Association and as City Attorney.</p> <h2>Jay Chaudhuri (2001-2003) <br/>Raleigh </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/chaudhuri%20jay.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Jay is Special Counsel to North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper. Prior to his current position, he was Legislative Counsel to Mr. Cooper when he served as State Senate Majority Leader. Jay also clerked for the Honorable Linda McGee on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Jay's community involvement includes serving on the board of South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow, the Race Relations Implementation Committee of the North Carolina Bar Association and tutoring at Smith Elementary School in Garner.</p> <h2>Ann Clark (1995-1997) <br/>Charlotte</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/clark%20ann.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Ann is Regional Superintendent for High Schools for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system. Ann was the founding Principal of Governor's Village, a K-12 educational community launched with the support of IBM. Prior to taking her position there, Ann served as Principal of Alexander Graham Middle School and was named National Principal of the Year in 1994 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. She was instrumental in the development of A Child's Place, North Carolina's first school for homeless children. Ann currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Davidson College, as well as Kids Voting, Metro YMCA, Charlotte Housing Authority, Teen Health Connection and Communities in Schools.</p> <h2>Andrew Cline (1999-2001) <br/>Manchester, NH</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/cline%20drew.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Drew is Editorial Page Editor for The Union Leader in Manchester, NH. Prior to taking that post, Drew was the Director of Publications at the John Locke Foundation in Raleigh, a research institute dedicated to improving public policy debate in North Carolina. His community activities include contributing to the North Carolina Encyclopedia and collecting interviews of North Carolinians who have served in the military.</p> <h2>Emily Colin (1999-2001) <br/>Wilmington</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/colin%20emily.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Emily is Lead Program Coordinator for Challenge Academy, an after-school program coordinator for at-risk kids in New Hanover County's Middle Schools and the Special Events Coordinator for DREAMS, an after-school arts education program that provides a creative outlet for children in need. Prior, Emily was co-founder of Carolina Women's Partnership in Wilmington, an organization dedicated to empowering NC women by building stronger local and regional communities and showcasing women in the literary arts. Through her work with the Partnership, she developed two women's anthologies and co-organized a statewide reading and discussion tour in conjunction with women's centers, business organizations and studies programs. She was also senior editor at Coastal Carolina Press, a nonprofit book publishing company focused on showcasing the environment, culture and literary record of North Carolina's coast.</p> <h2>Tamera Coyne-Beasley (1999-2001) <br/>Chapel Hill</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/coyne%20beasley%20tamera.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Tamera is Assistant Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Co-director of Adolescent Medicine Education, and the Principal Investigator of the Injury Prevention Project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Tamera's community involvement includes serving as a volunteer physician and director of adolescent residency education at the Teen Link Clinic of the Lincoln Community Health Center, member of the Durham Violence Prevention Committee, board member of Planned Parenthood of Orange and Durham Counties and board member of the NC Governor's Institute on Alcohol and Substance Abuse. She is also a member and one of the founders of the Durham Gun Safety Team and the founder of the Health and Wellness Ministry at First Calvary Baptist Church in Durham. Tamera is a poet who has also published articles in medical journals on adolescent health, injury and violence.</p> <h2>Ty Davis (2001-2003) <br/>Greenville</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/davis%20ty.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Ty is Admissions Counselor at Pitt Community College where she supports enrollment management through academic advising, personal counseling, retention and recruitment. Prior she was the Director of Student Experiences at East Carolina University in Greenville. Ty has been involved with the Food Bank of North Carolina, the Greenville Community Shelters, Inc., has served on the Board of Directors for the Family Violence Programs of Pitt County, and was also part of the Guidance Team and a Facilitator for the Coffee in the Kitchen Race Relations Initiative at ECU.  She was selected the American College Personnel Association and the North Carolina College Personnel Association, 2002-2003 Outstanding New Professional.  Ty also serves on several ministries at Koinonia Christian Center Church and is the founder of Sisters in Transition and Revival (StaR), a ministry for young women.</p> <h2>Satana Deberry (1999-2001) <br/>Raleigh</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/deberry%20satana.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Satana is an Officer with the Casey Strategic Consulting Practice at the Annie E. Casey Foundation in Baltimore, MD. The Group combines the analytical practices of private sector consulting with Casey s knowledge about reforming public systems to improve organizations and processes that serve families and children. Prior to taking on this role, Satana was General Counsel for the NC Department of Health and Human Services. She is an attorney and was a partner at Deberry & Hand, PLLC in Rockingham, her former law office. Satana's community activities include the NC Triangle Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the NC Child Well Being and Domestic Violence Task Force.</p> <h2>Alisa Debnam (1999-2001) <br/>Fayetteville</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/debnam%20alisa.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Alisa is the Dean of Health Programs at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Formerly, she was the Healthful Living Supervisor for the Cumberland County Schools. Alisa's volunteer activities include serving as a trustee for Cape Fear Valley Health System, board member for the Cumberland County Partnership for Children Inc., and member of the Junior League of Fayetteville.</p> <h2>Susie deVille Schiffli (1997-1999) <br/>Highlands</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/deville%20schiffli%20susie.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Susie is Broker Associate with her family's business, John Schiffli Real Estate. Previously she was the Executive Director of the Peggy Crosby Community Center serving Macon and Jackson Counties. Susie founded the Literacy Council of Highlands in 1993 and remains active with the Council by teaching volunteers how to be effective tutors. Susie works from home and is the mother of three children.</p> <h2>Lana Dial (1997-1999) <br/>Raleigh</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/dial%20lana.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Lana has worked for the Administrative Office of the Courts since 1995 and is responsible for directing all aspects of the Foster Care and Adoption Court Program. As a Native American, Lana is actively involved in Indian concerns, including serving as past president of Triangle Native American Society and a member of the organizing task force for the Triangle Native American United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Her current community involvement also includes the Martin Luther King Resource Center Board of Directors and the Interfaith Alliance of Wake County. Her past community involvement includes the Raleigh Human Resources and Human Relations Advisory Commission, Theatre in the Park, and NC Equity, an organization that works to empower women in North Carolina. She is a member of the WLI Board of Advisors.</p> <h2>Mary Fant Donnan (1999-2001) <br/>Winston-Salem </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/donnan%20mary.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Mary is Program Officer at the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. Formerly she was a Director of Research and Policy at the North Carolina Department of Labor in Raleigh. There she was responsible for special projects, reporting on occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities, and policy development. Her community involvement includes the NC Solar Energy Association and Wilmont Heights Community Watch.</p> <h2>Ilana Dubester (2001-2003) <br/>Siler City</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/dubester%20ilana.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Ilana is the Program Coordinator South for the Funders' Collaborative for Strong Latino Communities, a project of Hispanics in Philanthropy, to strengthen Latino-led nonprofit organizations through capacity building grants and trainings. Ilana moved to Chatham County in 1991. In 1995, she served as the Latino Program Coordinator for the Chatham's Cooperative Extension Service, where she was responsible for developing and implementing educational programs for Latino families. Also in 1995, she founded El Vínculo Hispano/Hispanic Liaison of Chatham County, and served as its Executive Director until March 2004. El Vínculo is a community-based organization offering advocacy, information, education, and leadership development for Latinos. In 1998, Ilana was appointed by Governor Hunt to the Governor's Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, where she continues to serve under Governor Easley. At the state level, she serves in the Administrative Office of the Courts Foreign Language Task Force, and is a board member of the NC Rural Center. She is a NC Certified Court Interpreter. Ilana is originally from Brazil and in 1996 she became a US citizen.</p> <h2>John Drescher (1995-1997) <br/>Raleigh</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/drescher%20john.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>John is the Managing Editor at The News & Observer of Raleigh. He previously held the same post at The State newspaper in Columbia, SC, and served as a reporter and editor at The Charlotte Observer from 1988 to 2000. His book on Terry Sanford's 1960 pivotal race for governor against segregationist Beverly Lake was published in 2000 by the University Press of Mississippi. He has volunteered in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Wake County schools as a mentor and tutor, and has coached girls soccer for 10 years. He and his wife, Deanna, have three daughters.</p> <h2>Audrey Esposito (1999-2001) <br/>Charlotte </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/esposito%20audrey.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Audrey is a full time parent to her three girls. Prior she was a Director in the Corporate Environment, health & Safety Department at Duke Energy Corporation in Charlotte. Her responsibilities included environment, health and safety issues management, strategy development, and external relationships.</p> <h2>Patricia Ferguson (1995-1997) <br/>Colerain</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/ferguson%20patricia.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Patricia is County Commissioner in Bertie County. A native of Bertie, she returned to her hometown in 1993 after working for several years as a teacher and educational program developer in Philadelphia. In addition to serving as County Commissioner, Patricia has taken leadership roles in her region as a founding member of Roanoke Chowan Partners for Progress, a model grassroots economic development initiative for rural communities, and as a member of the national YMCA Board.</p> <h2>Wanda Floyd (2003-2005) <br/>Durham</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/floyd%20wanda.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Rev. Wanda Floyd serves as the founding pastor of Imani Metropolitan Community Church. Metropolitan Community Church is a Christian denomination with an outreach to the lesbian and gay community. Within the LGBTQ community, Rev. Floyd has served on the Board of Directors for the Lesbian and Gay Health Project, Resource Center for Women in the Ministry in the South, North Carolina Lambda Youth Network and Triangle PFLAG (Parents, Friends of Lesbians and Gays). She is also a member of the 'Souls A'Fire Roundtable' a group consisting of African-American lesbian and gay leaders, scholars and religious leaders; co-chair of the NC Religious Coalition for Marriage Equality and on the National Board for the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies at the Pacific School of Religion, Berkley, CA. She resides in Durham with her partner of eleven years - Sheryl Griffin.</p> <h2>Randy Foreman (2003-2005) <br/>Elizabeth City </h2> <p>Randy is the Chief Executive Officer for Foreman's, Inc., a three location lumber yard headquartered in Elizabeth City, NC. His community involvement includes serving on the board for the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County Public School Foundation and Elizabeth City Rotary Club. He also serves as a general member on the local Arts Council, the Southern Building Materials Association Round Table, and is an active member of First United Methodist Church.</p> <h2>Henry Foust (1997-1999) <br/>Pittsboro </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/foust%20henry.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Henry is a National Board Certified teacher of Spanish at Chatham County's Northwood High School in Pittsboro. As a young African-American man, he sees the classroom as the place he can most directly impact his students. Henry is active in many roles as a member of Maxwell Chapel Church in the Snow Camp area. He has served on the local and regional selection committees for the NC Teaching Fellows Program. He also is the Student Council Advisor at his school, Executive Director of the Central District of the NC Association of Student Councils, a staff member at state and national student leadership camps and a former member of the Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Advisory Panel. Henry was chosen as the 2002-2003 Chatham County Teacher of the Year.</p> <h2>James Freeman (2001-2003) <br/>Elkin </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/freeman%20james.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>James is an Attorney with James N. Freeman, Jr., PC in Elkin. His community involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors and as a client interviewer for Tri-County Christian Crisis Minsitry; Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Elkin Public Library; on the Board of Directors for Tri-County Youth Center Partnership, Inc. James coaches youth basketball at the Elkin Recreation Center; and serves as a tutor at Elkin Middle School.</p> <h2>Sterling Freeman (2001-2003) <br/>Durham</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/freeman%20sterling1.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Sterling is the Executive Director of Wildacres Leadership Initiative. Prior to coming to Wildacres, Sterling served as a Commercial Insurance Agent at BB&T Insurance Services in Durham and as a commercial loan officer at NationsBank in Charlotte. Sterling serves as a mentor in the Durham Scholars Program and with African-American male prisoners. He also serves as Associate Minister at Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Durham where he leads the men's ministry, on the Board of the St. Joseph Historic Foundation and on the Diversity Committee for Durham Academy. Sterling is a member of the Durham Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. where he serves as a member of the Board.</p> <h2>Christian Friend (2006-08)<br/> Charlotte</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/friend%20christian.jpg" class="fellowphoto" /> <p>Christian is Senior Relationship Manager at the United Way of the Central Carolinas. Originally from Teaneck, NJ, Christian first worked as a high school teacher and youth services worker in Charlotte and then Director of Community and Research Services for the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. His areas of expertise include cultural differences, African American children and families, research methods, and the evaluation of educational and social/human service programs, African American history, African American religious traditions, and hip-hop music. In his personal life Christian is an avid fan of sports, movies and music; he sits on several non-profit boards; and he is in the volunteer program for the Right Path mentorship program in Charlotte.</p> <h2>Ashley "Brownie" Futrell, Jr. (1997-1999) <br/>Washington </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/futrell%20brownie.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Brownie is President and Publisher of the Washington Daily News, a small, family-owned daily newspaper located in rural Washington, NC. Under his leadership the paper won the 1990 Pulitzer Prize for Meritorious Public Service. Brownie has served as a board member and chairman of the Washington City Schools, chairman of the Salvation Army, President of the Washington Rotary Club, and President of the North Carolina Press Association. He is currently serving on the Board of Visitors of the Duke Divinity School.</p> <h2>Richard Fuqua (1995-1997) <br/>Raleigh</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/fuqua%20richard.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Richard is the Vice President for Commercial Development at the North Carolina Community Development Initiative, a public-private partnership for economic development based in Raleigh. Formerly, he was an Assistant Vice President/Portfolio Risk Manager at Wachovia Bank and Trust in Charlotte and an Economic Developer at the Greater Charlotte Chamber of Commerce where his work resulted in the creation of the non-profit Charlotte/Mecklenburg Development Corporation, whose purpose is to facilitate economic development opportunities throughout Charlotte's inner city.</p> <h2>Lee Carol Giduz (1999-2001) <br/>Lenoir</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/giduz%20lee%20carol.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Lee Carol is the Executive Director of the Caldwell Arts Council in Lenoir. Her community involvement includes serving on the North Carolina Arts Council as a Board and Executive member, as a member of the Lenoir Economic Development Board, as a Board and Executive member of the Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina, on the Advisory Board and Program Committee JE Broyhill Civic Center, and on the Exhibit Committee of the Hickory Museum of Art.</p> <h2>Eric Gladney (2003-2005) <br/>Greensboro </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/gladney%20eric.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Eric is a native of Greensboro, NC and serves as Senior Pastor at Oak Springs Baptist Church Greensboro, NC. Previously he functioned as Chief Strategist of the Terrestrial Commercial Programs Business Unit within General Dynamics Advanced Technology Systems, Greensboro, NC. Eric currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Montessori Christian Academy and on the Board of Visitors for North Carolina A&T State University. He is also a member of the NAACP, as well as a volunteer for the National Conference For Community and Justice (NCCJ).</p> <h2>Denise Harris Giles (1999-2001) <br/>Fayetteville </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/giles%20denise.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Denise is the Executive Director of Cumberland Interfaith Hospitality Network in Fayetteville. Her community involvement includes working with the Ashton Wood's Transitional Housing Village, the Family Support and Family Preservation Council, serving on the local Federal Emergency Management Agency Board, a member of the Cumberland County Continuum of Care Planning Council and community Board of the Cumberland County Partnership for Children. She is a member of the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Human Relations Commission.</p> <h2>Nancy Gottovi (2006-08)<br/> Star</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/gottovi%20nancy.jpg" class="fellowphoto" /> <p>Nancy is the Executive Director of Central Park North Carolina. Her background includes nonprofit management, education and community research and technical assistance, and teaching. Prior to joining the Project, she was the Executive Director of Heritage and Cultural Tourism Partnership of North Carolina, and developed and led the statewide 1000-100 Cultural Tourism Leadership training program. Nancy has served as editor for the national Rural Education Finance Center s Rural School Funding Report. She has been an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Nancy also served as the initial Project Director of the North Carolina Pottery Center. Nancy has long had an active interest in rural sustainable development and was a 1995 Fellow of the NC Rural Center s Rural Economic Development Leadership Institute.</p> <h2>Harlan Joel Gradin (1997-1999) <br/>Greensboro </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/gradin%20harlan.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Harlan is Assistant Director and Director of Programs of the NC Humanities Council in Greensboro, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to promoting public programs in the humanities. He is an academician and holds a doctorate in philosophy in American history. A member of Beth-El Synagogue, he is also active on the Durham Human Relations Commission (DHRC), where he has served as Vice Chair and Interim Chair.</p> <h2>Jeff Gray (1997-1999) <br/>North Wilkesboro </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/gray%20jeff.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Jeff is Senior Corporate Counsel for Lowe's Companies in Wilkesboro. His community involvement includes the YMCA of Greater Winston-Salem, the Law Alumni Association of UNC, North Wilkesboro Rotary Club, North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church and the Advisory Committee of the Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust. Jeff is a member of the WLI Board of Advisors.</p> <h2>Gita Gulati-Partee (2001-2003) <br/>Durham</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/gulati%20partee%20gia.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Gita is a practical visionary and a tempered radical. A native of Greenville, NC and the daughter of immigrants from India, Gita approaches work and life with a sense of purpose, possibility, and humor. S In 2003, she founded OpenSource Leadership Strategies, Inc., a national consulting practice based in Durham, to meet the organizational development needs of nonprofits and other social change agents. She serves as senior consultant to the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest, on the core faculty of Duke University's annual Institute in Nonprofit Leadership, and on the process management team of the NC Peoples' Coalition for Giving. Previously, Gita was public policy director at the NC Center for Nonprofits and a program officer at the Cleveland Foundation. Gita's civic leadership includes the N.C. Conservation Network, N.C. Civic Education Consortium, ncyt - NC's Network for Young Nonprofit Professionals, Triangle Community Foundation, and the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation. Gita has published books and articles on advocacy, grantmaking, service-learning, and internships.</p> <h2>Rickey Hall, Sr. (1997-1999) <br/>Charlotte </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/hall%20rickey.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Rickey is the Special Assistant for Housing and Welfare Reform with the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services. His community involvement includes serving as President of Reid Park Associates, Vice-Chairperson for the Charlotte Housing Authority, and a National Commissioner for the National Association.</p> <h2>Stephany Hand Biggs (2001-2003) <br/>Durham</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/hand%20biggs%20stephany.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Stephany is the Director of Outreach, Community Development/Helps counsel for Mt. Peace Church. Prior, she was a Principal of the Law Office of Stephany C. Hand, PA in Durham with a specialized practice designed to serve the needs of the nonprofit community. Stephany's community involvement includes serving as a board member for Habitat for Humanity of Durham County, as a volunteer/mentor with the Shepherd Magnet School and John Neal Middle School, and as co-chair of the social affairs committee of the Baptist Women's Home and Foreign Mission Society.</p> <h2>Virginia Hardy (1999-2001) <br/>Greenville </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/hardy%20virginia.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Virginia is the Associate Dean of Counseling and Diversity at East Carolina University School of Medicine in Greenville. She volunteers at Partnership for Progress for Pitt County Schools, Communities in Schools of Pitt County, and the Health Careers Advisory Council. Virginia also serves as facilitator for Racial Study Groups for Pitt County and for SAVE of Pitt County. Virginia serves on the Wildacres Leadership Initiative Board of Advisors.</p> <h2>Katy Harriger (1997-1999) <br/>Winston-Salem </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/harriger%20katy.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Katy is Associate Professor of Politics at Wake Forest University. She is the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the prestigious Reid-Doyle Prize for Excellence in Teaching, and is the author of the book Independent Justice: The Federal Special Prosecutor in American Politics. The second edition has recently been published and is entitled, The Special Prosecutor in American Politics (2nd edition, revised). Her community involvement includes starting a local public education fund to promote community dialogue about the school system and K-12 education.</p> <h2>Rodney Harris (2003-2005) <br/>Wake Forest</h2> <p>Rodney Harris is Founder of EmPOWERment Specialists, Inc., a counseling and consultative practice. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed School Administrator, National Certified Counselor and an Advanced Clinical Supervisor. The practice specializes in working with children/families in poverty and crisis and training future clinicians. He also conducts workshops and empowers teachers, administrators, school systems to be sensitive to the unique needs of minority children. Rodney's community involvement includes fundraising for scholarships, member of the NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., conducting parenting and anger management classes and the Board of the Licensed Professional Counselor Association of North Carolina. He resides with his wife, Tracee, in Wake Forest, N.C.</p> <h2>Kevin Harris (1997-1999) <br/>Rocky Mount </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/harris%20kevin.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Kevin is Director of Community Development for RBC Centura Banks, Inc. where he oversees the process of lending and outreach to low and moderate income families and businesses and directs the affordable housing and community rehabilitation programs. Kevin serves as a Trustee for the Teachers and State Employees Retirement System, Chairperson for Eastern North Carolina Sustainable Community Economic Development Center, and is on the boards of Rocky Mount Boys and Girls Club and the Downeast Partnership for Children.</p> <h2>Pamela Hartley (1997-1999) <br/>Raleigh</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/hartley%20pam.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Pam is Vice-President for Programs for Exploris, a nonprofit interactive museum about the world and charter middle school in Raleigh. There she leads the development of educational programs at the museum, the charter school, and on-line. Pam is also active with the Kadampa Center, a Tibetan Buddhist Center located in Raleigh.</p> <h2>Karla Haynes (2006-08)<br/> Lawndale</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/haynes%20karla.jpg" class="fellowphoto" /> <p>Karla has been the Executive Director of Cleveland County Community Development Corporation for over a decade and developed 164 units of affordable housing. Karla is a NC Certified Housing Counselor, holds the YMCA Black Achiever s Certification, has completed coursework in Non-profit Management Duke University and Leadership Cleveland County. Karla is (or was previously) involved with the Uptown Shelby Association, Girl s Club (Board Member of the Year), YMCA (Distinguished Service Award), YMCA Black Achiever s (Chairperson), Cleveland Tomorrow, United Way Affordable Housing (Chairperson), Adventure House, USDA Regional Task Force, Mayor s Task Force, Red Cross, Marion West Senior Housing, Abuse Prevention, Cleveland Community College Business Advisory Board, Rotary, Community Reinvestment Association of NC, and lunch buddy for Shelby City Schools. She has been recognized for the Innovative Real Estate Project by the NC Housing Finance Agency, is a Fannie Mae Community Development Scholar and a Cleveland County Commission for Women  Distinguished Woman Recipient.</p> <h2>Laurie Hays Coffman (2001-2003) <br/>Durham </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/hays%20coffman%20laurie.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Laurie is Pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church of Durham, North Carolina's first reconciling congregation, a church working toward full inclusiveness. Laurie's community involvement includes working with the national Clergy Alliance of Reconciling Ministries Network, assisting with the resettlement of Montagnard refugees from Vietnam, teaching in the Duke Divinity School's course of study, serving on the State Commission for Campus Ministries, and co-chairing the Bishop's Unity Dialogue.</p> <h2>Mavis Hill (2003-2005) <br/>Creswell </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/hill%20mavis.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Mavis is a founder and executive director of the Tyrell County Community Development Corporation, located in Columbia, NC. As the executive director, she is responsible for the oversight of the Tyrell County Youth Conservation Corps Program, the Sustainable Career Internship Program, Regional Enterprise Incubator Network and Leadership Development Program. Mavis is a past member of the North Carolina Economic Development Board, North Carolina Rural Prosperity Task Force, Partnership for the Sounds, and currently with the North Carolina Business Incubator Network, the Northeastern North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, and operates her own consulting business. Mavis was the 1998 recipient of the American Land Conservation Award for balancing economic development and the environment, was featured as Tar Heel of the Week in the Raleigh News & Observer and was featured in the June 1999 issue of Audubon Magazine.</p> <h2>Doris Howington (2001-2003) <br/>Rocky Mount</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/howington%20doris.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Doris is Executive Director of the Wright Center, Inc., a multicultural community-based adult day care program in Rocky Mount. Doris' community involvement includes serving a third term as commissioner of the Town of Whitakers.  She has served as Mayor pro tem each term. For six years, she also served as the town's zoning officer. She is a founding member of two community organizations, Whitakers Community Club and the Edgecombe County Foster Parents Association. Doris has been a foster parent for over 17 years and has fostered 45 children and adopted four children in addition to one birth child. Doris is an active member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, is a member and former Chair of the Rocky Mount Area United Way Executive Directors Group and was a former staff member of the local Community Development Corporation and Smart Start Program. She is currently serving as President-Elect of the North Carolina Adult Day Services Association.</p> <h2>Jose Hernandez-Paris (1999-2001) <br/>Charlotte</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/hernandez%20jose.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Jose came to Charlotte in 1977 at the age of 13. He was one of the first graduates of Charlotte-Mecklenburg School's English as a Second Language program and he was the owner of the first Hispanic store in Charlotte. Jose was the Executive Director of the International House in Charlotte and left the organization after eight years to head the Office of Diversity in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in August of 2005. In addition to being a Friday Fellow he is a Fellow of the Institute of Political Leadership. Jose has received the Charlotte Observer Hero of Democracy (1999), Community Service Person of the Year (1999), Latin American Excelente Awards, Father of the Year (2002) , Father's Day Council/American Diabetes Association, Hometown Hero WBT Radio and The Business Journal (Oct. 2002) His current community involvement includes: serving on the Community Advisory Committee, Knight Foundation, the Community Building Task Force, and the Community Building Initiative.</p> <h2>Frank Hirsch, Jr. (1995-1997) <br/>Raleigh </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/hirsch%20frank.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Frank is a commercial litigation partner with the Raleigh office of Hunton and Williams, focusing on complex litigation, class actions and financial services related matters. From April 2000 - June, 2001, Frank was general counsel and corporate secretary at Centura Banks, Inc., which later became RBC Centura. Prior to joining Centura, Frank was the litigation team leader for the Charlotte office of Hunton & Williams. His community work and civic commitments include the United Way, the YMCA, and the National MS Society among others.</p> <h2>Clay Hodges (2003-2005) <br/>Raleigh</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/hodges%20clay.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Clay is a partner with the law firm Harris, Winfield and Hodges LLP in Raleigh, where he devotes his practice to civil litigation. Prior to joining Harris & Winfield, he practiced civil litigation and education law at Tharrington Smith, LLP. He currently serves on the North Carolina Democratic Party s Commission on Education and Children s Issues, and he is an active volunteer at the Shepherd s Table Soup Kitchen. After graduating from college, Clay spent a year teaching English and waiting tables in Europe. He returned to the United States, earned a masters degree in English literature, wrote a novel, and taught for three years at Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville. Clay is married to Kelly Hartness Hodges and they have two children, James and Olivia.</p> <h2>Mary Holmes (1997-1999) <br/>Fayetteville </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/holmes%20mary.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Mary was born in Fayetteville, NC and raised in the home where her mother grew up.  She graduated from Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville and from 1976 - 1990 lived in Winston-Salem (Wake Forest University), Venice, Italy (Peggy Guggenheim Museum), and New York City (Amerop Trading Co).  She returned to North Carolina and joined First Union National Bank as commercial banker and then City Executive. Since 1997, she has been the Executive Director of Cumberland Community Foundation in Fayetteville.  She is passionate about her work and enjoys connecting people and resources in the community to do good things.  She serves on the board of the NC Network of Grantmakers and serves as the chair of the Community Foundations Serving North Carolina.  Mary is an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church and the Kanuga Endowment board of directors.  She serves on numerous local committees and is an active volunteer for the Boy Scouts.  Mary and her husband John have four children ranging from 24 years old to 5 years old (on purpose) and thus have very little time for hobbies, which would theoretically include travel and reading.</p> <h2>C. Scott Holmes (2006-08)<br/> Durham</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/holmes%20scott.jpg" class="fellowphoto" /> <p>Scott lives in Durham with his wife and three children. They are members of the Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends (Quakers) and he works as an attorney, handling civil rights and criminal cases. He plays the classical guitar and writes songs for his children. In his past he has played guitar in a rock band, assisted in computer research at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, danced ballet, tried murder cases, performed in musical community theater, volunteered as a counselor and community educator at the Orange County Rape Crisis Center, and won a racial profiling case against the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Scott is committed to envisioning and working toward a culture of peace, centered in simplicity, truth, equality, and love.</p> <h2>John Hood (1995-1997) <br/>Raleigh </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/hood%20john.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>John is President of the John Locke Foundation, a research institute dedicated to improving public policy debate in North Carolina. He publishes the Carolina Journal, The Locke Letter and the Carolina Journal Weekly Report, writes a weekly syndicated column, appears regularly on radio and television, and has been published in numerous national journals. In 1996 his book, The Heroic Enterprise: Business and the Common Good, was published. A second book, Investor Politics, was published in 2001.</p> <h2>Eva James Toia (2001-2003) <br/>Winston-Salem</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/toia%20eva.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>Eva is Director of Alumni, Student Career Services and Outreach at the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem. Prior to the integration of the three areas she now directs, she was instrumental in the creation of NCSA's Office of Career Services and was selected to lead their first full-time efforts in alumni relations. NCSA outreach programs Eva has led include Artists Reaching Children in the Hospital, which provides regular visits by student artists to Brenner Children's Hospital and Victory in Partnership which arranges tutoring for kindergarten and first graders. Eva has also worked with pARTners in healing, a community group dedicated to bringing the power of art in the healing process to local cancer patients. At Augsburg Lutheran Church, Eva is a member of the Social Ministry Committee and the Worship and Music Committee and is trained as Stephen Minister, providing one-to-one Christian care to those in need.</p> <h2>C. Jane Johnson (1995-1997) <br/>Catawba </h2> <img src="fellowphotos/johnson%20cjane.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>C. Jane is Founder and Executive Director of KEY Players, a community-based professional theatre company which produces and tours plays that deal with such issues as violence prevention, the environment, harassment, self-esteem, and more. Her community involvement includes working with the North Carolina Theatre Conference, the North Carolina Arts Council, and other arts and community service organizations.</p> <h2>Dick Jones (1995-1997) <br/>Wilmington</h2> <img src="fellowphotos/jones%20dick1.jpg" class="fellowphoto"> <p>In early 2003 Dick left hospital administration after 20 years. At the time he was Board Chair of the Wilmington Family YMCA, whose CEO had recently resigned. He agreed to serve in an interim capacity while deciding about his life's direction. In the fall of 2003 the Board asked him to stay on as CEO in a permanent capacity. Since then he has been actively engaged in leading this large community based non-profit. The Wilmington Family YMCA is focusing its efforts on collaborating within the community and developing its capacity to reach young people. Dick's other community involvement includes; serving as a Board Member at the Community Mediation Center, a Board Member of Greater Wilmington Sports Commission, a Board Member of the Cape Fear Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 239 Scoutmaster and Board Member of Association of YMCA Professionals.</p> <h2>Holly Jones (1997-1999) <br/>Asheville </h2