Board of Directors

FY 2024-2025 Board of Directors

Lisa Fidele

Board Chair

Global Creative Operations Lead, Cisco Systems Inc.

Dr. Gail McGuinness

Vice Chair

American Board of Pediatrics, Retired
Executive Vice-President

Sara Martin

Treasurer

Social & Community Service Manager
Chatham Health Alliance

Michelle V. Cassell

Board Secretary

Editor The Local Reporter

Bill Horner III

Publisher & Editor
Chatham News + Record

Woodrena Baker-Harrell

Public Defender of Orange and Chatham Counties

Danielle McComas

ER Nurse and Director at Robin Hood’s Kitchen

Dr. Ann Turnbull

University of Kansas Marianna and Ross Beach Distinguished Professor, Emerita
Special Education, Retired

Dr. Lynne Vernon

UNC Chapel Hill William C. Friday Distinguished Professor, Emerita
Retired

John McCann

Senior Public Relations Manager

Chris Poston, Ex-Officio

Executive Director for Excellence and Opportunity
Chatham County Schools

Marian Gibson

Town Manager, Retired

Leslie Strohm

Vice President for Strategy and General Counsel of the University of
Louisville, Retired

Advisory

Neil Pedersen, PhD

Retired Superintendent Chapel Hill/Carrboro School System

George Greger-Holt

Director of Student Services, Retired
Chatham County Schools

Charles (Chuck) Anderson

15B District Judge, Retired
President, NC Mediation Services, Inc.

About the Board

Board members serve a three-year term, board meetings are held quarterly to discuss organizational practices, financial obligations, and strategic planning. Board members also represent Communities In Schools at public events as speakers, promoters and fundraisers. BOD’s serve on various committees and drive the implementation of our new strategic plan. Experienced financial advisers, entrepreneurs, movers and shakers are needed now! We are a diverse and fun group of people who believe in our mission: to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life!

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