Our Team

Elizabeth Anderson joined the Public School Forum as Director of the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs in Fall of 2022, bringing with her more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and management of afterschool programs. She is deeply committed to building collaborative, cross-sector partnerships to address complex issues impacting children, teens, and their families. She is particularly passionate about making sure that children and teens have access to safe, high-quality out-of-school enrichment opportunities that allow them to develop their individual interests and identities while supporting their academic, social, and emotional success.

Elizabeth is a North Carolina native hailing from Winston-Salem, NC. She is a product of the North Carolina public school system, from elementary to graduate school. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and History from UNC Chapel Hill, she spent almost ten years in New Mexico facilitating and administering school-day, afterschool, and summer programs for children and youth, including at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Girls Incorporated of Santa Fe, Fine Arts for Children and Teens, and Communities in Schools of New Mexico. These experiences showed her the transformative power of afterschool, summer, and other out-of-school time programs and informal learning, starting her lifelong journey advocating and supporting afterschool opportunities.

In 2016, Elizabeth returned home to North Carolina where she earned her Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Administration with a focus on Community, Management, and Policy practice and Nonprofit Leadership.  She was Program Director for Chatham County Partnership for Children from 2020-2022 where she led Child Care Resource and Referral programming for a five-county region and served as a convener and thought leader on early childhood issues in Chatham County. 

As Director of NC CAP, Elizabeth provides strategic leadership to develop, drive, and ensure sustainability of NC CAP priorities and initiatives and statewide afterschool policy.  She leads the Afterschool Network for North Carolina,  regional convenings of afterschool stakeholders, and NC CAP’s annual SYNERGY conference for out of school time providers, educators, and community partners.  She also serves as NC CAP’s point person for the Afterschool Alliance and National Afterschool Association to support national out of school time policy and efforts.

Leslie has been rooted in Western North Carolina for over twenty years. Drawn to and inspired by the beauty of the mountains, she studied Elementary Education at Warren Wilson College. Having the good fortune of being mentored and getting to teach in environments committed to experiential learning, Leslie continues to seek out as many opportunities for learning as possible. Her favorite ways to do so are through listening to those around her, reading, and traveling far beyond the internal and imaginary borders of comfort and home. She believes deeply in the inherent value and potential of each child and is driven to ensure classrooms and schools are places of healing, joy, and transformation – both for students and educators. She is grateful to be part of the NC Center for Resilience and Learning team, serving our state’s public schools.

Gretchen joined the Forum in 2022 and brings with her years of experience as a versatile professional in both mission-driven and business/consulting organizations.  She has extensive experience collaborating with senior leaders to plan and organize multi-functional changes and growth.  Her background includes HR, talent management and recruiting, office administration and marketing and communications.  

Gretchen supports all aspects of the Forum’s operations working directly with the Directors of Finance and Administration, Strategic Partnerships and the President and Executive Director.

Marisa brings a wealth of knowledge from the non-profit sector to the Public School Forum of North Carolina, having served as volunteer, employee and board member for many local nonprofits. Marisa served as President of the Junior League of Raleigh, Major Gifts Coordinator for Urban Ministries of Wake County, as Membership Coordinator for Triangle Land Conservancy, and in several development roles at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University Medical Center. Marisa is also a trained Community Action Poverty Simulation facilitator.

Marisa received a BS in Political Science from Elon College and a Masters in Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Wayne has spent his career making STEM education more accessible, engaging, and fun for learners of all ages. With a focus on out of school learning opportunities he brings years of experience in hands-on STEM education to the team. He has a background in traditional “lab bench” science and worked in the Marine Sciences Department at UNC Chapel Hill as an undergraduate where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a focus in Environmental Decision Making. While at UNC he was introduced to the world of informal science education through a service learning opportunity at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.

For over ten years Wayne helped develop and manage many of the STEM education programs at Morehead Planetarium. Through the Science Summer Camp and Morehead Afterschool Programs he developed, tested, and implemented STEM curricula for thousands of young learners in grades K-8 in a variety of science disciplines. Wayne played a major role in creating live science shows, new exhibits, STEM overnights, and field trip experiences for Morehead Planetarium and the NC Science Festival. He has even taken his love of science and education abroad and has written and developed STEM content for young learners in both China and in France for unique out of school learning opportunities. Wayne has a particular interest in training educators in science communication and the delivery of STEM content to varied audiences.

With the goal of making a broader impact, and to continue in his efforts to increase access to STEM learning, Wayne obtained a master’s degree in Elementary Education and Teacher Leadership from Elizabeth City State University. He took those skills to the North Carolina public school system as a first grade teacher and then as a middle school science teacher. Wayne spent a year teaching and learning at Willow Oak Montessori School where he implemented a student driven approach to STEM education as their science specialist.

Wayne strongly believes that everyone is a lifelong learner and that providing exciting, engaging, and meaningful STEM experiences to students outside the classroom can have a lasting impact on how they perceive and engage with STEM. Through his effort at NC CAP he hopes to spread his enthusiasm for science and learning to every corner of North Carolina.

Stacey Craig is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of a private psychotherapy practice in Raleigh, NC. Stacey has been a school consultant and coach through the Resilience and Learning Project at the Public School Forum of NC since March 2019. Her life’s passion is helping schools and families create and sustain healing communities where children with complex needs and stressors grow into healthy, connected, engaged adults.

Stacey earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012 with specializations in School Social Work and Child and Family Mental Health. Since then, she has gained a variety of career experience as a psychotherapist, school-based program manager, counseling supervisor, trauma-informed consultant, and trainer in the Raleigh-Durham area, NC, Boston, MA, and in the United Kingdom.

Outside of her work passions, Stacey loves learning about different cultures and places through travel, spending time with friends and family, walking through nature, and exploring the arts through dance, music, drawing, painting, improvisational theater, and writing. 

Lisa graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2009 as a first generation college graduate with a BS in Sports & Fitness: Event Management. She has used her talents and education both professionally and personally to support small businesses, local community groups and nonprofits. With a background in administration, event management, and non-profit organization, Lisa joins the Forum team as an Operations Coordinator serving Operations, Finance, and the Executive Director. She looks forward to using her various skills and assets to support the Forum team and mission. 

Elizabeth has a passion for improving the lives of at-risk and trauma-exposed children. She brings experience in mobilizing diverse groups of individuals and building collaborative relationships in order to create systems-level change that benefits children and youth. Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Arts in human services from Elon University, and her Certificate in nonprofit leadership and her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

After graduating from Elon University, Elizabeth worked in development and fundraising for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society both in North Carolina and in New York City. During her time at UNC Chapel Hill in graduate school, Elizabeth served as a school social work intern at both Heritage Middle School and Forestville Road Elementary and as a youth services intern at InterAct of Wake implementing a healthy relationships curriculum in Wake County Schools. Most recently, Elizabeth was a Program Manager for the Center for Child and Family Health with the North Carolina Child Treatment Program in Durham, NC implementing a training program across the state to train clinicians and social workers in trauma-focused therapies for children and families. Elizabeth joined the Public School Forum in June of 2017 and now serves as the Director of the North Carolina Resilience and Learning Project working to create trauma-sensitive schools in our state.

Jaime joined the Forum in January of 2024 as Director of Development and brings with her over 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience.  At the Forum, Jaime spearheads partnerships with grantors, corporations and individuals to secure philanthropic investments for our mission – public education.

After moving to NC in 2010, Jaime continued to build her passion for public schools and ensuring all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Her extensive volunteerism and involvement as a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) leader within the public schools of Chatham County, NC, culminated in her appointment as the Executive Director of the Chatham Education Foundation in 2013.  Over the course of a decade, Jaime collaborated closely with Chatham County Schools’ leadership to augment local budgets, focusing on literacy, kindergarten readiness, academic achievement, and college preparedness resources.

Jaime is a proud public school graduate from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and earned a B.S. degree in Environment Resource Management from Penn State University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, and traveling with her extended family. 

Orlando Dobbin, Jr. is an Eastern North Carolina native and a proud graduate of the North Carolina Public School System. He received his undergraduate degree in Middle Grades Education from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in Professional School Counseling from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Professionally, Orlando has experience working as a house parent in foster care group home settings, program coordinator with Appalachian State’s Gear Up program, and as a school counselor in Guilford, Chatham, and Wake County Public Schools. Additionally, Orlando has served as an Emerging Leader within the North Carolina School Counselor Association, an Affinity Group leader for the American School Counselor Association, and has presented at various conferences on numerous topics related to student mental health. Furthermore, he was recently one of fourteen individuals selected to participate in a Masterclass on Happiness in Finland, where he explored Finnish secrets to happiness.

Orlando is passionate about removing barriers and creating systems and structures that provide students with the opportunities and support they need to reach their potential. He specializes in using a strengths-based approach to foster positive change for students and the educational systems they navigate.

In his free time, Orlando loves to be outdoors, enjoying activities such as playing sports, biking, hiking, and camping. Additionally, he enjoys participating in storytelling events and competing in triathlons.

Jessica Edwards started as the Program Coordinator at the NC Center for Resilience and Learning in March 2024. Before this, she served as an Administrator for a high-school youth theology institute and as an International and Academic Advisor for F-1 visa college students at North Carolina Wesleyan University. Jessica was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, where she resides with her two daughters. She has developed a deep appreciation and passion for North Carolina’s public education system, where her daughters are enrolled, and she volunteers on the leadership board. Jessica has also personally developed trust in Resilience tools and aims to support the Resilience and Learning staff in order make them accessible throughout North Carolina.

Lauren has more than fifteen years of education research and policy experience at the local, state, and national levels. Her work at the Forum involves guiding the organization’s research, policy analysis, engagement, and advocacy efforts in order to support a strong and equitable system of public education in North Carolina. Lauren also serves on the Guiding Committee for the Color of Education and is a founding board member of the Education Justice Alliance.

Prior to joining the Forum, Lauren lived for ten years in New York City, where she worked as a researcher and consultant for a number of organizations including The Public Good, the Center for Understand Race and Education, the Ford Foundation, the New York Civil Liberties Union, and the U.S. Department of Justice. Lauren earned her Ph.D. in Sociology and Education with a concentration in Education Policy from Columbia University’s Teachers College and her undergraduate degree from UNC Asheville. She grew up in Charlotte, NC and is a proud graduate of the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System.

In her role at the Forum, Magan supports the Forum teams in measuring impact and telling the story of our work, partnership with the NC Community Schools Coalition and other strategic initiatives. 

Magan’s passion for public education and commitment to education justice is shaped by being the daughter of a first-generation college student and her work for over 15 years with states and school districts across the country. Having spent most of her life in North Carolina, Magan has a deep love for our state and a commitment to making it a place where all people can thrive. 

Magan’s career has been dedicated to working with communities, systems-leaders and policy makers to create stronger and more equitable educational opportunities for young people. Prior to joining the Forum, Magan served as Senior Director for Educational Equity at MDC. In 2018 Magan worked alongside other community leaders to create and launch the Durham Public Schools Foundation (DPSF) where she went on to serve as the founding Executive Director. In her time leading DPSF, Magan grew the organization to be a trusted partner to the community and school district in connecting resources to strengthen and uplift Durham’s public schools and building community support for local public schools. At DPSF she developed several major campaigns and community partnerships including Durham FEAST to provide meals during Covid school closures, Accelerating Digital Equity to support students through remote learning and the WHOLE Schools Campaign to strengthen mental health supports in schools.  

Her other past work includes leading research partnerships and learning networks, supporting school districts in teacher recruitment and retention strategies, and supporting Superintendents with state policy and advocacy.

Magan received her B.A. in Political Science from George Washington University and her Master’s in Public Policy from Duke University. Magan lives in Durham with her husband and two daughters who attend a Title I public school. 

Sara began her career in education teaching English abroad, and continued as an ESL educator for the Durham Public School System. She later transitioned designing and building professional development and online communities of practice for educators and other adult learners. She brings interest and experience in culturally and linguistically inclusive curriculum and teaching practices, teacher training and support, and equitable access to education resources.

In her role as Program Manager for Public School Forum’s policy team, Sara co-coordinates the Education Policy Fellowship Program, and supports research in other areas including teacher recruitment, diversity, training, and retention. Sara holds a BA in Global Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching from UNC-Chapel Hill. Sara is a native of North Carolina and a graduate of the Wake County school system.

Michelle Harris Jefferson, a Henderson, NC native, is a highly accomplished professional dedicated to education, trauma-informed practices, and motivational leadership. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of NC State University, Michelle is a veteran of the North Carolina public education system, where she excelled as a teacher and curriculum facilitator. Beyond the classroom, she extends her expertise by consulting with school districts, offering trauma-informed strategies and curriculum development support.

At the state level, Michelle has contributed to statewide testing initiatives in collaboration with NC State University, showcasing her depth of knowledge in educational standards and assessments. She is also a compelling motivational speaker and the author of What Doesn’t Kill You: A Memoir, a poignant account of her personal journey overcoming poverty, mental health challenges, and trauma.

As a devoted mother and wife, Michelle passionately shares her story and expertise at conferences and professional development events, empowering communities and organizations across the country. Her work is a testament to resilience and her commitment to fostering growth and healing in education and beyond.

Ashley is the Associate Director for the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity at the Public School Forum of North Carolina. In this position, Ashley guides policy and research priorities related to racial equity, manages the Flood Center Fellowship program, and oversees the programmatic efforts of the Flood Center. Her current research has centered around strengthening the teacher pipeline, focusing on understanding the barriers within licensure policies and requirements that prevent candidates, especially those from diverse backgrounds, from entering the teaching workforce within North Carolina. Ashley is also a member of the Governor’s DRIVE Task Force, charged with creating a plan of action to increase racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity within North Carolina’s educator workforce.

Before moving to the Triangle, Ashley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Wake Forest University. After college, she gained a passion for education and racial equity through influential experiences such as facilitating social justice workshops for students as an Americorps member in Memphis, TN, and collaborating with community members to promote the academic, socio-emotional, and behavioral well-being of students as a Program Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
To continue making strides in social justice, Ashley completed a dual Masters’ degree in Social Work and Public Administration at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Her focus on understanding and addressing systemic issues surrounding race, organizational culture, and practices has been a consistent motivator and has validated the work she does at the Public School Forum of North Carolina. Ashley recognizes the disparities and inequities within education and nonprofit leadership and as a native of High Point, NC, she has a strong passion for advocating for all people throughout the state.

Malasia is the Program Coordinator at the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity. As the Program Coordinator, she provides overall support and organization for the Flood center, manages and coordinates communications, and drafts and disseminates information about the Flood Center’s programmatic and research efforts. Additionally, she supports the programmatic work of the center such as the Student Voices Webinar Series, Rural Teacher Leader Network, Color of Education Summit, and other programmatic efforts as needed. Prior to joining the Public School Forum, Malasia was a Fellow at the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation where she made funding recommendations in accordance with the Foundation’s grantmaking strategies, organizational values, and priority areas. Additionally, she managed the recruitment and selection processes for the Non-Profit Internship Program and the Fellowship Program. 

Malasia is a native of North Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University.  During her undergraduate experience, she participated in the North Carolina General Assembly Internship Program, supported research as a Research Assistant at the T.E.A.C.H. National Center, and interned with the James B. Hunt Institute. On campus, Malasia created safe spaces for students of color and those disproportionately affected by systemic inequities by reactivating the campus chapter of the NAACP. Additionally, Malasia participated and led service trips internationally to teach English. Malasia has a heart for education. She aspires to experience a world where education policy is informed by quality research and accounts for historical inequities faced by students and communities.

Angela Taylor Mendell is the Southeast Region NC Resilience & Learning Program Manager. Prior to joining the Forum, Angela was employed with Bladen County Schools for twelve years as the district’s Behavior Specialist and also as the MTSS (Mulit-Tiered Systems of Support) Coordinator for four of those years. Prior to working with Bladen County Schools, Angela had a diverse career serving in various child, youth and family service areas (Medical Social Work, Child Welfare and Systems of Care). Angela has a passion to help change the stigma in our society associated with Mental Health/Behavioral Health and aspires to bring insight and understanding on issues of trauma and resiliency to school staff and others who work with children and youth. 

Angela resides in Elizabethtown, NC (Bladen County) with her husband of 26 years. They have two daughters Lexie (22) and Lorna (19). 

Tracee Moore brings extensive experience in education, specializing in culturally responsive practices that support ELL, multilingual, and diverse student populations.  With a commitment to promoting equity in education, she excels in applying and analyzing early literacy practices while pursuing her Master’s of Education in Reading and Literacy at East Carolina University.

Tracee serves in a variety of leadership roles including serving as Vice President of Recruitment and Selection for the National Honor Society of Omicron Delta Kappa and serving as an Ambassador and Mentor for new and incoming students for the Masters of Education Program at ECU.   

Tracee joined the Public School Forum in August 2024 as the Development Coordinator and reports to the Director of Development. With 15 years of experience teaching in Title 1 schools, she was successfully able to fundraise over $93k of resources for her students and school to create an equitable educational experience.  This background has prepared Tracee to work closely with Forum staff to coordinate individual, foundation, and corporate giving, as well as campaign fundraising and special events.

Tracee is a native of Dunn, NC where she lives with her daughter and mother in her childhood home.  She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, traveling, and listening to audiobooks in her spare time. 

As the Policy and Research Manger, Elizabeth supports the Public School Forum’s research, advocacy, and publication work, including the annual Local School Finance Study and bi-annual Education Policy Primer. Her primary focus is on policy and data analysis, especially as it relates to school finance and student outcomes. Elizabeth is passionated about education policy and working to create equitable school systems for all students, especially those who face structural challenges.

Elizabeth is a first-generation college student and holds a B.S. in Human and Organizational Development with a track in Education Policy and a B.A in English from Vanderbilt University, along with a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Duke University’s Sanford School. She currently lives in Raleigh with her family and is a proud graduate of North Carolina public schools.

Kevoni Polanco-Nelson joins the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity as the new Program Coordinator. As the Program Coordinator, she will provide overall support and organization for the Flood center, support communications, and disseminate information about the Flood Center’s programmatic and research efforts. Additionally, she supports the programmatic work of the center such as the Student Voices Webinar Series, Rural Teacher Leader Network, Color of Education Summit, and other programmatic efforts as needed.

Prior to joining the Public School Forum, Kevoni worked with national organizations like the Girl Scouts and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Kevoni is a native of Boston, Massachusetts and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts.  She has devoted over 20 years to youth advocacy, mentorship, and empowerment.  Starting her career in child welfare and behavioral health before transitioning to the nonprofit sector.  She has over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.  She’s excited to join the team and support educational equity for all students.

Sebastian joined the NC CAP team in November 2023 after serving in the AmeriCorps VISTA Program for two years. He graduated from Penn State University, Scranton in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication.

During his college years, Sebastian served as a club leader for his school’s LGBTQA+ Club and as a peer mentor for new students. This led them to develop a passion for serving others and helping underserved communities. After graduating college, they joined the AmeriCorps VISTA program as a member. As a VISTA Member in Pennsylvania, Sebastian worked with Albright College in Reading to develop after school programming for Northeast Reading schools. Some of his work included volunteer recruitment, coordinating programs, and connecting with other organizations to provide resources to the local community. As a VISTA Leader, they worked with NC Campus Engagement to provide mentorship and professional development for several VISTA members across North Carolina.

As our new Program Coordinator, Sebastian will support NC CAP’s many programs and initiatives, coordinate communications and resources, and increase our visibility in the afterschool field. He is eager to use his skills and experiences to help others wherever possible, and he’s excited to expand his professional knowledge.

Brian is a passionate public school educator who strongly believes in the transformative power of resilience informed practices. Brian has taught grades 3-6. He is an experiential educator who focused on integrating social emotional learning strategies into daily curricula. 

After graduating Brevard college Brian taught at Hall Fletcher elementary school. He then accepted the role as Director for the In Real Life afterschool network coordinating hundreds of programs for middle schoolers. Brian authored a handbook for social emotional learning and led trainings for afterschool providers all over the state. Brian was the strategic planner for the Wilson Foundation YMCA afterschool initiative where he designed systems to address systemic health outcomes. Compelled by the profound needs of students after the COVID pandemic, Brian reentered the classroom as a math and science teacher. 

As communications manager, Chanté steers the Forum’s communications efforts and produces the television show Education Matters. Previously, she worked as a Program Assistant at the International Center for Journalists, planning training activities for journalists in various countries. Chanté is a Raleigh, NC native and a graduate of Howard University, where she earned a bachelor of arts in Media, Journalism & Film. 

While at Howard, she held internships with VICE News and The Carolinian, among others. Additionally she served as Managing Editor of the student-run newspaper, The Hilltop, which was named Student Newspaper of the Year by HBCU Digest during her tenure. She also created and ran a blog entitled Be The Zeitgeist exploring fashion, hip-hop culture and social issues. As a professional communicator, Chanté is passionate about conveying ideas meant to better the future of marginalized communities.

As a former K-8 educator and school counselor, Eulanda has over 18 years of experience working in public education. She has a passion for using her gifts to serve vulnerable children and teens who are living in or experiencing stressful or traumatic situations. This passion continues to guide her toward opportunities to educate others on recognizing how trauma affects all individuals and how our bodies respond to trauma.

Eulanda received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and her master’s degree in Counselor Education from East Carolina University with a dual track in school counseling and clinical mental health. In 2018, she became a certified trauma-informed and resiliency focused educator through Reconnect for Resilience™.

While educating herself on trauma, resilience, and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs), Eulanda was selected as a board member of Rural Opportunity Institute (ROI). In this role, the mission is to support people’s healing process by educating, reshaping systemic practices, and fostering deep-rooted connections with individuals in the community at large. Eulanda has trained hundreds of individual throughout Eastern North Carolina and beyond. Through these trainings, she has taught resiliency tools and built relationships which foster connection and healing. Eulanda’s work facilitating professional development and educating others has been featured in PACEs Connection (Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences) – a national social network for mental well-being. Through PACEs, Eulanda was recognized as a champion in building ACEs awareness.

Eulanda believes that resilience is an inner strength in all humans and that we as people need connection to support healing. She is committed to living life with an open heart to not only serve others, but to meet people where they are. Eulanda is now working to create trauma-informed – trauma-sensitive classrooms, and build positive relationships that focus on the whole child.

In her capacity as Senior Director, Dr. Townsend-Smith will advance and expand the current programmatic and policy efforts of the Flood Center in an effort to achieve its mission of addressing issues of systemic racism by advocating for structural changes in policy and practice to build an equitable education system that meets the social, emotional, and academic needs of NC’s diverse student population.

Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith has been working in education for over 20 years. In 2014, she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership. She has worked and gained expertise in a variety of roles, including as a teacher, mentor, new teacher coach, administrator and, most recently, as the Director of Board Policy and Operations for the North Carolina State Board of Education. Prior to that role, Dr. Townsend-Smith served as the assistant director in the NC Office of Charter Schools. Deanna has a passion for education and has dedicated her life’s work to the field. Most of her career has been spent in North Carolina, where she resides with her husband and son. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, reading, and traveling.

Rhonda joined the Public School Forum in 2014, bringing more than 25 years of extensive experience in the accounting field to her position. Rhonda provides management, control, and administration of all fiscal operations and supports the President & Executive Director with long range financial planning. Although a native of North Carolina and graduate of East Carolina University, Rhonda spent the bulk of her professional career in the Philadelphia area. While in Pennsylvania, she gained her valuable and versatile experience by working in all aspects of accounting in both the private and public sectors including city and county government, institutions of higher learning and several major international organizations.

Camry Wilborn Mercer serves as the Equity Coach at the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity. In her role, Camry focuses on four key areas:

1. Research: Developing and maintaining an equity dashboard to visualize educational disparities across North Carolina.
2. Framework for Change: Guiding organizations in implementing equity-focused strategies to achieve measurable outcomes.
3. Technical Assistance: Providing specialized training and consultation on equity-related topics to educational institutions and community organizations.
4. Policy Support: Assisting with the implementation of Governor Cooper’s DRIVE Task Force recommendations to increase racial and ethnic diversity among North Carolina educators.

Through these efforts, Camry works to address systemic inequities and foster sustainable changes in the state’s educational landscape, supporting the Dudley Flood Center’s mission of promoting educational equity and opportunity.

Camry earned a  Bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and a Master of Arts from The University of Chicago. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education: Opportunity, Equity, and Justice at NC State University. She is a qualified administrator for Intercultural Development Inventory, and a licensed facilitator for Change Style Indicator/ Navigator.

Prior to her current role, Camry served as Associate Director of Inclusive Excellence at Wake Forest University, where she developed strategic initiatives to enhance diversity and foster belonging. Her expertise includes learning and development , evaluation, critical research methods and inquiry, program/project management. Camry serves on the boards of Winston Salem Freedom Schools and Love Literacy, and volunteers as a poll worker. Her extensive experience in promoting equity, access, and belonging uniquely positions her to create more equitable educational opportunities in her role at the Dudley Flood Center.

Mary Ann Wolf, Ph.D. has served as President and Executive Director of the Public School Forum of North Carolina since June 2020, bringing with her more than 20 years of educational policy and leadership working on federal, state, and local policy and directly with schools and districts to improve equity and build capacity for innovation. At the Forum, she connects policymakers and practitioners with a deep focus on ensuring that every child in NC has access to a high quality and equitable education.

Prior to her role at the Forum, Mary Ann was the Senior Director of the Professional Learning and Leading Collaborative (PLLC) at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NC State University. She and her team lead ongoing, job-embedded professional learning to guide superintendents, district teams, principals, coaches, and teachers in North Carolina and across the country. Mary Ann and her team also led the development of the Learning Differences and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) online courses and micro-credentials, with over 20,000 participants across the world.

Mary Ann co-wrote Leading Personalized and Digital Learning: A Framework for Implementing School Change through Harvard Education Press (2017), as well as many other publications on personalized learning, culture, leadership, and learning analytics. She previously served as the Executive Director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) in Washington, D.C., where she led a national and nonpartisan nonprofit focused on innovation with members from all fifty state departments of education. This work included a focus on topics such as equitable access to broadband internet, professional learning and assessment; as well as providing input to legislation and policies. Mary Ann testified before Congress on personalized and digital learning, provided significant input on the 2009 ARRA/Stimulus Educational Technology federal legislation, and has worked extensively with members of Congress, the Bush and Obama administrations, state leaders in NC and all fifty states, and other policy organizations.

Mary Ann served as the chair and vice chair of the non-partisan, elected Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board during her tenure from 2017 through 2021. After teaching fifth grade in Henrico County, Virginia, she received her Ph.D. in Education, Administration and Supervision from The Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. She received a Master’s of Education from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and marketing from Georgetown University. Mary Ann lives in Chapel Hill with her husband, Brian; and she has three children who attend or attended (prior to graduation) our public schools in NC.