Board of directors
Sam Houston, PHD - President and CEO of the NC Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center
Prior to this appointment Dr. Houston served as Vice President for Program and Policy of EdGate, Inc. and was the first executive director of the University of North Carolina Center for School Leadership Development. In that post, Dr. Houston helped focus and align all university resources on professional development for teachers, administrators, and other education leaders.
Kirby Jones – The Daniel Center Founder/Executive Director
Kirby Jones is a social entrepreneur, who in 2010 founded The Daniel Center for Math and Science. As its Executive Director, Kirby has guided The Daniel Center in making a measurable difference in the academic and social lives of the children the program serves. His passion for children, and a tremendous desire to see their lives bettered through education, has been the catalyst for the success of The Daniel Center.
Steve Norwood – Founder and CEO of Consolidated Asset Recovery Systems (Ret.)
Steve Norwood is a long-time friend and supporter of The Daniel Center for Math and Science. Long before joining our Board of Directors, Steve was instrumental in establishing our Board of Advisors. Additionally, along with his wife Gretchen, established the “Steve and Gretchen Norwood Scholarship Fund,” to benefit college-bound high school students, in our program. Steve is a software supply chain veteran with 20+ years of experience in building successful organizations of all sizes. He is currently the Founder and CEO of Consolidated Asset Recovery Systems; and has been recognized by several institutions and publications for his success in business.
Margaret Chadwick - Senior Vice President, Human Resources/Chief HR Officer for Cree|Wolfspeed
Margaret Chadwick is the Senior Vice President, Human Resources/Chief HR Officer for Cree|Wolfspeed, a global semiconductor company headquartered in Research Triangle Park. Prior to moving into this role early in 2020, Margaret was the HR Leader for the Global Operations Business Unit, which has 4000 employees located all over the world, including a significant presence in China and Hong Kong. Having spent her entire career in HR, Margaret has developed specific expertise in leadership and communication. Margaret's extensive corporate background positions her as an invaluable asset in helping develop strategies to scale our program; as well as increase our corporate donor base.
Kelly Collins - Senior Treasury Sales Officer for Global Commercial Banking, Bank of America
Kelly is responsible for delivering treasury management solutions to clients and prospects in the North Carolina Middle Market as well as the Southeast Power and Energy Space. Kelly’s vast business experience is key in developing our organizational strategies, and her connectivity to corporate decision makers in our area, is a great asset in the area of resource development..
Scott Byers – Owner and CEO, Majestic Kitchen and Bath Creations
Scott joined Majestic Kitchen and Bath Creations in September 2017. Majestic manufactures, fabricates and offers stone, cultured marble and glass products to create unique and distinctive kitchen and bath settings for residential and commercial use throughout Southeast U.S. Previously he served for nine years as the President and CEO of EDM Americas, where he led their transformation from a family business to a global entity serving major Fortune 500 clients. Scott earned a Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the American University and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Robert Morris University.
Jim Beck – President, Triangle Market, First Tennessee (Ret.)
Jim brings a great deal of comprehensive knowledge and success in banking, business and finance. He also understands the intricacies of structuring non-profit organizations. His expertise of how to organize, budget and fund projects, as well as his connections with others in these fields, is an invaluable asset.
Bonnie Perry-Heath – Marketing Specialist, Schneider Electric (Ret.)
Bonnie has worked for an international company, Schneider Electric for over 30 years. Her experience with engineers and scientist across the U.S. and in Europe, gives her a “real world” perspective of the educational foundation young people need in order to be competitive in a global economy.
Dr. James Parham, PHD – Director of Education, St. Augustine’s College (Ret.)
Dr. Parham has spent many years educating young minds. During his years as an educator, he has developed many effective curriculums for the classroom setting, as well as in tutoring. His doctoral dissertation was in fact, on effective tutoring methodology. Dr. Parham has also developed and led non-profit organizations.
Vivian Sturgis – Educator, Wake County School System (Ret.)
Vivian has dedicated her life’s work to the education of young people. As a semi-retired school teacher, she brings years of first-hand knowledge of the academic needs and struggles of young people. Vivian also provides an important direct connection with the Wake County School System.
Will Atherton – Clorox Company
Will Atherton holds a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and in electronic technology with a math minor from McNeese State University and a Master's degree in network engineering from NC State. Will has as strong technical background, and is currently employed at the Clorox Company over the delivery of architecture, strategy, and quality of different technologies into the cooperation and data center. Additionally, Will is on the the Board of Education for the Orange County Schools district. Will’s advanced level of technical training and experience, coupled with his passion for education, makes him an incredible asset for our organization. Will uniquely fuses real-world STEM expertise, with a dedication to high-quality primary and secondary education.
Laura Bunn
Triangle Market President,
First Horizon Bank
Laura serves as the Triangle Market President for First Horizon Bank. She leads Private Client for the Mid-Atlantic region ensuring successful client relationship growth and acquisition. Laura’s banking career began 29 years ago as a teller with Wachovia while a student at North Carolina State University. Prior to joining First Horizon, Laura was the Commercial Banking Market Leader for PNC’s Eastern Carolinas region.
Additionally, Laura is a long-time volunteer at The Daniel Center, and has demonstrated a great passion for our work and mission.
J.R. Shearin – Managing Partner, Deloitte, LLP (Ret.)
J.R. has had a long and extraordinary career providing audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, and tax services to corporations and individuals. His vast financial experience makes him uniquely qualified in structuring and executing successful business plans. J.R. brings a wealth of financial knowledge and community affiliations to our organization.