LM
Liz Morey Board Chair Ms. Morey is a founding board member of Durham Charter School and Research Triangle Charter Academy. Ms. Morey has served on the board since 1997. She is actively engaged as a member of the Friends of Durham, a community and political support advocacy organization. Mrs. Morey is married and has one adult son.
GW
Gwendolyn Wicker Board Vice Chair Ms. Wicker is a founding board member of Durham Charter School and Research Triangle Charter Academy. Ms. Wicker has served on the board since 1997. She is a retired Durham Public Schools teacher’s assistant. She serves on the Durham Chapter board of the Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Steering Committee which annually awards college scholarships to high school seniors. Ms. Wicker is actively involved in the Durham community and has a special passion for the care of children and seniors. Her foster son is a 4th grade student at DCS.
CC
Cary Cain Board Secretary Mr. Cain joined the Durham Charter School board in 2018.. Mr. Cain is a former marine and a retired NC State Trooper after 30 years of service as the manager of Troop C. Mr. Cain is a very active volunteer at Summit Church. He is married and the proud father of Jackson, a Navy seaman who will head to SEAL training in February 2023.
avatar
Ernesto Lembert Board Member Ernesto Lembert has a strong background in spiritual leadership in the Hispanic community, business ownership, business analysis and project management, he is well-equipped to contribute to the strategic goals and policies of the school. He collaborates closely with fellow board members to ensure the school's continued success in providing quality education to its students. Specialized in sourcing, screening and placing candidates within the healthcare industry. His insights and expertise in governance, finance, curriculum, and facilities make him a valuable asset to the board. Furthermore, his dedication to community outreach and his commitment to social impact align perfectly with the mission and values of Durham Charter School. He actively seeks opportunities to engage with the local community and drive positive change. Ernesto has a proven track record of initiating and overseeing various outreach programs, such as food drives and mental health support initiatives. His ability to connect with local organizations and professionals enhances the school's network and allows for the creation of valuable resources accessible to both students and their families. With his diverse skill set, passion for education, and commitment to community engagement, pastor Ernesto Lembert can be an invaluable member of the Board of Directors for Durham Charter School. His strategic insights, leadership experience, and dedication to serving the community make him a valuable contributor to the ongoing success and growth of the school. More info on: www.celebracioncristiana.org
avatar
Jeff Miller Board Member A leader in Davis Moore’s Healthcare Practice Group. When results are critical health system c-suites and physician practice groups rely on us for real estate strategy and execution. Experience: Duke Health, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Mission Health, and Medical University of South Carolina Personal: Beyond work, Jeff is a community leader in his hometown (Durham). During 8 years of service on the board of Downtown Durham Inc., he served as Board Chair and chaired the recruitment of the current Executive Director. He currently serves on the Durham YMCA Advisory Board where he led the Philanthropy Committee from 2019-2021. Jeff resides in Durham with his wife, Lauren, and their children Davis, Liza Jayne, and Calvin.
JD
John DeBerry Board Member Mr. DeBerry joined the Durham Charter School board in 2019. He possesses both undergraduate and masters degrees in Economics and Entrepreneurship from NC Central University and Western Carolina University, respectively. He is a business owner of a health and beauty company and has done extensive work with youth for a total of five years. For his diligent efforts with the youth, Mr. DeBerry was awarded the Governor’s Leadership Award. Mr. DeBerry is married and has one adult daughter.
MB
Mark Bailey Board Member Mark Bailey is a veteran educator and leader with over 20 years of experience in public schools. As a Tulane University graduate, Mark served as a special education teacher, high school assistant principal, and district administrator in New Orleans from 2001 - 2015. He earned his Master's in School Administration from the University of New Orleans in 2006. Mark moved to North Carolina in 2015 and served as the Executive Director and Principal of Maureen Joy Charter School in Durham for seven years. In May of 2023, Mark joined the team at Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, serving as the Director of Recruitment and Employee Engagement, a post he currently holds.
ML
Matthew Lesesky Board Member Mr. Leseskey joined the Durham Charter School board in 2022. Mr. Lesesky is the Senior Director of Private Management at UNC Management Company for the last 11 years. His previous roles have primarily focused on private equity, including positions at Haterus Funds and Pacific Corporate Group . Mr. Lesesky holds a BS in Applied Science and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill.
PE
Preston Edwards Board Treasurer Mr. Edwards joined the Durham Charter School board in 2016. He is currently employed as the chief of staff to Durham County Sheriff, Clarence Birkhead. Mr. Edwards holds a BBA in Finance and an MPA from NC Central University. He has had a career as an entrepreneur and realtor. He has served in a varity of leadership and consulting roles in real estate, finance and facilities maintenance and management. In addition, He owns his own realty company overseeing 14 sales executives. Mr. Edwards is married with three sons.
RF
Richard Ford Board Member Mr. Ford joined the Durham Charter School board in 2013. Mr. Ford enjoys serving the Durham Community as the commissioner of the Durham Human Relation Commision and board member of the Durham Convention Authority in addition to being a member of the Durham Charter board of directors. Mr. Ford retired from a career in business and legal compliance management holding senior leadership positions at CT Corporation and Walters Kluwer. Mr. Ford graduated from Yale University and holds a JD from American University.