Our Board

Paula Barger, Board Chair
City of Greensboro



WORK I am the Development and Engagement Administrator for Greensboro Parks and Recreation. In this role, I pursues funding and outreach opportunities to further the department’s mission to provide inclusive programs, facilities, parks, and open space, ensuring that Greensboro is a great place to work, live, and play.

FAVORITE BOOK Look Homeward Angel by Thomas Wolfe

FUN FACT I love to sing and I am in my second season as a soprano with Greensboro’s Bel Canto Company, a choral ensemble of professional singers dedicated to providing choral concert experiences of the highest caliber.

Paula Barger, Board Chair
City of Greensboro
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Wendell Calhoun
Syngenta



WORK Marketing Operations Manager responsible for developing and executing innovative marketing programs that provide U.S. farmers with agronomic solutions to maximize their crops’ growth potential, with the specific intent of feeding, fueling and clothing our country.

FAVORITE BOOK Makes Me Wanna Holler by Nathan McCall

FUN FACT I’ve been singing on praise and worship teams for approximately 20 years.

Wendell Calhoun
Syngenta
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Jakki Davis
D-Up, Inc.



WORK Can’t say I call it work as an executive director because I love every minute of time spent with my students, families, staff and community as a whole. Collaborating and building relationships…I so ENJOY!
FAVORITE BOOK The Principles and Power of Vision by Myles Munroe was a book we were asked to read for church leadership; however it turned into a book that guided me as a wife, mom, and executive director.
FUN FACT I was a cheerleader from elementary to high school and I still can use my cheerleading voice; especially when I’m getting my own kids’ and students’ attention. I’m serious and they get a kick out of it.
Jakki Davis
D-Up, Inc.
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Lisa Garrett
Community Volunteer



WORK I bring people together to get good stuff done.

FAVORITE BOOK The Ken Follett series.

FUN FACT I entertain myself by designing living spaces in my head.

Lisa Garrett
Community Volunteer
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Samira Khan
Carolina Anesthesia and Pain Care
Jim Kennedy
Jim Kenndy CMA



WORK Retired and seeking true inner peace, plus more time in nature.

FAVORITE BOOK Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier and The Martian by Andy Weir

FUN FACT I have done several “track experiences” over the years and averaged 148 mph over 9 laps in and IndyCar at Lowes.

Jim Kennedy
Jim Kenndy CMA
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Shane Lukas
A Great !dea



WORK Creative strategist and business owner of empathy- and content-led brand communications agency.

FAVORITE BOOK The Color Purple from Alice Walker

FUN FACT I walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival four times.

Shane Lukas
A Great !dea
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Diana Marsh
Caring Services



WORK I am a seed planter with Caring Services Inc., I use innovative techniques and styles to support people with substance use disorder on their journeys to recovery.
FAVORITE BOOK Power Vs Force by David R. Hawkins
FUN FACT I am a former Reading Connections ABE student . I collect African American dolls with natural hair.
Diana Marsh
Caring Services
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Astrid Mesa
Astrid's Detailed Cleaning



WORK With my work I have the blessing to provide work to the Spanish community doing something that we are good doing it. Cleaning!
FAVORITE BOOK Beyond Ourselves by Catherine Marshall
FUN FACT I can stay for hours looking the sky at night. I love to see the shooting stars.
Astrid Mesa
Astrid's Detailed Cleaning
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Tripp Miller
vTv Therapeutics



WORK Financial reporting and analysis
FAVORITE BOOK The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
FUN FACT I enjoy playing the bass guitar
Tripp Miller
vTv Therapeutics
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Blake Odum
Guilford County Schools



WORK I enhance the lives of students in underserved communities, through the creative power of education.
FAVORITE BOOK The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
FUN FACT I know Dr. King’s entire “I Have A Dream” speech by memory, and I can perform it in his voice.
Blake Odum
Guilford County Schools
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Cheminne Taylor-Smith
Business Consultant



WORK Strategic business consultant

FAVORITE BOOK Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman

FUN FACT I am obsessed with penguins.

Cheminne Taylor-Smith
Business Consultant
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Edward Yates
Pella Carolina, Inc.