DR. ROB BURRUS - CHAIR
Dr. Rob Burrus and his wife Holly have three children, David, Grace, and Caleb. A native of North Carolina, Rob graduated from Wake Forest University with a BS in Mathematical Economics and from the University of Virginia with a PhD in Economics. The Burrus family moved to Wilmington in 1998 when UNCW hired Rob as a professor of economics. After serving in various administrative roles, Rob currently serves as the Dean of the Cameron School of Business. Dr. Burrus and his family are members of Christ the King Church, PCA.
CHRIS BUNCH - VICE CHAIR
Chris Bunch and his wife, Jennifer, have two sons, Alex and Zachary. Originally from Edenton, North Carolina, Chris graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a major in Economics and a minor in History and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Master’s Degree in Accounting. Chris is a CPA and has spent over 25 years serving local and national organizations in various financial and operational leadership roles. Chris and his family are active members of Christ Community Church.
DR. GREG COOK - DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Dr. Greg Cook is the Senior Safety Leader for Grainger, Northeast United States. Greg and his family relocated to Wilmington, in 2018, upon his retirement from 24 years of service in the United States Navy. Greg earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University, in environmental science and holds national board certifications in Occupational Safety & Health and Hazardous Materials Management. Greg and his wife Sonja have two daughters, Aubrey and Tia. The Cook Family attend Port City Community Church in Wilmington.
NOELLE COWELL - DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Noelle Cowell and her husband David moved to Wilmington from New Jersey in 2001. Noelle graduated from Rider University with a BS in Psychology and then earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Cairn University. After working as a child therapist with a private agency, she stayed home with her children for many years. When her children began school, she worked in client services at Life Line Pregnancy Center for 9 years. She now works as an admissions counselor for Liberty University. Noelle and her family attend First Baptist Church Leland where she enjoys serving as a youth leader.
KIA DARK - DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Kia Dark and her husband Antwuan Hicks have 3 children- Remele, Antwuan Jr. and Marquise. A native of Pittsboro, NC, Kia moved to Wilmington in 1990 to attend the University of NC Wilmington, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1994. She has been working with children and adults with intellectual, physical and mental disabilities since completing college. She loves to read, garden and spend time with her family. She is a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist church where she serves on the Hospitality Committee.
THOMAS SCHRAM - DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Thomas Schram is an attorney with over 30 years of experience representing healthcare providers and nonprofit organizations. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from UNC Chapel Hill. He serves as General Counsel for a large regional healthcare system. He and his wife Julie are active members of Christ Community Church, and their son Benjamin is a Coastal Christian High School graduate.
CHRISTY SPIVEY - DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Christy Spivey is an RN and healthcare administrator at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center where she has served for nearly 30 years. She has a clinical background in emergency and trauma care, serves on several community non-profit boards, and is a commissioned Faith Community Nurse. She and her husband, Chris, are both from the Wilmington area. They have two children, Tyler and Hannah. Christy completed her Baccalaureate degree in Nursing from UNCW, and an MBA from Kennedy Western University. She and her family are members of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church.
ELIZABETH WATSON - DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Elizabeth Watson is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate at Gateway Psychological Services in Wilmington. She began her career in banking following graduation from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She has worked for the past 21 years in the business world in various capacities including quality assurance, recruiting and sales. Most recently, Elizabeth completed a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. She and her husband Ethan have two children, Anna Kathryn and Will. Elizabeth and her family attend Christ Community Church.