The Chatham Education Foundation (CEF) is proud to announce the addition of six new members to its Board of Directors. Diana Hales, John Holdsclaw IV, Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, Susan Lee, Rev. Brent Levy, and Manjiree Nikam bring a wide range of expertise in education, community development, business, and advocacy, helping guide CEF in its mission to expand educational opportunities for every student in Chatham County Schools.
Diana Hales is a former Chatham County Commissioner and retired communications and outreach specialist for the NC state government. Her tenure with the state included roles at the Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, NC PBS, and the Governor’s Office under the James B. Hunt Administration. As a commissioner, Hales focused on responsible growth, infrastructure, education, and equitable access to county services. She was an advocate for countywide zoning and also voted for the removal of the confederate statue in Pittsboro, commemorating Juneteenth, and honoring the legacy of the county’s lynching victims with a historical marker.
John Holdsclaw IV is a seasoned leader in community development, finance, and equity-driven initiatives. He is President and CEO of Rochdale Capital, a national nonprofit community development loan fund promoting cooperative principles and community ownership. Under his leadership, Rochdale Capital provides financing and technical assistance to community-based organizations and cooperatives, with a particular focus on under-resourced communities, especially those owned by women and minorities. Holdsclaw serves on the boards of the Cooperative Development Foundation, the CDFI Coalition, the Opportunity Finance Network, and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking.
Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins brings more than five decades of experience in public school education. She has worked nationally with school districts on education reform, urban education leadership, systemic change, and policy impact and implementation. Since moving to North Carolina in 2014, she has continued to share her expertise internationally as an educator, author, and speaker. Her work is deeply rooted in civil rights, voting rights, women’s rights, African-American history, social justice, and racial equity. Jefferson-Jenkins has also served as an adjunct assistant professor preparing aspiring school leaders.
Rev. Brent Levy is the founding pastor of The Local Church, a United Methodist congregation in Pittsboro, NC. As a pastor, leadership coach, and spiritual director, he is deeply committed to creating spaces of belonging and renewal where people can discover the sacred in everyday life. Blending contemplative practice with innovative leadership, Levy helps individuals and communities uncover their inherent worth and live with greater intention. He has served on the boards of Communities In Schools, Quiltmaker Café, and the Chatham YMCA Advisory Board. With CEF, he is committed to ensuring every child knows they belong and every teacher has the resources to flourish.
Susan Lee is an accomplished technology and marketing executive with leadership experience across media, advertising, and technology. She has served as President, Chief Strategy/Business Officer, and Chief Product Officer, with expertise in P&L management, business development, mergers and acquisitions, corporate development, and product innovation. Lee has led organizations through varied economic cycles and is recognized as an innovative, results-driven leader. She serves on the boards of Genasys (Ticker: GNSS) and The United Way of the Greater Triangle.
Manjiree Nikam is a former healthcare executive with extensive experience in strategic planning, communication, and project management. She managed large physician network contracts for a major health insurance company, overseeing complex negotiations and organizational growth. Nikam has a strong record of community service, including as a founding board member of the Ann Arbor Teen Center (Neutral Zone) and as a volunteer Pitch Director at the New Enterprise Forum, an Ann Arbor-based nonprofit where seasoned executives mentor startups, refine investor pitches, and connect entrepreneurs with funding opportunities.
“We are thrilled to welcome these six extraordinary leaders to our Board of Directors,” said Brittany Sandefur, Executive Director of CEF. “Each brings unique expertise, passion, and commitment to advancing educational opportunities in Chatham County. Their guidance will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and grow in support of our students and teachers.”
The new board members began their appointment on September 1.