RALEIGH, N.C. — WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd), an independent nonprofit organization that unites businesses and the community in support of public education, announced today the election of seven new members to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2026. The organization also announced the re-election of Braxton Anthony, Principal at Rich Commercial Realty, to a second one-year term as Chair of the Board.
The new Board members are:
- Patricia Bartis, Partner, Employment Attorney, Parker Poe
- Ashley Lewis Ingram, Executive Vice President, JLL
- Keir Jenkins, Product Engineer, John Deere
- Jodi Lewis, Senior Manager, Risk & Accounting Advisory Services, Cherry Bekaert
- Pierre Marcella, Vice President of Sales, WingSwept
- Terry Parker, Vice President, Bank of America
- Daniel Talley, Commercial Banker, TowneBank
In addition, the Board elected Shannon McSwiney, Director, Marketing & Communications, Delta Dental of North Carolina, to serve as Chair-Elect for 2027-2028. She will work closely with Board leadership over the coming year before assuming the role of Board Chair on July 1, 2027.
“We are excited to welcome this outstanding group of leaders to the WakeEd Board of Directors,” said Keith Poston, President of WakeEd Partnership. “They represent a wide range of industries and experiences, but they share a common belief in the power of public education and the importance of preparing students for success. I am especially grateful that several of our longtime corporate partners continue to invest in WakeEd’s mission by encouraging the next generation of leaders from their organizations to step forward and serve. That continued commitment is a powerful vote of confidence in our work and in the importance of strong public schools.”
Anthony, who joined the WakeEd Board in 2022 and became Chair in 2025, will continue leading the organization’s volunteer Board of Directors as WakeEd advances its mission of mobilizing community support for the Wake County Public School System.
“I am honored to continue serving as Board Chair and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such an engaged and talented group of community leaders,” Anthony said. “WakeEd’s programs and partnerships make a meaningful difference for educators and students throughout Wake County, and I look forward to helping expand that impact in the year ahead.”
The Board also re-elected five current members to new three-year terms:
- Gary Greene, Greene Resources
- Cara Greening, TA Loving
- Kamar Perkins, NC National Guard / WhenPeopleWork
- Jack Turnwald, Humancentric LLC
- Cyndy Yu Robinson, Kramden Institute
WakeEd also recognized six outgoing Board members whose terms conclude on June 30. Special recognition was given to Scott Duda of Cherry Bekaert, who served 16 years on the Board, and Scot McAlexander of TowneBank and Cleon Umphrey, formerly of the RDU Airport Authority, who each served 12 years. WakeEd also thanked Lily Ryzebol of IBM, Gil Shoaf of John Deere, and David Gilham of Pendo for their service and leadership.
“Board members like Scott, Scot, and Cleon have helped shape WakeEd over many years through their leadership, counsel, and commitment to public education,” Poston said. “We are deeply grateful for their service and for the lasting impact they have had on our organization.”
WakeEd Partnership’s Board of Directors is composed of business, education, and community leaders who provide strategic oversight and support for the organization’s mission to strengthen public education through business and community engagement.
About WakeEd Partnership
WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd) is a business-backed nonprofit dedicated to supporting the teachers, students, and families of Wake County Public Schools. Founded in 1983, WakeEd works to mobilize the community, support classrooms, and champion strong public schools for all students. Learn more at www.wakeed.org