Our Board

Melissa is currently the COO and CFO of Combined Caterers which is comprised of Duvall Catering & Events (Charleston, SC) and Best Impressions Caterers (Charlotte, NC).

Prior to making this career change, Melissa spent 27 years with Bank of America. Her most recent role was the Enterprise Services Executive, responsible for operations and vendor management.

Melissa spent 9 years serving on the Board of the National Kidney Foundation with 5 years as Board Chair.

Melissa and her husband Jeff enjoy traveling and spending time in Elk Creek at their Christmas tree farm.

Brian Stephens is the Senior Managing Director of Security Risk Advisory at Teneo, the Global CEO advisory firm. He supports Fortune 500 clients with design and delivery of enterprise security strategy programs, including emergency preparedness and response and crisis communications.

He is also the co-director of Florida State University’s Policing, Security Technology and Private Security Research and Policy Institute.

Previously he served as Bank of America’s Chief Security Officer responsible for the security and safety of nearly 210,000 employees, 6,000 Banking Centers, 17,000 ATMs and over 2000 office buildings in more than 40 countries. He led a team of over 450 security professionals and 5,000 private contractors in providing for the security and safety of Bank of America’s employees, customers, assets, and brand. A nationally recognized expert in his field, Brian directed the Bank’s physical security programs that include intelligence and analysis, security technology, executive protection, crisis management, health and safety, security operations centers, threat management investigations and enterprise crisis and event response.

Brian’s innovative initiatives at Bank of America began with the Enhanced Security Program, which he formed in response to the September 11 attacks. This implemented advanced security standards, technology, and procedures to better protect the Bank from new and evolving threats. He later created the Security Operations and Analysis Command Center (SOACC), housing the Company’s industry-leading intelligence, analysis, and security technology programs that proactively monitor the entire portfolio of Bank of America and serve as its 24/7/365 emergency and crisis management center. He has also led Background Screening and Due Diligence Investigations for the company.

Prior to joining Bank of America, Brian worked in several branches of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), including the Division of Criminal Justice Information Systems and the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute. He then led the rollout of FCIC II and CJNet, the state’s telecommunications and intelligence system, with the FDLE Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center.

Brian received his bachelor’s degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice from The Florida State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Florida. He was recently inducted into Florida State’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice Hall of Fame.

Mac Clubb is a Director of Client Engagement for The Millennium Group, TMG. In this role, Mac has responsibility to drive Business Process Outsourcing and Business Process Automation through a variety of solutions offered by TMG.

A native of North Carolina, Mac received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1990.

In addition to the NC State Highway Patrol Foundation, Mac is very active in his church where he is a Youth Sponsor, participates on the Capital Campaign and Budget Committee, and has served on the Board. He also served on the Board of the National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina where he was Board Chair for 5 years.

Howard Augustine “Humpy” Wheeler (born October 23, 1938) is the former President and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of the premier auto racing venues owned by Bruton Smith’s Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Better known as H.A. or “Humpy” Wheeler, he has long been known as one of the foremost promoters of NASCAR auto racing.

He and Bruton Smith put together Speedway Motorsports, Inc., and took it to Wall Street where it became the first motorsports company to go public on the New York Stock Exchange.  He was an outstanding athlete, especially in boxing, and he is a member of the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame. He boxed and played football at the University of South Carolina. Wheeler is a native of Belmont, N.C.   Humpy and his wife Pat currently reside in Charlotte, NC.

Dan O’Shea is a Massachusetts native who relocated to Gaston County in 2006. Dan comes from a family tradition of law enforcement and public service, and joined the board of this Foundation in memory of his father, who served as a municipal police chief and as the director of multiple police academies in Massachusetts over the span of several decades.

Dan is a practicing attorney, educator, and public speaker. In addition to his participation on this board, he proudly serves as a member of the Gaston County Board of Elections.

Sandy is the owner of Samiam Consulting, LLC where she provides her expertise in designing, leading and influencing small and large-scale change to help each organization achieve its strategic goals. Sandy most recently worked as the Sr. Director of Leadership and Professional Development for Lowe’s Corporation in Mooresville, NC. Before joining Lowe’s, Sandy’s career in financial services spanned 25+ years in branch management, human resources, leadership development, learning, and organizational management.

During her career, Sandy has also been a motivational leader and fundraiser in the non-profit sector and instrumental in advancing the vision of these philanthropies by providing her core skills in leadership development, team building, client/donor engagement and building relationships at all levels. Over 14-years, Sandy has served as a volunteer, cyclist, top fund-raiser, board member, Vice-Chair, and Chairing the board of the “24 Foundation”, also known as 24 Hours of Booty, an organization dedicated to supporting anyone impacted by cancer and the needs of those trying to navigate cancer treatment.

Allen Hook is a retired Major from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol last serving as the Director of Professional Standards. His career with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol began in 1993 as a Cadet with the 91st Basic Highway Patrol School. Following graduation from Patrol School, he was first assigned as a Trooper in Mecklenburg County.

He earned a BA in Political Science from North Carolina State University, with a concentration in law and political philosophy, graduating in 1993. Continuing in his role as a public servant, this is Allen’s first service with a non-profit organization and he truly values the opportunity to support Patrol members and their families.

Glen Mowrey is a retired Deputy Chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). He started his career in 1968 with the Miami-Dade (FL) Police Department and retired from CMPD in 2004, spending his last ten years as deputy chief. His thirty-six-year career covered many aspects of law enforcement.

Since 2004 he has served as a National Law Enforcement Liaison with the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) working with over 200 agencies and local governments through North America. Mowrey is a past Instructor in the North Carolina State University’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Program and the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute’s Command Officers’ Develop Course.

Jennifer Kennerly is currently the Corporate Director of Human Resources at Carolina Beverage Group based in Mooresville, NC. She holds both the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and the Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications, demonstrating her mastery of HR principles and practices.

During Jennifer’s journey in her career in Human Resources, she worked for 5 years with Employers Advantage LLC, where she served as a HR consultant and worked closely with multiple non-profit organizations, providing strategic guidance & solutions. This is where her passion for assisting non-profit organizations took root.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Appalachian State University.

Dedicated and results-driven Sales Professional with 25 years of experience in delivering exceptional sales performance. Adept at cultivating and nurturing client relationships, Kevin has a proven track record of exceeding sales targets across diverse products within the transportation industry.

Known for his excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, he is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals through tailored solutions. Committed to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends to provide the highest level of service.

David has over 36 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, community service and is deeply committed to advancing the skills and safety of officers through strategic training methodologies and program enhancements. David’s career spans leadership roles in patrol operations, tactical team deployment, and comprehensive law enforcement training. David is an active founding member of the Gastonia Police Foundation, recipient of the Colonel’s Award of Excellence and inductee of the Long Leaf Pine Society by the Governor of North Carolina.

David started his law enforcement career with the Gastonia Police Department, where he served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, and a SWAT Team leader. Transitioning to and retiring from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, David served in roles as a Sergeant, Master Trooper and Instructor. David was instrumental in shaping statewide firearms training and Defensive Tactics programs for the NCSHP. He served over ten years on the NCSHP Use of Force Board and served on the NCJA Subject Control Arrest Technique Board where he contributed to the development of training standards and protocols. David acquired extensive certifications including Surviving the First 3 Seconds Instructor, Defensive Tactics Subject Control Instructor, and North Carolina Firearms Instructor, among others. David is recognized for his expertise in areas such as Officer Survival, Crowd Management, Rapid Deployment, and Crisis Intervention.

As a member of the NCHSP Teen Safe Driving Committee, David was instrumental in developing alignment between the NCSHP and the BRAKES Program, a national program teaching teenagers advanced driving skills to handle hazardous driving situations. This partnership has enabled thousands of teen drivers to develop advanced driving skills.

David is driven by a passion for continuous improvement, operational excellence in law enforcement and remains dedicated to enhancing training methodologies and promoting safety standards. David is committed to serving and empowering law enforcement professionals to meet the challenges of today’s dynamic environments with skill and integrity.

Growing up in a small, close-knit town south of Detroit, Michigan, taught me the importance of family and the value of building strong, lasting relationships. It’s those deeply engrained heartland values, and a passion for helping others secure their financial futures, that clients appreciate most.

Since 2004, when I opened my first insurance and financial services business, I’ve helped individuals and families navigate the complexities of investment management and wealth protection strategies. Before that, my years at the University of Toledo, where I played baseball and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance and Professional Sales, helped shape the solid foundation for my work as a financial advisor.

Life eventually led me to the beautiful Carolina’s region, where I’ve served in various leadership roles within the financial services industry. Among the most valuable insights and expertise I’ve gained is the importance of understanding my clients’ needs, goals and aspirations. Financial planning isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people and their dreams. That’s why I help guide clients to grow their wealth through asset allocation and investment selection and help ensure they’re well-prepared for retirement.

Today, I’m deeply committed to giving back to the community through various initiatives and charitable endeavors. My belief that we should secure our financial futures while positively impacting the lives of others has reinforced my dedication to creating a lasting legacy for my clients and community.

In a world where financial decisions can be complex and overwhelming, my mission is to simplify the process, instill trust and leave a lasting legacy for the next generation. I invite you to join me on this journey as we navigate the path toward financial security and a brighter future.

Tim Crumpler is a retired captain with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, where he had a distinguished career in law enforcement. Tim began his career with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office before joining the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, where he spent 26 years, ultimately rising to the rank of Captain.

With an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Pitt Community College, Tim also graduated from North Carolina State’s Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP). Over the course of his career, he developed a wealth of expertise in training and leadership.

He served as a General Instructor, Physical Fitness Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Advanced Ground Defense Instructor, contributing to the development of fellow Troopers.

Tim was also assigned to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Training Academy as a basic school staff instructor. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping the next generation of Troopers.

During his service as a State Trooper, Tim was assigned to the East Carolina University football staff, where he supported the team and ensured the safety and security of players, staff, and fans.

During his tenure as Captain (Troop Commander) Tim conducted and supervised numerous dignitary visits, including three Presidential visits, along with numerous Governor and Senator visits, demonstrating his leadership and ability to manage high-profile security operations.

Also, during his Tenure as Captain, he conducted, supervised, developed and implemented hurricane evacuation plans during several hurricanes impacting eastern North Carolina, showcasing his ability to respond effectively during emergencies. His leadership during these events showcased his ability to develop and maintain critical relationships with leaders from Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.

Tim’s dedication to law enforcement, combined with his extensive training experience, tactical instruction, high-level security roles, and emergency response leadership, has made him a respected figure in the field. His commitment to public safety and officer preparedness continues to influence the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Mike Wagers serves as Axon’s Chief Customer Officer where he leads customer and partner relationships with law enforcement leaders across the country. He is also the co-host of the Boldly Go Podcast with Rick Smith and publisher of Police Briefing.

Before joining Axon, Mike was Amazon Web Services’ global justice and public safety lead, helping agencies modernize by moving to the cloud. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of the Seattle Police Department under Chief Kathleen O’Toole, where he drove technology innovation, including the launch of the department’s Real-Time Crime Center, Compstat process, and the seminal work on body camera video blurring software.

Earlier in his career, Mike was Director of Law Enforcement Operations and Support at the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He earned his Ph.D. from the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice.

Richard is the President and CEO of Carter PC and has more than 35 years of experience in attest, tax and business advisory services. Carter, P.C. is a public accounting firm focused on highly personalized client service in the areas of tax, assurance, and accounting with offices in Asheville NC, Charlotte NC, and Greenville SC.

He has B.S. Accounting from Wake Forest University and a Masters of Business Administration from Duke University and is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner.

In addition to serving on the NC State Highway Patrol Foundation Board, he has also served as the President of Scouting America, Board Chair of the Harvey Gantt Center, Board Chair of the Carolina Raptor Center and served on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Foundation Board.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Richard is a member of Myers Park United Methodist Church, an avid Wake Forest Demon Deacon fan who enjoys cycling, traveling with his family and working in his shop.