We appreciate each board member’s time and commitment to our organization. Our Board of Directors remains true to our vision and values, putting families’ evolving needs at the center of our innovation and maintaining trust and convenience as the hallmarks of our organization.

Last NameFirst NameCompany/OrganizationBoard Position
AdeyemiChristianaBetter Health of Cumberland County, Inc.Other Non-Profit Human Service Agency
BallardLonnieAction PathwaysLocal Head Start Program
BannisterShonaCumberland County DSSDesignee for Cumberland County DSS
BracyDr. EricCumberland County SchoolsSchool Administrator
ChildersLisaNC Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth DevelopmentLocal Cooperative Extension Agency
DeatonJoeRetiredCommunity at Large
Fecher*Dr. PatriciaMethodist UniversityHigher Education Institution / Board Vice Chair
FordMariaCumberland County SchoolsDesignee for School Administrator
GronskiDr. MeredithMethodist UniversityCommunity at Large
Gunter*VanFirst BankBusiness Leader / Board Chair
JacksonBrendaCumberland County DSSDepartment of Social Services
Jallow-Konrat*HajaCaring Hearts Behavioral Services, LLCParent of a Child 5 or Younger   / Past Board Chair
KlinckAmandaAvanadeCommunity at Large
LadaKatieChildren’s Developmental Services AgencyInter-Agency Coordinating Council
LucasDr. NicoleFayetteville State UniversityHigher Education Institution
Rodriguez LaureanoMaybelynMRL Strategies LLCBusiness Leader
MobleyTaylorHaigh, Byrd & Lambert, LLPBusiness Leader
RichardDr. AyannaCumberland County SchoolsPublic School Exceptional Children’s Preschool Program
SkeensHeatherCumberland County County Manager’s Office
Smith*BettyRetiredCommunity at Large / Board Treasurer
StiffElizabethL3 Brand Community AllianceOther Non-Profit Human Service Agency
Tyson-JohnsonFeliciaSoothing Minds Counseling ServicesLocal Mental Health Professional or Health Care Provider
VandevenderLindaCumberland Community Dev Ctr (dba) Trinity Child CareChild Care Provider from a Licensed Center-Based Child Care Facility
Warren*DarlishaPWCMunicipal Government / Board Secretary
WilliamsEboneAffinity Therapy Services, PLLCChild Care Resource & Referral Agency or Child Care NPO
* Denotes Board Officers

NCPC Smart Start 2023 Cost Principles and Cost Principles Q&A


The NC Pre-K Planning Committee / Board of Directors Meeting meets from 12:00 – 2:00 pm on the dates listed below.

Board Packets include the agenda and minutes.

2025-2026 Board and NC Pre-K Committee Packets

6/11/26 – NC Pre-K Packet and Board Packet

4/30/26 – NC Pre-K Packet and Board Packet

2/26/26 – NC Pre-K Packet and Board Packet

12/11/25 – NC Pre-K Packet and Board Packet

10/30/25 – NC Pre-K Packet and Board Packet

8/21/25 – NC Pre-K Packet and Board Packet

2024-2025 Board and NC Pre-K Committee Packets


Committee Listing


If you are interested in joining one of our organization’s Committees and/or Board of Directors, please complete the Board/Committee Member Nomination/Application.


Partnership for Children Board of Directors meetings and all official committee meetings are open to the public.