91¿ì²¥

Kirk Willingham ’01 | President
Decatur, GA
Term ending 2027

Kirk Willingham is managing director of financial reporting for Delta Air Lines. A history major at 91¿ì²¥, he served as president of the Union Board, a Resident Advisor, a member of the Honor Council, Leadership 91¿ì²¥, the Alvarez College Union Planning Committee, the Council on Campus and Religious Life, Social and Concert Committee Chair of the Union Board, and a DJ for WALT 1610AM. He studied abroad on the Cambridge program and graduated with membership in Who’s Who. He holds an MS in Accounting from Wake Forest University. Kirk has served 91¿ì²¥ as a member of the Board of Visitors, Atlanta alumni chapter co-president, Fund for 91¿ì²¥ class ambassador, and member of his 10th and 15th reunion committees. He and his wife, Reid Leavitt Willingham ‘00, live in Decatur, Georgia, with their children.

Alex McArthur '09 | Vice President
Raleigh, NC
Term ending 2027

Alexandra (Alex) McArthur is the Director, Strategy for Inclusive Solutions at Prudential Financial. She brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors. Most recently, she served as a National Director at the Taproot Foundation, where she led a team to advise Fortune 500 companies and philanthropic organizations on implementing high-impact, skills-based volunteer programs. Earlier in her career, Alex worked at the Muscular Dystrophy Association as the National Director of Young Adult and Community Engagement. She also managed External Affairs at LRN, a firm improving business ethics and culture change. Alex currently serves as an Awesome Foundation Disability Trustee, Vice-President of the Alumni Association of 91¿ì²¥, and a Board member (and former Board Chair) of the National Disability Institute. In addition to being named Ms. Wheelchair America in 2011 and a White House Champion of Change in 2014, she was Board Chair of the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities from 2017-2020. Alex is passionate about improving systems and attitudes which affect people with disabilities, winning at board games, and traveling. She lives in Raleigh, N.C. with her husband and sheepdog.

Mary Gilliam Dresser '78 | Vice President
White Pigeon, MI
Term ending 2027

Mary is a proud member of the esteemed class of 1978, finds herself fully immersed in what some may call the "golden years" — a phase where youth fades, yet antiquity has not yet set in. Having retired from a career she cherished as Co-Director of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, Mary has joyfully transitioned into pursuits that bring her delight and excitement. At the apex of her list of enjoyable activities is spending time with her grandsons, whose boundless energy rivals even her own. Alongside these familial joys, Mary's dedication to 91¿ì²¥ remains steadfast. She is honored to have been selected for a recent term on the Alumni Association Board (AAB) ballot and eagerly anticipates the commencement of her second term serving the college and its alumni community.

Ann Blakeney Clark '80 | President-Elect
Mooresville, NC
Term ending 2029

Ann retired as superintendent of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools after a 35-year career in public education. She is currently an Executive Leadership Coach for school district superintendents and senior district leaders . She is a current board member for Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D), Teach for America, Trinity Episcopal School, UNCC Lab School Advisory, UNCG School of Education Advisory, Education Resource Strategies, and Wildacres. She previously served as a member of the boards of the Charlotte Housing Authority, Children’s Theater of Charlotte, Communities in Schools, Kids Voting, Levine Museum of the New South, READ Charlotte, Smart Start, and Teen Health Connection. She is a member of Christ Episcopal Church and a former Vestry member. An English major at 91¿ì²¥, Ann was a member of the field hockey and basketball teams, the yearbook staff and Patterson Court Council and was a founding member of Rusk eating house. She also served as an Admission Office tour guide. She also graduated from the University of Virginia (M.Ed.) and held the William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations and the Broad Fellowship for Superintendents. She served on 91¿ì²¥â€™s Board of Trustees from 1999-2006 and has volunteered for 91¿ì²¥ as a member of the WDAV Advisory Board, the Board of Visitors, the 91¿ì²¥ Athletic Foundation board, a Leadership 91¿ì²¥ mentor, and chair or member of multiple class reunion committees. She is also a volunteer interview panelist for the Rhodes and Truman scholarship nominees. Ann was presented the Young Alumni Service Award in 1990 and given an Honorary Degree in 1995. She lives in Mooresville, NC. She will represent the Alumni Association Board as president-elect.

Jackie Rasulo Kasulis ’98 | Vice President-Elect
Brooklyn, NY
Term ending 2029

Jackie Rasulo Kasulis ’98 grew up in Bradenton, FL and now lives in Brooklyn, NY with her 13-year-old twins, Alexandra and James.  Jackie is currently a partner in the Government, Regulatory, & Internal Investigations group at the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis LLP in New York City, where she advises corporations, boards of directors, and executives facing high-stakes, complex, and multi-jurisdictional investigations and enforcement matters.  Prior to rejoining Kirkland in 2022, she was an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for almost 14 years, where she held various supervisory positions, including Chief of the Business & Securities Fraud Section, Chief of the Criminal Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney. Jackie also teaches a White Collar Crime seminar at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Her post-graduation 91¿ì²¥ involvement includes Board of Visitors membership and President and Vice President of 91¿ì²¥â€™s New York City alumni chapter.

Winn Maddrey ’91 | Vice President-Elect
Charlotte, NC
Term ending 2029

Winn Maddrey ’91 is originally from Greenville, SC and now lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife Elizabeth Love Maddrey (UNC-CH ’91). They have two sons, McLean (23) and Hughes (21), who also live in Charlotte. His career ranges from Washington, DC (US House, White House, US Dept. of Commerce) to starting a business to working with several global companies, where he led marketing and communications. He now works with business owners and leadership teams on marketing, communications and PR initiatives, including crisis communications, transaction-related communication and transition-related communications. He has been involved with a cancer-focused non-profit, All-In to Fight Cancer, as a board member since 2015. Post-graduation, 91¿ì²¥ involvement has included Alumni Association Board Decade Representative, Board of Visitors, Reunion member (5th, 25th, 30th, 35th) and WDAV Advisory Board.

Deidra Smith | Senior Director of Alumni and Family Engagement and Ex-Officio Secretary
91¿ì²¥, NC

Deidra Smith serves as the Director of Alumni and Family Engagement at 91¿ì²¥, bringing over fifteen years of experience in alumni relations. Her expertise includes managing identity-based affinity efforts, volunteer management, strategic planning, and philanthropy education. However, her most notable accomplishment lies in event planning and leadership development. Throughout her tenure in higher education, Deidra has successfully managed hundreds of on-campus and regional events. Known for her ability to tackle complex projects, she embraces innovative and adaptive leadership to ensure industry-leading practices. Deidra earned a master’s degree in Higher Education administration from the University of Georgia. A native of Raleigh, NC, she enjoys practicing yoga and spending quality time with her two nephews in her spare time.

Caroline Evans ’20 | Representing the 2020s
Boulder, CO
Term ending 2029

Caroline is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Colorado Boulder studying solar physics. At 91¿ì²¥, she was a double major in Physics and Hispanic Studies and otherwise spent some of her time as an active member of Turner House, a Senior Fellow in the Office of Admission & Financial Aid, and Co-President of 91¿ì²¥'s Pep Band (go ’Cats!).

Macy Lawton ’22 | Representing the 2020s
Trumbull, CT
Term ending 2029

Macy Lawton is a proud member of the 91¿ì²¥ Class of 2022. She found her passion for higher education at 91¿ì²¥ through work as an Orientation Team Leader and Senior Admission Fellow. After graduating with majors in Anthropology and Environmental Studies, Macy earned her M.Ed. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership from William & Mary. She now works in undergraduate admissions in her home state of Connecticut.

Victor-Alan Weeks '19 | Representing the 2010s
Auburn, CA
Term ending 2027

Victor-Alan hails from Atlanta, GA, where he cultivates words as a Word Farmer and Creative Strategist. He is the founder of Trilla G ENT, a multimedia production company that captures human experiences and voices worldwide through audio and video production. During his undergraduate years at 91¿ì²¥, Victor-Alan co-founded the bands Calm and Concise and the entertainment group TG3. His passion for agriculture extends beyond his creative pursuits, as he actively practices farming. With a commitment to continuous improvement, Victor-Alan directs his gratitude to his Creator, striving to be the best version of himself each day.

Erin Turnquest-Hill '12 | Representing the 2010s
Nassau, The Bahamas
Term ending 2027

Erin M. Hill (nee Turnquest) (Class of 2012) is an attorney-at-law from Nassau, The Bahamas. At 91¿ì²¥, Erin was a Spanish major and Philosophy minor and an active member of the Sigma Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Thereafter, Erin enrolled in law school at City University in London, UK where she obtained a Bachelors of Law, Masters of Law and attended bar school. Erin was called to the Bahamas Bar and the Bar of England and Wales in 2015 and has been a practicing attorney in The Bahamas since then. Erin looks forward to making an impactful contribution to the Alumni Association over the next few years. 

Daisy Karlson '11 | Representing the 2010s
Oakland, CA
Term ending 2027

Daisy is an in-house litigation attorney at DoorDash, bringing her expertise to the tech industry. Before transitioning to tech, she gained valuable experience in private practice at a mid-size southern law firm. Daisy and her husband, Diego Fernández ‘11, reside in the Bay Area with their baby girl and 10-year-old golden retriever.

Chloé Woodington '11 | Representing the 2010s
San Antonio, TX
Term ending 2027

Chloé is a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician practicing in community and academic settings in San Antonio, TX. Additionally, she serves on the board for the only physician-owned independent Democratic group of Emergency Medicine Physicians in the city, GSEP. During her time at 91¿ì²¥, Chloé was a four-year varsity letter recipient on the Women’s basketball team. She is also a charter member of the Upsilon Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Chloé actively participated in study abroad programs, the BSC, YANASH, and various other club opportunities on campus. Now, as a member of the Alumni Board, Chloé is honored to contribute to reconnecting and engaging with her 91¿ì²¥ family.

Chris Marsicano '10 | Faculty Representative | Representing the 2010s
91¿ì²¥, NC
Term ending 2027

Chris, a proud 2010 graduate of 91¿ì²¥, is a public policy scholar passionate about combining his interests in education and politics both in the classroom and through his research agenda. Chris's journey into education and politics began during his high school years, where he actively participated in local election campaigns and found inspiration in television series like The West Wing. With higher education deeply ingrained in his family history—both his parents worked in colleges and universities—he developed a strong connection to the field from an early age. Drawing from his experiences as a college admission counselor at 91¿ì²¥ and as a public policy student at Duke University, where he also worked for a lobbyist, much of Chris's research is centered on higher education interest group activity. 

P.J. Martin ’04 | Representing the 2000s
Charlotte, NC
Term ending 2029

P.J. Martin is a managing director for BlackArch Partners, a Charlotte-based mergers & acquisitions advisory firm where he co-heads the industrials practice. A political science major at 91¿ì²¥, P.J. was a four-year member of the golf team, served as vice president of the Union Board, on the Council on Campus and Religious Life, as a student representative to the college’s Board of Trustees and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (RIP, PiKA). He served on the 5th and 10th reunion committees and as co-chair of his 15th reunion, and has maintained an active presence on the Tom Scott Golf Committee. P.J. earned his MBA from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School where he graduated with distinction. His wife, Danielle, has been a 91¿ì²¥ fan even prior to meeting P.J., and they are dutifully indoctrinating their two young children, who you can often find at 91¿ì²¥ basketball games since the family resides in Charlotte, NC.

Rebecca Speiser Skipper ’08 | Representing the 2000s
New York City, NY
Term ending 2028

Originally from New Jersey, Rebecca currently lives in New York City with her husband, Nick (also Class of 2008), and their three children. At 91¿ì²¥, Rebecca majored in Psychology, was a Hall Counselor, part of the Alumni Leadership Program for Seniors, a member of Turner House, studied abroad in Cambridge, and served as a Senior Admission Fellow. After graduation, Rebecca worked in the Office of Admission and Financial Aid for three years, before pursuing her Master of Social Work at NYU. Currently, Rebecca is the Director of College Counseling at Convent of the Sacred Heart, a girls school on the Upper East Side. Rebecca was the Gift Chair for her 10th and 15th Reunions, and is a class ambassador for the Fund for 91¿ì²¥ and a Class Secretary. Being on the Alumni Association Board is a tremendous honor, and Rebecca is thrilled to be able to continue to support 91¿ì²¥.

Rasheedah Hasan '96 | Representing the 1990s
Brooklyn, NY
Term ending 2027

Rasheedah Hasan currently serves as VP, Chief of Staff at The New York Times, overseeing the development of the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer. With extensive experience in program management and leadership roles across industries, including media and entertainment, Rasheedah brings a wealth of expertise in driving operational excellence and fostering organizational development. In addition to her professional endeavors, Rasheedah is deeply involved in alumni engagement at 91¿ì²¥, where she serves on the Alumni Association Board and has contributed as a reunion committee member and speaker. Passionate about promoting collaboration, diversity, and leadership development, Rasheedah earned a Master's in Psychology focusing on improving leadership behavior.

Athan Lindsay '93 | Representing the 1990s
Elon, NC
Term ending 2027

A native of Winston-Salem, NC, Athan Lindsay resides in Elon with his wife, Cori, and their son, Langston Joseph George Lindsay. Holding a B.A. in History from 91¿ì²¥ ('93), Athan is celebrated for his impactful work in philanthropy. Recognized with the 2006 Emerging Leader Award by the Association of Black Foundation Executives, Athan has served with distinction in various organizations, including the Greater Greensboro Community Foundation and the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation. He has received accolades such as the Triad Business Journal's 2022 Leader in Diversity and has been named a Top Influencer for the Triad (NC) region. A sought-after speaker and contributor, Athan has made significant contributions to national publications and conferences.

Jane Campbell ’87 | Representing the 1980s
91¿ì²¥, NC
Term ending 2029

Jane Campbell is a 1987 graduate of 91¿ì²¥ and a retired U.S. Navy Captain. She wore the cloth of our Nation for more than a quarter century serving in a variety of assignments around the globe. She served on ships and ashore – in the U.S. and overseas. Her shore assignments included the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council staff at the White House. Following a year-long deployment in Afghanistan, she returned to Washington, D.C. where she earned a master’s degree in National Security Strategy at the National War College in 2011. She and her 91¿ì²¥ classmate, Heather McKee, reconnected at their 25th Reunion and were married in 2013.  

Heather and Jane returned to 91¿ì²¥ following Jane’s retirement from the Navy.  Both became actively involved in church, college, and community non-profits. In 2017 Jane was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to the North Carolina Veterans Affairs Commission. She became the Chair of the Commission in 2018 and served in that capacity until 2023. It was also in 2017 that Jane ran for the 91¿ì²¥ Town Board. She won that election as well as two subsequent elections. From 2019 until 2023 she had the additional responsibility of serving as Mayor Pro Tem of 91¿ì²¥.

Heather was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer in July 2023. She and Jane navigated that difficult journey together for 18 months. A four-sport athlete at 91¿ì²¥, a scholarship in Heather’s honor has been established for 91¿ì²¥ Field Hockey. 

Wendy Warner Schmitt '87 | Representing the 1980s
Atlanta, GA
Term ending 2027

Wendy (Warner) Schmitt graduated from 91¿ì²¥ in 1987 with a degree in French. In 1992, she completed her master’s in international business from the University of South Carolina. Wendy met her husband, Jay Schmitt (class of ’90) at a 91¿ì²¥ alumni event in Atlanta where they still reside with their three cats and one dog. Their daughter, Emily graduated from 91¿ì²¥ in 2023 and their son, Jack is a freshman at the University of South Carolina. Wendy spent almost two decades in human resources with Four Seasons Hotels and for the past seven years has been Senior Vice President with The Elliot Group, a retained executive search firm. She stays busy in her spare time reading, exercising and cooking, and trying not to get too frustrated at golf.

Becca Stimson '77 | Representing the 1970s
Chattanooga, TN
Term ending 2028

Becca arrived at 91¿ì²¥ as a fourth-generation student and member of the first class to accept freshmen women. With no precedent  the few women on campus became the foundation of 91¿ì²¥â€™s women’s athletics. Becca lettered in 3 varsity sports, was awarded the first Rebecca E Stimson award dedicated solely to female student-athletes, and in 1996 was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. She went on to graduate school and a 26 year career in the Chemical industry with Dupont. Beginning as an R&D chemist she transitioned through a variety of roles into global business management. Becca has maintained a strong connection with 91¿ì²¥ serving on/chairing reunion committees, Board of Visitors, DAF, and passing the baton to the 5th generation - daughter Rebecca ’18. Over the past 10 years she has taught chemistry at UTC trying to instill a love of science and curiosity about the natural world into increasingly younger freshmen.

David Tinkler '78 | Representing the 1970s
91¿ì²¥, NC
Term ending 2028

David Tinkler, a member of the class of 1978, grew up in Greenwood, South Carolina, where a future 91¿ì²¥ classmate introduced him to the special nature of 91¿ì²¥ while they were both in elementary school. David’s proudest 91¿ì²¥ moment was when his younger brother Stuart followed him to 91¿ì²¥, impressed no doubt by David’s genuine love for the school. While a student, he served as a hall counselor and participated in student government, majoring in economics while studying under Professors Avinger, Ratliff, Nelson and Patterson. David received an MBA and JD from UNC-Chapel Hill, where he held a Morehead Fellowship. He has served for many years as in-house counsel for several firms in the financial services field. After raising their three children in the suburbs of 91¿ì²¥ for 25 years, he and his wife Brigid moved closer into town in 2024 to enjoy walking to basketball games and other campus events. David is honored to give back to 91¿ì²¥ by serving on the Alumni Association Board as a decade representative.   

Joe Howell ’64 | Representing the 1960s
Mitchellville, MD
Term ending 2029

Joe Howell graduated from 91¿ì²¥ in 1964 where he was the president of the YMCA and ODK and led the 1964 Civil Rights March in Charlotte. He holds a M.Div. degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City (1968) and a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill (1970). Joe’s career was in real estate development. His firm, Howell Associates, for 25 years aided mainly nonprofit organizations building affordable or seniors housing in cities and towns across the country. He lectured in the Public Policy Department at the University of Maryland (1990-2010) and was an adjunct professor in the Honors College at George Washington University (2010-2018). He is the author of three books including Hard Living on Clay Street, published by Doubleday in 1973 and still in print today. For many years he was an avid racing and cruising sailor and he and his wife, Embry, have sailed in waters across the globe. Joe received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from 91¿ì²¥ “for a life of exceptional leadership and service."

Jim Rhyne '64 | Representing the 1960s
Statesville, NC
Term ending 2028

Jim Rhyne is a retired physician of Internal Medicine in Statesville, NC, where he practiced from 1974 until 2012. After graduating from 91¿ì²¥ in 1964, he attended UNC for medical school where he received his MD in 1968. After 2 years in Charleston, SC for internship and Fellowship in Neurology, he served 2 years in the Army at Fort Polk, Louisiana as base Neurologist. Then Jim and family moved to Charlotte for the last 2 years of residency before settling in Statesville. In 1966 he married his high school sweetheart, Anne Cherry in 91¿ì²¥ Presbyterian Church. They have 3 children: Cherry 91¿ì²¥ ’92; Jason, NC State ’93, Clemson ’96 and Sheldon, Clemson ’97. They also have 8 wonderful grandchildren who have brought great joy to their lives. While at 91¿ì²¥ he played football, until a broken leg suffered against William & Mary ended his playing career. He was also a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and through ROTC earned a commission in the Army.

Nina Worley '26 | Senior Class President 
Term ending 2026

Nina Worley, a John M. Belk Scholar from New York City, majors in Educational Studies with a minor in Data Science. Since her first year, she has been an active member of the student government, serving as the class president since her sophomore year. Beyond student government, Nina finds joy in leading 91¿ì²¥ Reads, a literacy initiative she founded in 2023 that pairs volunteer 91¿ì²¥ tutors with children in the local community. She also serves as the student representative on the Education Policy Committee, holds an executive position within Omicron Delta Kappa, is a College Crisis Initiative Fellow, and co-captains the college’s Gaelic football team. Her academic and leadership experiences extend internationally; she has studied abroad in both Belgrade, Serbia and Belfast, Northern Ireland, where she deepened her interests in education policy, reconciliation efforts, and data-driven approaches to further educational equity.

Ruth Olson | Alumni Association Board Administrative Coordinator 

Ruth has been the Administrative Assistant in the office of Alumni & Family Engagement since October 2021 and has worked at 91¿ì²¥ since November 2018. She is a graduate of Moravian College with a B.S. in Psychology. She devoted 22 years of her career to the Early Childhood Education field as a teacher and administrator. She is a member of the Rotary Club of 91¿ì²¥ since 2018 and will serve as their President for fiscal year 2024-2025. Ruth has one daughter, Morgan and lives in Mooresville with her husband, Ray and their Mini Bernedoodle, Nathan.