NORTH CAROLINA CAUCUS
OF BLACK SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
LEAD. ADVOCATE. EDUCATE. EMPOWER.
2026 Fall Retreat & Issues Forum Speakers & Sponsors
Vision, Voice, and Victory for Public Education
Cornelious CC Lamberth
President, C2 Contractors, LLC
Established in 1984 as CoMor Corporation, C2 Contractors, LLC has grown into a highly competitive, premier minority-owned business providing comprehensive cabling, construction, and program management solutions.
Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, C2 specializes in the design and implementation of advanced networking technologies, construction management, design/build services, and general contracting. The company also provides Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation consulting, helping expand opportunities for HUB firms to successfully compete and participate in contracting and bid opportunities.
With more than four decades of experience, C2 has established a strong performance history serving businesses and governmental clients locally and nationally. Through quality service, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to inclusive economic opportunity, C2 continues to position itself as a trusted advisor and resource partner to the clients and communities it serves.
Dr. Kenston J. Griffin
CEO, Dream Builders Communication, Inc.
Dr. Kenston J. Griffin is the CEO of Dream Builders Communication, Inc. (DBC), a premier consulting and development firm dedicated to empowering leaders and organizations to maximize their potential. With a national and international reach, DBC specializes in strategic consulting, executive coaching, leadership development, and transformative speaking engagements.
For more than two decades, Dr. Griffin has partnered with C-suite executives, educators, and industry leaders to strengthen leadership effectiveness, enhance team performance, and advance organizational excellence. Through customized strategies and engaging professional development, he equips leaders with the tools, mindset, and strategies needed to break barriers, inspire meaningful change, and exceed expectations.
Dr. Rose C. Atkins
Superintendent, Edgecombe County Public Schools
Dr. Rose C. Atkins serves as Superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools, where she provides leadership focused on academic excellence, student achievement, and equitable educational opportunities.
As superintendent, Dr. Atkins leads the district’s strategic vision and oversees curriculum and instruction, student support services, community engagement, and district operations. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration among educators, families, and community partners to strengthen schools and support student success.
Dr. Atkins is committed to preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong success while fostering learning environments in which every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Dr. Eric C. Bracy
Superintendent, Cumberland County Scools
Dr. Eric C. Bracy serves as Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools and brings more than 25 years of experience in public education. Throughout his career, he has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, district administrator, and superintendent.
Prior to joining Cumberland County Schools, Dr. Bracy served as superintendent of Johnston County Schools, Sampson County Schools, and Northampton County Schools, where his leadership contributed to significant improvements in student achievement and school performance.
Dr. Bracy holds degrees from North Carolina Central University, Virginia State University, and Nova Southeastern University. His recognitions include Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year, North Carolina Association of Educators Superintendent of the Year, and Central Carolina Regional Superintendent of the Year.
His leadership emphasizes collaboration, academic excellence, data-informed decision-making, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Dr. Robert P. Taylor
Superintendent, Wake County Public School System
Dr. Robert P. Taylor serves as Superintendent of the Wake County Public School System, bringing more than 30 years of experience in public education. His career includes service as a teacher, principal, district administrator, superintendent, and state-level education leader.
Prior to joining Wake County, Dr. Taylor served as Mississippi State Superintendent of Education, North Carolina Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Superintendent of Bladen County Schools.
Dr. Taylor earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as a Master of Education in School Administration and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Fayetteville State University.
His professional recognitions include being named 2017 Sandhills Regional Education Consortium Superintendent of the Year and 2018 NCAAHPERD Superintendent of the Year for his leadership in school nutrition, health, and physical education.
Throughout his career, Dr. Taylor has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational leadership, academic achievement, and creating opportunities that support the success of all students.
Laura S. Bakosh, Ph.D.
Co-Founder, Inner Exporer
As one of the Inner Explorer’s Co-Founders, Laura discovered the benefits of mindful awareness more than 20 years ago when she was trying to manage the stress of travel and long workdays. While working at GE, Laura had the insight to share her mindful awareness practice with hundreds of fellow employees. Upon seeing the many positive results, the daily practice had on performance, creativity, and wellbeing, she realized it would be the perfect fit for education. The practices can help children navigate the ups and downs of life with resilience, alleviating stress and anxiety, and can help them focus, allowing them to be ‘ready to learn’…all with compassion, openness, and love. She can hardly wait for the first generation of kids going through this program to reach adulthood!
Laura received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston College and a Doctoral Degree in Psychology from Sofia University. She was trained as a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor through the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts.
2026 Fall Retreat Sponsor
Fard Morales
Regional Director - Charlotte, Inner Explorer
Fard discovered the importance of mindfulness first as a college athlete, juggling school, practice, and travel, then as part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system. He used the tools he learned to develop the habit of daily practice as a way to center is thoughts and gain mental balance. Fard received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree from North Carolina A&T State University.
2026 Fall Retreat Sponsor
Sherod McCormick
Founder & CEO, NC Health Partners
Sherod McCormick is the Founder and CEO of NC Health Partners, where he provides visionary leadership focused on improving mental wellness, expanding access to quality behavioral health care, and strengthening the communities his organization serves. Under his leadership, NC Health Partners advances innovative, evidence-based approaches designed to address barriers to care and meet the evolving needs of individuals and families.
McCormick’s leadership extends beyond behavioral health. As Chairman of the Be Great Mentorship Program (McCormick Cares), he champions mentorship, education, and positive engagement for at-risk youth ages 12–18, helping young people develop the confidence and tools needed for future success. He also contributes to the Pride Entrepreneur Education Program (PEEP), supporting collaborative efforts to reduce socioeconomic disparities and expand opportunities within Charlotte’s multicultural community.
At the core of McCormick’s leadership is a commitment to service, equity, empowerment, and community transformation. Through strategic partnerships and community-focused initiatives, he works to remove barriers, create pathways to opportunity, and build stronger, healthier communities. A devoted husband and proud father of two sons, he brings the values of family, responsibility, and service to every aspect of his leadership.
Catty Moore
At-Large Member, NC State Board of Education
Catty Moore is a veteran North Carolina educator with more than 35 years of experience in public education. She currently serves as an At-Large Member of the North Carolina State Board of Education.
Moore previously served as Superintendent of Wake County Public Schools and has held leadership positions as a teacher, principal, area superintendent, and deputy superintendent. She has also served as interim superintendent for Durham Public Schools and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
Her honors include National Superintendent of the Year by Magnet Schools of America, NC PTA Superintendent of the Year, NC Regional Superintendent of the Year, and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
Moore holds degrees from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She continues to bring extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to public education and student success across North Carolina.
Dr. Yevonne Brannon
Director, Center for Urban Affairs & Community Services at North Carolina State University.
Yevonne Brannon received her Ph.D. in sociology from NC State University and currently serves as the Director of the Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services at NCSU. Prior to this position, she was a social worker and taught at the secondary and post-secondary levels.
Yevonne has been involved in child and public education advocacy work throughout her life including serving for four years as a Wake County Commissioner.
Dr. Brannon is a founding member of several nonprofit organizations such as WakeUp Wake County, Great Schools In Wake Coalition, Friends of Lake Johnson, Friends of Athens Dr. Community Library, and most recently Public Schools First NC.
David Twiddy
Chair, Dare County Board of Education
Dare County Schools
David Twiddy serves as Chairman of the Dare County Board of Education, representing District 5 At-Large for the 2024–2028 term. A lifelong Dare County resident, Twiddy brings years of experience and a deep connection to the local public school system to his leadership on the Board.
Before his service on the Board of Education, Twiddy had a career with Dare County Schools, including serving as the district’s Director of Transportation. He was first elected to the Board of Education in 2016 and has since held leadership positions, including Vice-Chairman and Chairman.
His combined experience as a school district administrator and elected board member provides him with a broad perspective on school governance, fiscal stewardship, operational effectiveness, and the importance of collaboration among boards of education, county officials, school administrators, and the communities they serve.
As Chairman, Twiddy remains engaged in addressing the needs of Dare County Schools while supporting strong schools and educational opportunities for students throughout the district.
Marcus Bass
Executive Director, NC Black Alliance Advance Carolina
Marcus Bass serves as Executive Director of the North Carolina Black Alliance and Advance Carolina, where he provides leadership focused on civic engagement, community empowerment, coalition building, and advancing opportunities for communities across North Carolina.
Bass joined Advance Carolina and the North Carolina Black Alliance in 2018 after serving as Statewide Campaign Director for Democracy North Carolina. His professional background also includes service with the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and experience as a teacher and coach with Clinton City Schools, giving him a valuable perspective on public education and the important role educators and community leaders play in strengthening North Carolina communities.
Throughout his career, Bass has served on numerous boards and commissions across the state. His leadership experience includes serving as Board Chair of Common Cause North Carolina and Blueprint NC, as well as formerly serving as State Youth President for the General Baptist Auxiliary WBH-FMC of North Carolina.
A respected nonprofit leader and community advocate, Bass brings extensive experience in strategic advocacy, organizational leadership, and building partnerships that encourage informed and engaged communities.
2026 Fall Retreat Sponsor