Foundation Board of Directors
Amy Robertson ’91
Chair
Amy partners with businesses to build more “happy and human” workplaces. She is a passionate mental health advocate. She serves as a trainer, coach and speaker for NAMI North Carolina and has held several leadership roles on its board. She also plays a key role in energizing and connecting the HR community across the triangle, helping to foster innovative conversations and build stronger professional networks. At NC State, Amy chairs the Alumni Association Employer Advisory Board and frequently contributes as a speaker and guest instructor. She is honored to serve on the Foundation Board to give back to the university that helped launch her career.
Bill Trent ’81
Vice Chair
Bill has built a successful career in the chemical and life sciences industries, leading several ventures, including a company that designs and develops professional cleaning products free of toxic chemicals and solvents. The company is based on a compound Bill developed in the early 1990s. Throughout Bill’s involvement with the college, he has played a key role in shaping its strategic direction, especially during pivotal moments such as the 2008 recession and the transition from the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences to the College of Sciences. Bill serves on the board out of a commitment to advancing science, education and innovation at NC State.
Michael Brooks ’96
Michael leads operational strategy and execution across the clinical-to-commercial spectrum. With over 25 years of experience in clinical development and product commercialization, he brings a proven ability to deliver integrated, technology-enabled solutions that enhance customer outcomes. Michael is also deeply committed to talent development, mentoring colleagues around the world as they grow their careers and contribute to global impact.
Allen Dobson ’76
Allen is a nationally recognized physician leader in primary care transformation and health policy innovation. He has dedicated his career to improving healthcare delivery across North Carolina and beyond. He founded an organization that provides population health management and primary care services to over 1.6 million residents. Allen’s work has influenced state and national health policy through gubernatorial advisory roles and presentations at the White House and Congress. He continues to shape the future of healthcare as Editor-in-Chief of Medical Economics.
Ron Cerniglia ’83
Ron is recognized for his expertise in retail and wholesale energy markets. He has testified before legislative and regulatory bodies across the country and counseled Fortune 100 companies on renewable energy and demand response strategies to enhance sustainability. His leadership includes serving on gubernatorial energy policy transition teams and guiding national energy trade organizations. In honor of his brother Carl, Ron and his family established two endowed scholarships to support undergraduate and graduate students passionate about microbiology. He is a dedicated NC State volunteer, having contributed to the Feed the Pack Food Pantry and supported programs such as the Wolfpack Club. Ron is committed to advancing the College of Sciences’ mission of research, innovation and service.
Emily Gordon ’09, ’10
Emily is a leader in identity and access engineering, tackling some of today’s most pressing technological challenges. A lifelong member of the NC State community, Emily comes from a proud family of alumni. Her commitment to service is rooted in a belief in NC State’s mission to deliver exceptional education and opportunity, especially for women and students from underrepresented backgrounds in the sciences. Emily is passionate about mentorship and takes pride in helping students translate their academic strengths and personal passions into meaningful career paths.
Lawrence Ives ’73, ’76, ’84
Lawrence is an expert in high-power radio frequency sources and components, with a focus on applications in particle accelerators and fusion energy development. His collaborative research spans multiple disciplines at NC State, including mathematics, physics and chemical engineering, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary innovation. A proud NC State parent, Lawrence’s stepson and daughter studied math/physics and English, respectively. His own experience with the university equipped him with the skills and inspiration to launch and lead a successful high-tech R&D company. Lawrence values staying connected to the cutting-edge science emerging from campus, building lasting relationships with fellow board members and advancing the university’s mission.
Mike Luther ’78
Mike brings decades of experience in drug discovery, life science startups, executive leadership and corporate development. His academic and professional journey reflects a commitment to scientific excellence and leadership. His expertise is in protein engineering, synthetic biology, structure-based drug design, and therapeutic development in oncology, inflammation and metabolic disease. Mike serves on the Foundation Board to help shape NC State’s future and support its role in driving innovation and economic development across the state and the world.
Sharon Collins Presnell ’90
Sharon is passionate about advancing translational science in cell biology and the life sciences, with a strong interest in cross-disciplinary work that bridges biology, engineering and mathematics. Her expertise also includes technology evaluation and program design in the life sciences, where she brings a strategic and innovative perspective. Sharon is a firm believer in giving back and is committed to supporting NC State through both her time and resources. She is proud to contribute to the College of Sciences, which she believes fosters an exceptional learning environment—one that continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and leaders.
Barb Prillaman ’86
A statistician and librarian by training, Barb brings an innate curiosity about the world and a passion for data communication and interdisciplinary learning to her work as a statistical consultant and university lecturer. She co-designed and teaches the Data Communications course in NC State’s Data Science and AI Academy. An avid amateur musician, Barb advocates for changing STEM back to STEAM and including the arts and humanities in curricula for aspiring scientists. Her career reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, collaboration, and expanding access to STEM education. Barb was named with the college’s Zenith Medal for Service in 2025.
Benton Satterfield, Jr. ’89, ’96
Benton’s connection to NC State runs deep. He is part of a multi-generational Wolfpack family that includes his grandfather, George “Howard” Satterfield, a pioneering chemistry professor, and his father, Benton Satterfield Sr., a respected Raleigh physician and lifelong supporter of the university. He built a successful career in the automotive industry, where he oversees the design, maintenance and continuous improvement of material handling systems across nearly 40 distribution centers throughout North America. Benton values staying connected to the NC State community and helping advance the college’s impact on students, research and innovation.
Ali (Alejandra) Scott ’98
Ali brings more than 25 years of experience in agronomy and biotechnology, where she has played a key role since the introduction of genetically modified organisms. Ali also serves as a subject-matter expert and guest lecturer in three NC State courses. She believes education is essential to advancing science and fostering public understanding of new technologies. As a Latina, she is committed to expanding access and opportunity for all. Ali serves on the board to stay connected to the evolving challenges in education and to help inspire change across industry and academia.
Aimee Smart ’00
Aimee is a senior executive with more than 20 years of regulatory and clinical development experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. She enjoys solving complex problems and driving results and is most passionate about ensuring her work is connected to a meaningful mission that positively impacts people’s lives. She was honored with the college’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award, and her service on the Foundation Board allows her to give back and help future students have access to the same transformative opportunities she experienced.
Saundra Williams ’85, ’87, ’96
Saundra is a nationally recognized leader in corporate governance, leadership development and information technology. She brings experience from several executive leadership positions where she supports women leaders and led the implementation of one of the world’s largest higher education IT systems. She is also a published author, ordained minister and founder of T.E.A.C.H. Ministries, an international ministry for women in leadership. She is a three-time graduate of NC State, and her many honors include being named NC State College of Sciences Alumna of the Year, NC Chief Information Officer of the Year, NC Tech Association’s Technology Woman of the Year and NC State Outstanding Black Alumna.
Ex-Officio Directors
President, Tina Morrison, Assistant Dean for Philanthropy (voting)
Vice President, Vacant (non-voting)
Treasurer, Dana Harris, Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and University Treasurer (voting)
Assistant Treasurer, Erin Delehanty, Senior Director, Foundations Accounting and Investments (non-voting)
Secretary, Dasa Sewill, Executive Assistant (non-voting)
Alumni Advisory Board
Stephanie Parker ’95
President
Stephanie has over two decades of experience in quality management, with a focus on designing and improving systems across multiple industries. She credits NC State with nurturing her curiosity and helping her become a well-rounded thinker, from double majoring in chemistry and psychology to singing in the University Choir. Returning to Raleigh reignited her connection to the NC State community, and she now serves on the Alumni Board to foster meaningful relationships between students and the alumni community. Stephanie is passionate about mentoring future scientists and leaders, and believes in the power of personal connections to inspire career possibilities and lifelong engagement.
Stephanie’s advice to students: Stay open to possibilities, leadership can be cultivated at any stage, and great careers often follow unexpected paths.
Alease Barnes ’18
Vice President
Alease is a reproductive scientist and science communicator. She combines hands-on expertise in the IVF lab with a passion for public education, using social media to demystify reproductive science for patients. Her outreach has earned national recognition, including features on Good Morning America and Buzzfeed. Alease’s time at NC State helped her discover how scientific knowledge and personal passion could intersect to shape a meaningful career. She continues to engage with university resources and remains deeply connected to the community that supported her growth. As a member of the Alumni Board, Alease actively supports student engagement and contributes to the college’s ongoing growth and impact.
Alease’s advice to students: Stay connected! It’s easy to want to move on once you’ve graduated, but you will never again have so many resources at your fingertips!
Stephen Ashley ’93
Stephen has practiced patent law for over 25 years, applying his background in chemistry to help protect innovations across a range of technologies. His work blends scientific insight with legal expertise, and he has been recognized multiple times for excellence in intellectual property law. NC State provided a strong STEM foundation and communication skills essential to his career. His time at NC State also shaped his personal life through lasting relationships and formative experiences. Now serving on the Alumni Board, Stephen is committed to staying connected to the university and supporting its mission—especially meaningful as his daughter is currently an undergraduate at NC State.
Stephen’s advice to students: Life is not a race. Stay open to possibilities, be willing to change course, and don’t place artificial deadlines on your journey.
Taylor Cooke ’04
Taylor’s career began in recruiting and HR, where he spent over a decade working across a range of industries. A growing interest in technology and a desire for more flexibility after becoming a parent led him to pivot into software engineering. With the help of a coding bootcamp, he made the leap and has spent the past several years building tech solutions, primarily in the education services space. While his Chemistry degree from NC State didn’t directly shape his career path, it laid the groundwork for strong problem-solving and time management skills—both of which have been essential in navigating career changes and parenting. Taylor joined the Alumni Board to stay connected to the university and help students bridge the gap between college and the working world.
Taylor’s advice to students: Finding a job is hard! Don’t get discouraged if it takes time. You’re not behind.
Bill Fleming ’70, ’77
Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves and is a lifelong advocate for environmental stewardship. He and his wife, Teri, established an endowed scholarship in the college to support future scientists. Guided by a commitment to future generations, his goal is to support a future where wellness, opportunity and stability are within reach for everyone.
Ginger Hocutt ’09, ’11
Ginger is a reproductive genetic counselor specializing in maternal-fetal medicine and complex preconception counseling. Her work includes guiding patients through genetic considerations related to preconception planning, advanced maternal age, family history and ultrasound findings. Ginger plays an integral part in supervising genetic counseling students and providing leadership in reproductive genetics at UNC. Her career reflects a commitment to patient care and education, recognized through numerous honors, including the Distinguished Genetic Counseling Alumni Award and Outstanding Supervisor Award. Ginger credits NC State with fostering her passion for science and equipping her with the skills to guide patients through complex decisions. She joined the Alumni Advisory Board to give back to the community that shaped her journey and to help connect students with diverse career paths in science.
Ginger’s advice to students: Passion will take you far. It will fuel your success and make your work meaningful for you and for those you serve.
Albert Hopping ’02, ’07
Bio coming soon
Germaine Johnson ’85
Germaine is an accomplished geoscientist who built a successful 30-year career in the energy sector before retiring. Her experience at NC State provided her with the advanced education and critical skills required to enter and excel in a specialized industry. The invaluable mentorship from faculty prepared Germaine for professional challenges and shaped a lifelong appreciation for the power of guidance and community. Driven by a desire to “pay it forward,” Germaine joined the Alumni Advisory Board to help today’s students recognize the immense value of their degree and to encourage fellow alumni to support the next generation. She firmly believes that no one achieves success alone and is committed to strengthening the network of support that makes the NC State community so powerful.
Germaine’s advice to students: Surround yourself with people who are living the life you want and always aspire to be your best you.
Caitlin Kapur ’15, ’16
Caitlin is a data scientist and certified Scrum Master who specializes in fraud detection and public sector analytics. She began her career as an analytic consultant, partnering with state tax agencies to develop data-driven fraud detection systems. Over time, her role evolved into research and development, where she now helps build scalable, market-ready software solutions for tax fraud detection. Caitlin credits NC State with shaping both her technical foundation and professional trajectory. As an undergraduate, she served as a College of Sciences ambassador and felt strongly connected to the campus community. She joined the Alumni Advisory Board to give back to the university that helped launch her career and to support future students through mentorship and engagement.
Caitlin’s advice to students: You’re never going to know everything—and that’s okay! What matters most is staying curious and not being afraid to ask for help.
Nicholas Kapur ’15, ’17
Nicholas has built his career applying statistics and data science to the world of professional sports. His journey began in the front offices of Major League Baseball teams, including the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he used data science to inform team strategy. Nicholas later brought that expertise to a sports analytics startup, developing consulting solutions for professional organizations across a multitude of sports. A Park Scholar (Class of 2015), Nicholas credits his NC State education and the relationships he built with professors as instrumental to his career. He still uses the technical and non-technical skills he learned in the College of Sciences on a daily basis. Nicholas joined the Alumni Advisory Board to help increase the quality of education and resources for students and to foster the kinds of mentorship experiences that were crucial to his own journey.
Nicholas’s advice to students: Find what you love doing and pursue it relentlessly. Being smart, kind, thoughtful, and hard-working will always pay off eventually.
Molly Matty ’12
Molly is an educator and research scientist specializing in genetics and biology. Her journey began at NC State, where undergraduate research in David Threadgill’s lab laid the foundation for a prestigious fellowship from the National Science Foundation. After earning her Ph.D. in genetics and genomics and conducting postdoctoral research, she led a university research lab before discovering a passion for teaching high school advanced biology and human genetics. NC State provided Molly with the confidence and skills to navigate the scientific world. Inspired by the impact of her undergraduate years, she joined the Alumni Advisory Board to stay involved and help shape an experience that supports all aspects of student life. She is passionate about connecting with current students and ensuring the university’s educators are adequately supported.
Molly’s advice to students: Find people who are interested in your success and keep them updated on your progress. Build a network of mentors and supporters, and make your goals known so that others can help you achieve them.
Barb Prillaman ’86
Barb is a statistician and librarian by training. She brings an innate curiosity about the world and a passion for data communication and interdisciplinary learning to her work as a statistical consultant and university lecturer. She co-designed and teaches the Data Communications course in NC State’s Data Science and AI Academy. An avid amateur musician, Barb advocates for changing STEM back to STEAM and including the arts and humanities in curricula for aspiring scientists. Her career reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, collaboration, and expanding access to STEM education. Barb was named with the college’s Zenith Medal for Service in 2025.
Barb’s advice to students: Embrace the freedom of saying, “I don’t know.” It gives you permission to learn and gives others a new opportunity to teach. You’re rarely the only one in the room with a question, so speaking up is an act of leadership.
Joshua Richardson ’16
Bio coming soon
Allison Saito ’14
Allison is an educator at SAS, where she teaches customers how to use the company’s software. She landed this role (her dream job) straight out of graduate school and has remained passionate about the emotional rewards of teaching. As part of her work, Allison has earned numerous technical certifications, including the SAS Advanced Programming Professional and SAS Viya Administration Specialist certifications. She credits her math education with making her a more systematic thinker, forcing her to work through tricky problems and turn hunches into clear explanations. She believes this foundation was key to her success as an educator, even more so than the technical skills alone. Allison was inspired to join the Alumni Advisory Board to gain a structure to “stop and look around once in a while” and be of service to the college community.
Allison’s advice to students: Floss. Lots of things change from decade to decade, but bad breath will never be in style.
Mariah Wilder ’21
Mariah is a public health professional whose career is centered at the intersection of healthcare, program implementation and community engagement. With experience in clinical and community-based settings, she specializes in developing data-driven health initiatives and educational programs that create meaningful impact. Her interdisciplinary approach is rooted in her NC State education, where she cultivated a blend of scientific problem-solving and cross-cultural communication skills. Inspired by the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her, Mariah joined the Alumni Advisory Board to help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. She envisions the board as a vital connector, fostering mentorship opportunities and strengthening the professional network for students as they transition into their careers and for alumni seeking lifelong engagement.
Mariah’s advice to students: Be open to opportunities outside your original plan. Stay curious, nurture your network and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek mentorship. Growth often comes from being flexible and courageous in taking the next step.
