Sarah is excited to contribute to BEST NC’s mission of providing accessible education data to all interested stakeholders. A lifelong love of reading and learning drives her to promote effective educational opportunities for all of North Carolina’s students. In her role as the Data Analyst Fellow, she especially enjoys translating complex topics into simple language and graphics. Her work at BEST NC includes many opportunities to contribute in this way, including on the annual Facts and Figures publication. Sarah earned a Master of Public Policy from the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and a B.A. from Furman University. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys running, crafting, enjoying great food, and reading.

Jonathan Harris’s passion for education stems from his transformative journey as a first-generation college graduate. Having attended four elementary schools, two high schools, a community college, and two universities, he understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities of diverse educational pathways. Education changed his life and transformed his family’s future, fueling his dedication to creating opportunities for others to succeed. With extensive experience in education policy and governance, Jonathan has worked closely with the State Board of Education and State Board of Community Colleges to improve funding models, governance, and program development. He has led workforce initiatives, shaped policy objectives, and collaborated with key stakeholders, including the North Carolina Community College Student Government Association. His efforts have modernized strategic plans and operational frameworks to meet the state’s evolving needs. A member of The Hunt Institute’s Elevate NC cohort and Hunt-Lee Commission, Jonathan partners with leaders across sectors to align education and workforce policies with state priorities. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of UNC Greensboro, he holds a BA in Sociology with a minor in Economics, is a proud Phi Beta Kappa member, and has presented academic research nationally. Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys sports, music, time with his dog Duke, and his loving fiancée.

Zachary’s commitment to improving educational outcomes in North Carolina stems from his experience as a local public school student, and his mother’s 20+ years of work as a teacher in the Wake County Public School System. In his role as BEST NC’s Chief Storyteller, Zachary develops tools to help members and stakeholders better understand complex education topics, leads the organization’s video production and media team, and is intimately involved with the implementation of communications and marketing efforts focusing on graphic design, asset development, and digital management. A native of Fuquay-Varina and an alum of Appalachian State University, Zachary Hodges graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing and Film Studies before moving back to Raleigh. His ability to listen, understand, his affinity for collecting and sharing stories, and his commitment to elevating educators led Zachary to join the BEST NC team.

Maureen’s dedication to improving the educational opportunities for all students through equitable education initiatives is what led her to BEST NC following a successful career as an educator. As a former science teacher, she was the 2020 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year (NCTOY), a 2021 National Teacher of the Year finalist, and a 2022 National Educators Association California Casualty Excellence in Teaching awardee. Maureen has taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels and worked as an educational consultant for the National Science Teaching Association. During that time, she taught biology, earth and environmental science, and advancement via individual determination (AVID) at Cumberland International Early College High School in Cumberland County, North Carolina. Maureen earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 1997, a Master of Arts Education in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from Adams State University in Colorado, a Master of Arts in Teaching in secondary science from Western Governors University North Carolina, and a Leadership Certificate in STEM education from Teachers College Columbia University. Prior to becoming a teacher, she served as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force. Maureen and her husband Matt are the parents to three adult boys, one amazing daughter-in-law, and a 90 pound lap dog who is the center of everyone’s world.

Joyce is a strategic development and communications consultant with 25+ years of executive level experience and carries a personal passion for bringing together communities to create lasting impacts. She has specialized expertise in the areas of fundraising, sales, marketing, and public relations, leadership development and special events. She holds a B.S. from East Carolina University and is a mother to two sons, Joshua and Zachary. Joyce is a proud North Carolinian and enjoys her work around the state, but will always hold a special affinity for the people, food, history and culture of Eastern North Carolina. As an individual with an established footprint in the state, Joyce has a knack for understanding the needs of for-profit entities and the devotions of non-profits within North Carolina. This unique experience allows her to hone in on individualized issue advocacy work and help create the change North Carolinians want for their state.

Rachael’s passion for education stems from watching her daughter enter the Wake County Public School System, finding inspiration from the diversity and equity she witnessed in the schools she attended as a child. In addition to her focus on education, Rachael consistently volunteers with the Diaper Train and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Rachael got her undergrad at Auburn University and her MBA at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business. She spent the first 20 years of her career in tech, working for companies like Red Hat, AWS, and Splunk. As a daughter, wife, and mother to a 6-year-old, Rachael has recently taken a career shift to focus on the things most important to her: her family and her NC community.