“I believe public education in North Carolina should be viewed as a top priority. What could be more important than investing our time and resources in the human capital and potential of our citizens?”
“I believe public education in North Carolina should be viewed as a top priority. What could be more important than investing our time and resources in the human capital and potential of our citizens?”
“I believe public education in North Carolina should be viewed as a top priority. What could be more important than investing our time and resources in the human capital and potential of our citizens?”
“Educating the children of North Carolina is our state’s future. Growing up and building our business in Eastern North Carolina, I have seen unique obstacles in rural education, and there has been success when those obstacles are tackled with innovation and trained, high quality teachers. We focus on academic success for all students, and since literacy unlocks opportunities, we hope to see all students reading at grade level by the third grade. We support BEST NC because we know that we can’t keep doing the same things as a state and expect a different result, and we have seen firsthand how BEST NC has supported efforts in advanced teaching roles and grow-your-own programs in Edgecombe County, and worked to present smart solutions for education across the state.”
“Educating the children of North Carolina is our state’s future. Growing up and building our business in Eastern North Carolina, I have seen unique obstacles in rural education, and there has been success when those obstacles are tackled with innovation and trained, high quality teachers. We focus on academic success for all students, and since literacy unlocks opportunities, we hope to see all students reading at grade level by the third grade. We support BEST NC because we know that we can’t keep doing the same things as a state and expect a different result, and we have seen firsthand how BEST NC has supported efforts in advanced teaching roles and grow-your-own programs in Edgecombe County, and worked to present smart solutions for education across the state.”
“As an entrepreneur and mother of two North Carolina public school students, I understand the importance of providing our North Carolina students with the best education in the nation. More than any other state, North Carolina has the history, capacity and the will to transform education and BEST NC provides the vision and continuity to make it happen.”
“As an entrepreneur and mother of two North Carolina public school students, I understand the importance of providing our North Carolina students with the best education in the nation. More than any other state, North Carolina has the history, capacity and the will to transform education and BEST NC provides the vision and continuity to make it happen.”
“Primary education has always been one of those exceptionally personal, but also acutely debated public issues. Everyone seemingly wants the same: a quality education, a safe place to do it, and a robust ecosystem that supports all children and families. Achieving this requires stamina, perseverance, and intellectual rigor which combine to empower educators and convene policy & community leaders.”
“Primary education has always been one of those exceptionally personal, but also acutely debated public issues. Everyone seemingly wants the same: a quality education, a safe place to do it, and a robust ecosystem that supports all children and families. Achieving this requires stamina, perseverance, and intellectual rigor which combine to empower educators and convene policy & community leaders.”
“North Carolina is innovating K-12 education, and BEST NC is leading the way.”
“North Carolina is innovating K-12 education, and BEST NC is leading the way.”
“Our company has been a proud investor in BEST NC for many years. Supporting excellent K-12 public education in North Carolina is crucial for the future of our state. I am honored to work with BEST NC on data driven policy priorities that make a real impact for North Carolina students.”
“Our company has been a proud investor in BEST NC for many years. Supporting excellent K-12 public education in North Carolina is crucial for the future of our state. I am honored to work with BEST NC on data driven policy priorities that make a real impact for North Carolina students.”
“I am a proud product of North Carolina’s public schools – from K-12 through college – as are my husband and children. There is no better mechanism for educating our state’s children and building a strong economy for our state than our public schools. This is why I got engaged with BEST NC in its early days in 2014. I will be honored to serve on the board for BEST NC because it prioritizes students, teachers, and school leadership in advocating for evidence-based solutions that will drive our education system forward.”
“I am a proud product of North Carolina’s public schools – from K-12 through college – as are my husband and children. There is no better mechanism for educating our state’s children and building a strong economy for our state than our public schools. This is why I got engaged with BEST NC in its early days in 2014. I will be honored to serve on the board for BEST NC because it prioritizes students, teachers, and school leadership in advocating for evidence-based solutions that will drive our education system forward.”
“BEST NC is helping lead a movement towards excellence in education for all students in North Carolina. Collaboration throughout our state is critical to making the bold improvements in policy we need, and I am honored to a part of BEST NC and their work to focus leaders on our students for the future of our state.”
“BEST NC is helping lead a movement towards excellence in education for all students in North Carolina. Collaboration throughout our state is critical to making the bold improvements in policy we need, and I am honored to a part of BEST NC and their work to focus leaders on our students for the future of our state.”
“Education provides a critical foundation for our students and our economy. As a mother and businesswoman, I am honored to serve on the Board of BEST NC in the transformational journey to improve education in North Carolina.”
“Education provides a critical foundation for our students and our economy. As a mother and businesswoman, I am honored to serve on the Board of BEST NC in the transformational journey to improve education in North Carolina.”
“I am proud to serve as the Board Chair for BEST NC because I know that the North Carolina education system can be the best in the country and can produce the most talented labor force in the nation. Developing a productive, driven, and educated citizenry should be a priority for all business owners, and BEST NC is exactly what North Carolina needs to link dedicated business leaders to high quality education reform and practice.”
“I am proud to serve as the Board Chair for BEST NC because I know that the North Carolina education system can be the best in the country and can produce the most talented labor force in the nation. Developing a productive, driven, and educated citizenry should be a priority for all business owners, and BEST NC is exactly what North Carolina needs to link dedicated business leaders to high quality education reform and practice.”
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.
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.
Brenda is the President & CEO of BEST NC (Business for Educational Success and Transformation in North Carolina), a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of 100 business leaders with a focus on making education in North Carolina the best in the nation. Through policy and advocacy, BEST NC strives to ensure that every student in North Carolina will graduate with the knowledge, skills and behaviors to succeed in a competitive global economy.
With over thirty years of experience as a business owner, public policy professional, and education advocate, Brenda leads the overall BEST NC vision, strategy, and operations while leveraging her expertise to be the business-to-education bridge in BEST NC’s work to transform education in North Carolina. In 2002, she founded Scandinavian Child, a baby products manufacturing and importing business. Prior to founding her business, she had almost ten years of public policy experience in both education and transportation policy, research, and programs.
Brenda’s passion for education stems from her own experience as a first-generation college graduate. With two children who attended North Carolina public schools, she is driven by the belief that every child should have access to a great education.
Brenda has been recognized with the “40 Under 40” and “Women in Business” awards from the Triangle Business Journal, as well as the Stanley Frank Class Award from Leadership North Carolina. She is also on the adjunct faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a regular guest lecturer at Duke University and NC State University. She also serves on various boards and education organizations, including the NC Principal Fellows Commission, Teaching Fellows Advisory Board, myFutureNC Advisory Board, and the NC Community College Foundation Board. Brenda has a BA in economics and a master’s degree in public policy, both from Georgetown University.
Brenda is the President & CEO of BEST NC (Business for Educational Success and Transformation in North Carolina), a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of 100 business leaders with a focus on making education in North Carolina the best in the nation. Through policy and advocacy, BEST NC strives to ensure that every student in North Carolina will graduate with the knowledge, skills and behaviors to succeed in a competitive global economy. With over thirty years of experience as a business owner, public policy professional, and education advocate, Brenda leads the overall BEST NC vision, strategy, and operations while leveraging her expertise to be the business-to-education bridge in BEST NC’s work to transform education in North Carolina. In 2002, she founded Scandinavian Child, a baby products manufacturing and importing business. Prior to founding her business, she had almost ten years of public policy experience in both education and transportation policy, research, and programs. Brenda’s passion for education stems from her own experience as a first-generation college graduate. With two children who attended North Carolina public schools, she is driven by the belief that every child should have access to a great education. Brenda has been recognized with the “40 Under 40” and “Women in Business” awards from the Triangle Business Journal, as well as the Stanley Frank Class Award from Leadership North Carolina. She is also on the adjunct faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a regular guest lecturer at Duke University and NC State University. She also serves on various boards and education organizations, including the NC Principal Fellows Commission, Teaching Fellows Advisory Board, myFutureNC Advisory Board, and the NC Community College Foundation Board. Brenda has a BA in economics and a master’s degree in public policy, both from Georgetown University.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
