The UNC Greensboro Foundation’s mission is to champion UNCG students and connect them with the resources and opportunities that will transform their lives. We envision a Board that leads the wider community to invest in every UNCG student’s success and build a foundation for lifelong connectivity.

In 1966, 42 local business and civic leaders joined forces to establish The Excellence Fund, Inc. as a North Carolina nonprofit. The charter stated that the fund would “promote, by financial assistance and otherwise, excellence in higher education, service, and research in the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.”

In the following years, the Excellence Fund grew, both in contributions and program support for the University. After a multi-year campaign to raise $1 million, the fund reached its initial goal in 1973.

Today this organization manages approximately $150 million in combined revenue and assets. Going through a few name changes over the years, The Excellence Fund, Inc. is now legally recognized as The UNCG Excellence Foundation Inc., and locally referred to as the UNC Greensboro Foundation.

The UNCG Excellence Foundation, Inc. is exempt from federal income tax under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to The UNCG Excellence Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Our Mission

To champion UNCG students and connect them with the resources and opportunities that will transform their lives.

Our Vision

A Board that leads the wider community to invest in every UNCG student’s success and build a foundation for lifelong connectivity.

Goal 1 | Strengthening Board relationships and communication with current students
Strategies

• Build an annual plan for intentional engagement between Board members and students.
• Add two student representatives as ex-officio members of the Board.

Goal 2 | Increasing Board engagement in donor calls, prospecting, and stewardship
Strategies

• Achieve 100% Board participation in annual giving and the comprehensive campaign.
• Leverage Board members to identify community members and businesses that could be strong partners for student projects and philanthropy.
• Re-imagine Stewardship Committee to operate as a Development Committee.

Goal 3 | Expanding Board capacity, development knowledge, and connectivity
Strategies

• Repurpose volunteer handbook created for the campaign to be shared with Foundation Board members that includes practical tips and approaches to help Board members engage with donors.
• Better understand and leverage the strengths of Foundation Board members through the creation of an interactive member directory.
• Create at least three opportunities throughout the year to bring the Foundation Board together for activities outside of business meetings.

Officers

The 2024-2025 UNC Greensboro Foundation officers are:

Board Chair | Brad Morton
Vice Chair | Justin Outling
Secretary | Erin Mosley
President | Beth Fischer
Treasurer | Robert Shea

The foundation board has four standing committees: the Executive Committee, the Governance Committee, the Finance and Audit Committee, and the Stewardship Committee. The president of the foundation serves as a non-voting member of all board committees. 

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is composed of the board chair, a board vice-chair, the secretary, the chairs of each standing committee, and other directors appointed by the board. The Executive Committee has the power to transact all regular business of the foundation during the interim between the meetings of the board, subject to any limitations that may be set forth in the foundation’s bylaws.

Committee members

Brad Morton, Committee Chair
Erin Mosley
Carrie Stewart
Justin Outling
Alan Overbey 
Lascel Webley
Beth Fischer (non-voting)

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee is composed of a board vice-chair and other directors appointed by the board. It oversees the overall effectiveness of the foundation’s governance structure, committee structure, governance documents, committee charters, and governance procedures. The Governance Committee also oversees the foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy and succession planning for officers and committee chairs; recommends a slate of officers annually; and recommends any new board members.

Committee Members

Justin Outling, Committee Chair
Louise Bristol
Ashley Leak Bryant
Linda Knight Carr
Wayne Foster
Erin Mosley
Susan Schwartz
Beth Fischer (non-voting)

Finance and Audit Committee

The Finance and Audit Committee is composed of directors appointed by the board. The treasurer also serves as a non-voting member of this committee. The Finance and Audit Committee manages, invests, and reinvests for the operating assets of foundation endowment funds that are not designated with The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Investment Fund, Inc. and makes recommendations for any actions that are necessary to the board. The Finance and Audit Committee also plans the foundation’s annual operating budget; controls the receipt and acceptance of irrevocable gifts sponsored by the foundation; is responsible for selecting the independent CPA firm and receiving the annual audit report of the CPA firm; and ensures that the foundation is employing sound fiscal and business principles in the management of its finances and operations.

Committee members

Lascel Webley, Committee Chair
Bev Cleveland
Mesha Kemp
Alan Overbey
Sharon Schlachter
Gary Smith
Mike Smith
Brian Vannoy
Beth Fischer (non-voting)
Bob Shea (non-voting)

Development Committee

The Development Committee is composed of directors appointed by the board. The Development Committee serves as a resource to the Foundation in its efforts to communicate, fundraise, steward, and engage alumni, friends, donors, and potential supporters. 

Committee Members

Carrie Stewart, Committee Chair
Marcus Johnson
Dolores Davis Paylor
Rebecca Smith
Julie Holderness Shaw
Cathy Tisdale
Martha Thompson 
Rachel Walker
Beth Fischer (non-voting)

Board Members

Members of the Board of Directors are appointed for a three-year term from July 1 through June 30 of the third year.

BRAD MORTON

Brad Morton is a certified public accountant and has more than 25 years of finance, accounting, and management experience. He is a partner and an investment committee member of Salem Investment Partners. Previously, he served as a member of NextGen CFO, providing CFO services for small- to medium-sized businesses.  Prior to that, he was an executive at LabCorp serving on the company’s management, operating, compliance, and disclosure committees.  He began his career at KPMG.

Brad Morton is the sitting chair of the UNC Greensboro Foundation.

JUSTIN OUTLING

Justin Outling ’05 is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion and a partner at Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, L.L.P. Justin, a former Greensboro City Council member, is an alumnus of UNC Greensboro and the Duke University School of Law. Prior to joining Brooks Pierce, Justin served as a federal law clerk to Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. of the Middle District of North Carolina in Greensboro.

Subsequently, Justin practiced law at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton L.L.P. in New York City, where he represented financial institutions and multi-national corporations in securities and other complex litigation, as well as in criminal and regulatory matters. From 2018 to 2023, Justin and his wife, Cora, served as co-chairs of the Board of Visitors for UNC Greensboro.

Justin Outling is the sitting vice chair of the UNC Greensboro Foundation.

Erin Cowan Mosley

Erin Cowan Mosley ’09 practices commercial real estate and lending, business permitting, and federal and local liquor licensing law in the firm of Maynard Nexsen. While earning her law degrees, she was a legal assistant and then law clerk for the firm, during which time she was exposed to a wide range of practice areas. She also worked as a judicial intern for United States District Court Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler. Erin earned her undergraduate degree, cum laude, from UNCG and her law degree from Wake Forest University. Outside of her practice, Erin spends time with her family and chocolate lab. She also enjoys playing the piano, cooking, and watching football. 

Erin Cowan Mosley is the sitting secretary of the UNC Greensboro Foundation. 

BETH N. FISCHER

Beth N. Fischer is UNCG’s vice chancellor for University Advancement. Prior to joining the Spartan family in 2018, she was the executive director for University Development at UNC Charlotte, where she designed and directed the UNC Charlotte $218M Exponential Comprehensive Campaign. Beth was selected by the Charlotte Business Journal as a “40 Under 40” award winner in 2009 and subsequently received the “Women in Business” award in 2017. In 2020, she received the Triad Business Journal’s “Women in Business” award. She is an active member of Women Executives and Women’s Professional Forum and she serves on the North Carolina Gift Planning Board.

As president of the UNC Greensboro Foundation, Beth Fischer serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the board.

ASHLEY LEAK BRYANT

Dr. Ashley Leak Bryant ’03, ’05 MSN is the Senior Associate Dean for Strategy and Global Affairs and the Frances Hill Fox Distinguished Professor at the UNC School of Nursing. She also serves as director of the School’s PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center in Quality and Safety Education in Nursing and Midwifery, and as assistant director for Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her work is widely published and contributes to interprofessional care models supporting patients and caregivers. 

Clinically active since 2003, Ashley has practiced in cancer centers, inpatient hospice, and retirement communities—experiences that shape her research and leadership in education. She has played a key role in international capacity-building through UNC Project-Malawi, advancing oncology nursing leadership and training. Her mentorship and workforce development initiatives have been featured in interdisciplinary journals and remain a cornerstone of her academic mission. 

LOUISE BRISTOL

Louise Bristol serves as special counsel for Schell Bray PLLC, bringing years of experience helping families plan for the future—whether through estate and trust planning, charitable giving, or navigating conversations about passing on values along with wealth.

Before joining the firm, Louise served as a Senior Trust Officer and member of the Leadership Team at Piedmont Trust Company. Earlier in her career, she practiced law with a focus on estate and charitable planning at two North Carolina firms. She’s a Board-Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law in North Carolina.

Louise is active in her community. She serves as an elder and youth advisor at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, sits on the Board of Directors at Greensboro Country Club, and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Greensboro.

Linda knight carr

Linda Knight Carr ’76 is the owner of the interior design firm Knight Carr & Company, where she strives “to create environments that speak of fresh, yet luxurious style.” The High Point native grew up in Miami, Fla., where her father owned an interior design studio. She returned to Greensboro and attended UNCG, becoming a member of the Golden Chain Honor Society. She began her career as an elementary grades teacher specializing in second and third grade. When she was offered a job as a showroom designer in a furniture store opening in town, Linda found a new path that eventually led her to open Knight Carr & Company. 

BRYAN CHAPMAN

Bryan Chapman is an executive leader and a current vice president of merchandising at Kontoor Brands, Inc. He is responsible for the product segmentation and go-to-market strategies for the Wrangler Traditional Business Unit in the North American market. In 2008, he relocated from New Jersey to North Carolina and immediately became an active member within the Triad community. He became a “Big” at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Piedmont, and in 2016, he joined the organization’s Board of Directors, where he still serves.

DAWN S. CHANEY

Dawn Chaney is the owner of Chaney Properties, which rents single-family, multi-family, commercial, and light industrial properties in Greensboro and Guilford County. She was one of Triad Business Journal’s “Businesswomen of the Year” in 2009 and received the 2014 Spirit of Entrepreneur Award from Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas. In 2015, Dawn was the recipient the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Athena Award, which recognizes individuals who attain professional excellence and are committed to improving the quality of life for others, especially the advancement of women. Dawn has served on the Board of Visitors at UNCG, the Advisory Board for American National Bank, the Board of Directors of Carolina National Bank, the Board of the Community Partnership, and was past chair and member of Greensboro’s Redevelopment Commission. In 2020, Dawn was admitted to the NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame. She continues to impact the community through her nonprofit Dawn S. Chaney Foundation. 

BEV CLEVELAND

Bev Cleveland is the Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President of Finance accountable for financial oversight for Cone Health Medical Group (CHMG) and Triad Healthcare Network (THN) under the Cone Health System. In addition, Bev oversees the financial operations for THN, an Accountable Care Organization, projecting operating revenues of over $45 Million for the fiscal year 2023. Bev is a recipient of Triad Business Journal’s Women in Business Award and has served in numerous community outreach efforts and local boards, including the recent Board Chair for Guilford-High Point American Heart Association. Bev is married to Odell Cleveland and is the proud mother of three sons and two grandchildren.      

WAYNE FOSTER

Wayne Foster ’01 PHD is a speech-language pathologist and audiologist who retired from the public schools of North Carolina. During his tenure, he served as a clinician, lead therapist, special education director, and director of a large U.S. Department of Education grant project. He is a Fellow of the American Speech, Hearing, and Language Association (ASHA), where he has served on many boards, including the ASHA Board of Directors. He has also been very active in the North Carolina Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (NCSHLA). He was president of NCSHLA in 2004 and received Honors of the Association in 2008. He is currently the audiologist and research coordinator for Cheshire Center, a private speech therapy clinic in Greensboro. He and his wife, Kathy, are fervent travelers and are active members of the Spartan Club. They endowed their long-time nursing scholarship at UNCG in 2025.     

MARCUS T. JOHNSON

Marcus T. Johnson ’99 is a distinguished entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist. As the CEO of Johnson Automotive Group (JAG), one of the largest Black-owned franchise dealer groups in the United States, his leadership is marked by a commitment to excellence and a strong focus on community impact. Marcus’ contributions to education, community development, and international philanthropy have been widely recognized.

Beyond his role at JAG, Marcus established and currently oversees MJonPurpose, an organization dedicated to fostering business education, leadership development, and reducing the opportunity gap among minorities.

Marcus recently made a historic gift to UNCG that will ensure that the Alumni House remains a vital, welcoming space for all in the University community. The Marcus T. Johnson Alumni House is being named in his honor.

MESHA BOND KEMP

Mesha Bond Kemp ’95 is passionate about supporting organizations that enable underserved communities to access college education opportunities. Starting as a young IT worker at IBM, Kemp has risen to key roles in prestigious organizations like American Express, USAA, and SVB. Her knowledge of core competencies like strategic planning, building high-performing teams, and reducing the costs of business operations serves her well in her current role of chief operating officer for MBK TechOps Consulting. Kemp earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UNCG and a Master of Business Administration in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, Kemp is a philanthropist. She created the Mesha Kemp Business Technology Endowed Scholarship at UNCG.

ALAN OVERBEY

Alan Overbey ’86 is the leader of Kismet, a CEO/business owner peer group in the North Carolina Triad. Previously, he was the founder and CEO of Banyan Consulting Group, an employee benefits consulting firm operating in Greensboro, Raleigh, and Charlotte, NC.  He has served on the UNCG Bryan School of Business Advisory Board since 2020.  He was also appointed to the United Way of Greater Greensboro Board and chaired the Tocqueville Society campaign with his wife Lovelle ’91, ’04, ’08 MA. Alan and Lovelle have two sons and one Boykin Spaniel.

DOLORES DAVIS PAYLOR

Dolores Davis Paylor ’79 has served North Carolina as a teacher and administrator for 40 years, and in 2018, she was honored by the state with a Marvin Pittman Champions of Education Award. She holds four degrees, including two master’s and a PhD. Currently, she serves on UNCG’s Guarantee Scholars and Human Environmental Science (now HHS) boards, and is a member of several other organizations. Her aim is to leave an indelible mark as a lifelong learner and community advocate for children, young adults, and families.

Sharon schlachter

Sharon Schlachter ’00 joined Fidelity National Title Group in 2017, bringing over a decade of experience from private practice to her role as Branch Manager and Title Counsel in Greensboro. Today, she serves as State Escrow Counsel, combining her legal background with firsthand knowledge of the fast-paced world of real estate transactions. With a deep understanding of TRID and CFPB compliance, Sharon is passionate about supporting Fidelity’s attorney-clients and helping them confidently navigate the complexities of real estate closings.

Sharon earned her law degree from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in Macon, Georgia. She lives in Greensboro with her husband, Erin, and their three children.

SUSAN SCHWARTZ

Susan Schwartz has served as Executive Director of the Cemala Foundation since 2006 and was formerly Executive Director of Action Greensboro. An alumna of Salem College, Susan’s career in non-profit, community, and business development spans more than three decades. She is a respected advocate for early childhood education, economic development, the arts, and senior living. She currently sits on the boards of Action Greensboro, the Greensboro Symphony, and the Greensboro Symphony Endowment, as well as Ready for School Ready for Life, which she co-founded. Her many years of service to UNCG include membership on the boards of the UNC Greensboro Foundation (2011 – 2013), the Corporate Relations Board, the Master of Public Administration program’s Nonprofit Management Advisory Board, and the Board of Visitors Steering Committee, which she also chaired. Recognized for her leadership in the Triad, Susan has received numerous awards, including the Holderness/Weaver Award from UNCG in 2024.

Julie Holderness Shaw

Julie Holderness Shaw is a research specialist for Edwards Beightol, LLC, in Raleigh. She has strong ties to UNCG through her grandmother, Adelaide Fortune Holderness ’34, who was the first woman to serve on the University’s Board of Trustees. Julie served on the UNCG Board of Visitors from 2017 to 2024. She graduated from Harvard University and worked in development for Georgetown University before studying law in the United Kingdom, where she met her husband. She currently serves on the Alumni Association Board for St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Del., and the WakeMed Foundation Campaign Cabinet. She is also an alumni interviewer for local applicants to Harvard University and provides application assessment for the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at UNC-Chapel Hill. 

Gary smith

Gary Smith is the President of AMB Investments, LLC. He is a results-oriented senior executive with extensive global operations and financial leadership experience. A decisive yet collaborative leader, he has a proven track record of building strong, productive teams and working effectively with outside stakeholders.

With prior experience leading groups in large public companies and highly leveraged publicly traded or private equity-controlled entities, Gary has been actively involved in corporate governance as a board member and in management roles. He has a robust background in financial restructuring, leading cost reduction efforts, liquidity management, and negotiating modifications to financing agreements. Additionally, he has participated directly in an IPO and the sale of a private equity company.

Gary and his wife Marilyn are UNCG Men’s basketball season ticket holders, and Gary serves on the Spartan Club Executive Committee.

Mike Smith

Mike Smith is a CPA and Certified Healthcare Business Consultant at the consulting firm DMJPS. He works with medical and dental practices throughout North Carolina on issues such as practice buy-ins, employment agreements, tax and accounting, and physician compensation plans. An Orlando native, Mike has proudly called Greensboro home since 2004. Before becoming a CPA, he started his career as a pharmaceutical sales representative for a major American company, where his portfolio included an iconic antidepressant. Mike enjoys mountain biking and triathlons and is an accomplished drummer who can occasionally be spotted playing at restaurants and charity events. He and his wife, Natalie, enjoy international travel and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. 

Rebecca Christian Smith

Rebecca Christian Smith ’92 is diversity and inclusion manager at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. After graduating from UNCG, she started a career in the insurance industry before pursuing law. She attended Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, then built a 20-year career representing diverse clients throughout Georgia. Subsequently, she reached a significant milestone in her journey: She embarked on a career in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging which allowed her to align her values and expertise to foster inclusive work environments. Outside of her professional endeavors, Rebecca is an enthusiastic arts advocate. She is the former board chair of Ballethnic Dance Company and currently sits on the advisory council of the Atlanta Ballet.  

CARRIE HAGAN STEWART

Carrie Hagan Stewart is a life-long Greensboro resident. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, she returned to Greensboro to pursue a commercial banking career with BB&T. In 2017, Carrie joined her husband and her brother in their commercial solar business, Green State Power, and is helping to grow Green State Power from a small solar business into a full renewable energy company. Carrie serves on the N.C. Council for Women, the Executive Committee of the American Heart Association Go Red for Women campaign, UNCG’s Light the Way Campaign Steering Committee, and the Greensboro Day School Alumni Board.

CATHY TISDALE

Cathy Tisdale ’75 began her career as an educator, then rose as an administrator and executive in multiple organizations. She served the American Red Cross in leadership roles at the national level before leading the realignment of the 309-council network of the Girl Scouts of the USA. In 2010, she was appointed president and CEO of Camp Fire and named “Woman of the Year” by the National Association of Women Professionals (NAWP). Throughout her career, Cathy has been a featured speaker at regional and national conferences, where her passion for achieving a compelling organizational vision and her expertise in driving change have inspired volunteers and staff to turn their dreams into reality. Cathy returned to North Carolina in 2019 and resides in Charlotte, where she remains engaged with the community. Cathy loves travel, cooking, antiquing, reading, and the arts – especially theatre, Broadway musicals, and museums. 

mARTHA THOMPSON

Martha Thompson is a community health worker for UNCG’s “Strong Minds, Strong Communities” program. Martha earned a degree in Art History in her hometown of Morelia, Mexico, and built a career involving cultural promotion and curation. Since moving to Greensboro, Martha has remained active in the community. She has been a case worker for The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, was a founding member of the board of Sunrise Amanecer, and has volunteered for Church World Services. She serves on the board of the Weatherspoon Art Museum and on the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro. Martha enjoys roller skating with her husband, Clifford, and her two sons and walking the family dog in Downtown Greensboro.  

BRIAN VANNOY

Brian Vannoy, CRC, is Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Allegacy Federal Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in North Carolina.  He is responsible for the credit union’s retail banking, business banking and financial planning member service areas.  In addition, he oversees operations of credit administration, retail lending, mortgage lending, commercial services, as well as corporate real estate and corporate security. He also serves as Managing Director of Allegacy Services, LLC, a credit union service organization (“CUSO”) wholly owned by Allegacy Federal Credit Union.

Brian joined Allegacy in July 2015 with 23 years of financial experience, specializing in retail and commercial risk management. He currently serves on the board of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, and is former Treasurer of the Winston Salem State University Foundation Board of Directors.

RACHEL WALKER

Rachel Walker ’09 is the owner of Rachel Walker Homes, where she is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative and REALTOR®. With backgrounds in interior architecture, graphic arts, and marketing, she brings her unique perspective and skills to the home buying and selling processes for a wide variety of clients, from visualizing the potential in a property to creating efficient marketing strategies for sellers. Rachel is currently a member of the board of the Weatherspoon Art Museum and has contributed to planning for multiple events over the years. When not working, she loves spending time with her wife and son.  

LASCEL WEBLEY

Lascel Webley ’94 is Director of Compliance Audit at Labcorp in Burlington, N.C. Previously, he worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. He earned a BS in finance from UNCG and his master’s in business administration and health administration from Pfeiffer University. A proud alumnus, he led the effort to establish the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.’s Mu Iota Endowment at UNCG. He served as Board Chair of Alliance Healthcare from 2012 to 2014 and was recently elected to the board of the Lincoln Community Health Center Foundation, which provides health care to medically underserved patients in Durham, N.C.

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