Ben Hamrick
Board Chair
Current Profession or Career Title: CEO of Johnson Price Sprinkle PA
Why did you choose OpenDoors? I think we live in an awesome place but the playing field is not always fair to all. Over my professional career, I have invested a lot of time and energy in an effort to have a positive impact on our community. How could there be any better way to improve our community than being part of an organization with a mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education one child at a time.
Martin Moore
Vice Board Chair
Current Profession or Career Title: VanWinkle Law Firm
Why did you choose OpenDoors? My interest in working with OpenDoors stems from the intensive, focused approach the non-profit takes toward helping young men and women combat their socio-economic struggles holistically by addressing the underlying causes of the educational and financial difficulties these young adults face.
Nicole K. Cush
Board Member
Current Profession or Career Title: Principal at School of Inquiry and Life Sciences, Asheville City Schools
Why did you choose OpenDoors? Jen brought the boots on the ground approach to help many of my students, that is why I chose to work with OpenDoors.
Jasmine Middleton
Board Secretary
Current Profession or Career Title: Victim-Witness Legal Assistant, District Attorney's Office in Buncombe County
Why did you choose OpenDoors? I choose OpenDoors because everyone matters! OpenDoors makes sure that our children receive the education, support, and the courage they need to succeed in life.
Doug Edwards
Board Member
Current Profession or Career Title: Assistant District Attorney for Buncombe County
Why did you choose OpenDoors? I chose OpenDoors because I fully believe in the mission of this organization. I truly believe the work OpenDoors does to provide opportunities to young people in our community helps break the cycle of multigenerational poverty. I am committed to helping the young men and women of this organization succeed!
Robert McArthur
Chair of the Finance Committee and Treasurer
Current Profession or Career Title: CFO/COO at Asheville School
Why did you choose OpenDoors? Working within the education industry, I can see the power of teaching our young people so they are prepared for college and beyond. I support the OpenDoors mission that recognizes the need to teach our youth who are at a disadvantage, so they are empowered to succeed in life.
Sean Vervain
Board Member
Current Profession or Career Title: Director of Student Support Services and Cultural Equity
Why did you choose OpenDoors? Education can be the key to a transformative life...I am committed to ensuring youth unlock their future.
LaPorshia Findley
Board Member
Current Profession or Career Title: Parent and Community Volunteer
Why did you choose OpenDoors? I’ve lived in Asheville all my life. I’m a single mother of two amazing kids, ZaQuantae, and ZaRaina. Having the opportunity to be introduced to Opendoors was a life changer. I felt the need to give back anyway that I possibly could, as this organization poured out many blessings to my family. I decided to help out with math tutoring at Asheville school as a parent volunteer. Given the opportunity to serve on the board is a great pleasure. I’m excited to give back to my community, the same way OpenDoors has done for me.
Nicki Ingle
Board Member
Current Profession or Career Title: Community Volunteer
Why did you choose OpenDoors? When my own son was diagnosed with dyslexia he was able to get the support he needed to unlock his true academic potential, and I want to help other children have this same access to best-fit education. Supporting our students and their families with a whole child approach through educational access, enrichment opportunities, and advocacy ensures they have the tools to succeed. I am inspired by their resilience and am honored to be a part of the OpenDoors community.
