Board of Directors

Lemuel H. Thornton, Raleigh, NC Chairman of the Board

Board Chair, African-American male; retired military and current entrepreneur. His community involvement has led to sponsorship of Community Success Initiative events, particularly with food and event location donations. He is also at the forefront of establishing the Formerly Incarcerated friendly employer network.

Anthony Dukes, Durham, NC

Treasurer - is an African-American business owner and entrepreneur. Much of his volunteer time is used at the area prisons where he teaches workshops and is a volunteer escort for prisoners on work release. He served as Dennis Gaddy’s work release supervisor while Mr. Gaddy was incarcerated. He also mentors community youth through his church youth programs.

Nichelle Cole, Raleigh, NC

Secretary - African-American female is a coordinator for Wake County Smart Start, an initiative preparing children 0-5 and their families for school success. In addition, she mentors teenage mothers. Ms. Cole is also a member of the Taskforce of the 10 year Plan to End Homelessness in Wake County, as well as volunteers with the homeless of Wake County in soup kitchen and clothing drive initiatives.

Jack Farrior, Farmvile NC

At Large member - Businessman--Owner of  Farrior SteelWorks, Farmville, NC 30 + years