Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of Charlotte Christian School meets seven times a year to establish policy, set goals and evaluate the affairs of the school. Click on each board member's name to view their biography. The 2012-13 Board consists of the following:
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Paula Banks joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2006. She currently serves on the Trustee, Head of School and Strategic Planning Committees and is chair of the Facilities Committee. In addition, Paula has held many past leadership positions with Charlotte Christian including Parent Teacher Fellowship Fundraising chair for 2004-05 and PTF president during 2005-06.
After receiving her Bachelor of Science from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1986, Paula went on to receive her J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1993. She has practiced exclusively in the area of health care law since that time. Most of her professional experience has been with non-profit health care organizations and other health care providers, assisting in regulatory compliance, organization structure, and governance and patient care issues. She is currently senior general counsel for Carolinas HealthCare System. Paula is an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association and member of the American Health Lawyers Association. She served as the chair of the Health Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association in 2001.
As an active member of Sardis Presbyterian Church, Paula has served as an elementary Sunday school teacher for 12 years. She has served and continues to serve on Sessional committees, and currently teaches a Bible class for first graders.
Paula and her husband Doug have two children, Jordan, a junior at Charlotte Christian, and Caroline, an eighth grader at The Fletcher School.
“I lift my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
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Heather Brannon joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2011. She is a member of the Development Committee. Heather has been actively involved in the Charlotte Christian Community since her children started attending nine years ago. She has been part of Christian Cares, Moms in Prayer and has served various years as a lower school room mom. Most recently, she has been active in Parent Teacher Fellowship and serves as the co-chair of the N.E.W. Committee.
As a member of Calvary Church, Heather has served as a grade school Sunday school teacher for the past six years and also helps out with New Visitor Outreach. She is also a volunteer at Brookstone School.
Heather earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1988 from Wheaton College and then a master's degree in school psychology from Trinity University in 1993. She is a nationally certified school psychologist as well as a licensed specialist in school psychology.
Heather is married to Ron and they have two children that attend Charlotte Christian, Andrew, in grade 7 and Nathan, in grade 6.
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." Psalm 143: 8 & 10
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Steve Burt joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2012. He currently serves on the Finance Committee.
Chip Cash joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2012. He currently serves on the Facilities Committee.
Erica Donnalley joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2010. She is chair of the Development Committee and serves on the Trustee and Strategic Planning Committees. Erica and her husband, Kevin, served as chairs of the 2004-05 and 2011-12 Annual Fund campaigns as well as in other volunteer capacities within the Annual Fund and for the development office. In addition, Erica has been an active PTF volunteer, has served as a Windy Gap co-coordinator and volunteer, prayer parent and lead room mom for a number of classrooms.
Erica graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Phi Beta Kappa in 1991. Erica has led small groups in Bible studies at Church at Charlotte as well as serving in the Refuge ministry at Gladedale and with Family Promise. She is an active volunteer for various charities including March Forth with Hope and 2XSALT.
Erica and Kevin have three children attending Charlotte Christian: Kayla, a junior; Thomas, a ninth grader; and Matthew, a seventh grader.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
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Greg Gombar joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 1993. During his many years of service to the school, he has served as board chair, finance committee chair, development chair, Annual Fund chair, Lighting The Way board chair, Champion a Meaningful Legacy chair, and on the Tuition Assistance Committee. He currently serves as the chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee.
Greg is a 1976 graduate of Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in management science and accounting and is a CPA. As the executive vice president and CFO of Carolinas HealthCare System, he is a member of several professional organizations including the Healthcare Financial Management Association, the NC Hospital Association Council on Finance, and the Health Management Academy CFO Roundtable.
Greg attends Central Church of God. He and his wife have two daughters that both graduated from Charlotte Christian, Meridith (’02) and Kathryn (’04).
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17
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Jamie Harris joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2003. He is currently serving as the Chair of the board and serves on the Strategic Planning and Head of School Committees. Jamie has also participated as a volunteer for the Lighting The Way campaign as well as a member of the Lighting The Way strategy team.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Appalachian State University, Jamie received his MBA from Wake Forest University. He currently holds the position of Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer with Coca Cola Bottling Company Consolidated.
In addition to his board position with Charlotte Christian he is also the treasurer for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. Jamie and his wife Monica have three children: Rebecca, a senior, Meredith, a sophomore, and Everette, a third grader at Charlotte Christian.
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
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Steve Israel joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2010 and currently serves on the Development Committee. Steve has been involved in the Charlotte Christian community serving on the Diversity Committee, the Head of School Search Committee and as the varsity men’s basketball chaplain.
Steve graduated from University of Pittsburgh in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics. In 2005 Steve attended Harvard Business School and received the Entrepreneurial Program Certificate.
From 1992 to 2002 Steve played in the NFL for the St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patroits and New Orleans Saints. Currently he works at Milestone Partners, has an insurance business and is a studio analyst for local sports stations during football season.
Steve has actively served in the community with the Harvest Center, Men Who Care Gobal, The Women’s Help Crisis Center, NFL Chapel Speaker, CMS School System Mentor Program, president for the NFL Players Association for Retired Players and Sunday school teacher for grades 11 and 12. He and his family attend Transformation Church.
Steve and his wife Lorae have three children who currently attend Charlotte Christian: Ashley, a senior; Austin, an eighth grader; Aspen, a third grader and Averi who graduated in 2009.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
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Tony Norwood joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2008. He serves as a member of the Facilities Committee.
A graduate of Cornell University, Tony has a B.S. in industrial and labor relations. He is currently employed as vice president of Human Resources at Ingersoll-Rand and is a member of Central Church of God. Tony serves on the Carolina Youth Commission Board of Ambassadors. He is also on the board of advisors for New Ventures Partners, LLC in New Jersey.
Tony and his wife, Yvette, have three children, two of which are at Charlotte Christian School: Amaris, a junior, Arden, a ninth grader and Aliza, a student at the ABC School.
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4
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John Putnam joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2008. John and his wife, Anne, served as chairs of the Lighting The Way campaign. He currently serves on the Development Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.
John graduated from North Carolina State University in 1985. John is a graduate of the Charlotte Leadership Forum; a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Past Court of the Table, and Top of the Table; and a member of the Financial Planning Association. He has also served as a board member for Hands on Charlotte and the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center as well as holding multiple church volunteer positions. He is a member of Church at Charlotte.
He and his wife, Anne, have three children: Jay (‘11), a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill; Lynn, a senior; and Haley, a sophomore.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put in into practice. And the peace of God will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9
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Charles Saleh joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2005 and currently serves on the Development and Facilities Committees. Additionally, Charles has been very active with Charlotte Christian as a volunteer at Windy Gap, a lower school family campaign chair for Lighting The Way and a guest lecturer for our senior leadership class.
Charles graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in 1980. He went on to graduate with honors with his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech in 1982 and has spent the last 28 years in engineering and management. After working with IBM for 11 years, Charles went on to work with an international group to form Beta International. As a CEO of Beta, he grew the business to $150M and ran seven different entities in multiple states. Currently, he is the owner of a real estate company, as well as a steel manufacturing operation, Porters Group, which supplies all models for Diebold and NCR ATM machines in the United States Europe, South America and parts for Caterpillar and Ingersoll Rand.
In addition to his role at Charlotte Christian, Charles served on several community associations and is currently on the Charlotte Chamber Advisory Board.
Charles and his wife Mary have been married for 29 years. They have five children: Andrea ('02), Christine, Lena ('07), and two children at Charlotte Christian - Mark, a junior, and Michael, a freshman.
“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
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Mike Seelig joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2009. In his current role he serves as treasurer for the Board of Trustees and is also the chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. Mike received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida. He is a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP specializing in financial services and also leads PwC's assurance practice in the Carolinas. In the community, Mike also serves on the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee of Discovery Place, and is the treasurer for The Forest Homeowners Association.
Mike and his wife Deb are actively involved in the Charlotte Christian community. In addition to serving on the Finance Committee, Mike has helped with fundraising for both Lighting The Way and the Annual Fund, and chaperoned the eighth grade DC trip in 2008 and Windy Gap in 2010. Deb has chaperoned several Windy Gap trips, serves on the Parent Teacher Fellowship board and was a past PTF President.
Mike and Deb have three children: Abby ('12); Allie, a junior; and Andrew, a fifth grader. They attend Carmel Baptist Church.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6
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Marcus Smith joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2011. He currently serves on the Trustee Committee. He is the president and chief operating officer and director of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorports, Inc. (SMI) and general manager of SMI owned Charlotte Motor Speedway.
He and his wife, Cassi, have two children who attend Charlotte Christian.
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Kathy Rust Trotter joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in 2008. She currently serves as chaplain for the board, is a member of the Trustee Committe and also has served numerous years as a Charlotte Christian room mom.
Kathy received a B.A. in biology (minor in education) from Wake Forest University, a B.S. in nursing from Texas Christian University, and a M.S. in nursing from Duke University. She also studied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. As a registered nurse, she has practiced in adult intensive care and as an adult and geriatric nurse practitioner. She is currently a Basic Life Support Instructor with the American Heart Association.
Kathy has served in many different roles in the community. She has been involved with the Charlotte Host Family Program and as a Cub Scout den leader. She currently attends Church at Charlotte with her family.
She and her husband, Paul, have two children who attend Charlotte Christian: Mark, an eighth grader, and David, a sixth grader.
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s special favor that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms – all because we are one with Christ Jesus. And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2.4-7 (NLT)
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Marty White joined the Charlotte Christian Board of Trustees in May 2007. He currently serves as the vice chair to the board, is chair of the Trustee Committee and a member of the Strategic Planning and Head of School Committees.
In addition to his involvement with Charlotte Christian, Marty is actively involved with Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he serves as a Sunday school teacher. In the community, Marty enjoys coaching youth basketball and soccer. He is also the vice president of Charlotte West Rotary Club.
Marty received his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Gardner-Webb University in 1993. He went on to complete his J.D. and graduate with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and was an honors graduate from the Naval Justice School in 1996. His accomplishments are many, including serving as a Lieutenant in the Navy JAG Corps (1996-00), receiving the Navy Commendation Medal (2000) and twice receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Marty was named the Gardner-Webb Young Alumnus of the Year in 1999.
A partner with Johnston, Allison & Hord, P.A., Marty is a commercial litigator with expertise in construction and corporate disputes. He also is a Superior Court mediator. He has been honored as "Legal Elite" by Business North Carolina magazine and a "SuperLawyer" by Super Lawyers magazine.
Marty and his wife Heather have three children at Charlotte Christian: Caroline, a seventh grader; Camille, a fifth grader; Cameron, a first grader and Cardin, is two years old.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
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Suzanne Yoh joined the Board of Trustees in 2011. She is the secretary of the board and serves on the Development Committee. Suzanne is actively involved in the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) community. In previous years Suzanne served as upper school vice chair, upper school chair, middle school vice chair, middle school chair, lower school room mom and prayer parent.
Suzanne is the co-executive director of her family’s charity, Servants with a Heart, a Kid’s Against Hunger satellite. She has also volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America and it's Mecklenburg County Council.
Suzanne earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1990 from the University of Washington Phi Beta Kappa. She and her husband currently attend Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Suzanne and her family attend Calvary Church. She is married to Jeff and they have three children who attend Charlotte Christian: Jeffrey a senior, Alec a sophomore, and Abby, in eighth grade.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
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