Deborah Heath Watkins, an adjunct professor at N.C. Central University and two-time breast cancer survivor, wrote "Seasoned With His Love." The inspirational book of poetry includes some of her experiences with breast cancer. Before each poem, a prelude is provided explaining her reasons for writing the poem. At N.C. Central, Watkins teaches career-planning courses in the Student Professional Development Program of the School of Business.
Adrienne K. Lumpkin, president of Alternative Access, was selected to serve on the board of directors of the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County. She was installed on July 1 along with 10 other new board members and will serve a three-year term. As part of the board, Lumpkin hopes to enhance the role of art in education. Alternative Access is a Raleigh-based provider of Voice over IP phone systems and related communication solutions.
Artspace has added two people to its Regional Emerging Artist Residency Program. The program provides each artist with a free, six-month studio space with 24-hour access. The artists are selected twice a year from a pool of applicants from around the region. The program allows the artists to work independently in the studio as well as to contribute to Artspace's educational programs. The additions are:
- Tanya Casteel, a ceramicist from Raleigh, specializes in hand-built stoneware, porcelain vessels and wall pieces. She has a bachelor of fine arts from Maine College of Art and a master's in teaching and learning from the University of Southern Maine.
- Julia Clift, a painter from Carrboro, creates oil paintings that focus on the figure and contemporary architecture. She has a bachelor of fine arts in painting from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Charlotte Purvis, owner of Purvis Communications, based in the Triangle, is a contributing author of "Speaking Your Truth: Courageous Stories from Inspiring Women, Volume II."
Annette Taylor, executive director of the N.C. Center for Women in Public Service, announced that 14 people graduated from its Women in Office Institute. The nonpartisan organization provides preparation for women interested in elected and appointed positions across the state. The 2011 graduates include:
- Irene Godinez - Raleigh
- Pam Hawe - Siler City
- Elaine Hyman - Durham
- Annetta Streater - Chapel Hill
- Shinica Thomas - Wake Forest
- Racquel Williams – Raleigh
Denise McCann, owner of four Mathnasium Learning Centers in the Triangle, received her second consecutive annual award as the top franchisee from the national company. McCann is the owner of math-education centers in Apex, Brier Creek, Cary and North Raleigh.
Schoolhouse of Wonder, a nonprofit nature school and day camp in Durham that helps children gain knowledge about the world around them, announced:
- Wendy Tonker, co-founder of how's that working?, a consulting and training company, was appointed executive director.
- Irene Dwinnell, director of development at Threshold Clubhouse, was appointed to the board of directors.
Hollie Jones, a first-year student in the Jenkins MBA program at N.C. State Poole College of Management, was selected for a 12-week internship with Red Hat. Red Hat is the Raleigh-based provider of Linux and open source technology. Jones will assist Red Hat with the redesign of its Sales College by creating a course catalog of the training that's offered to the company's employees.
Dr. Lauren Reid, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, is the new internal medicine specialist at Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital, in Durham. Reid is a North Carolina native and a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill.
Pat Long, vice chairman of Longistics, a global logistics solutions provider in Research Triangle Park, was appointed to the Advisory Team for the Logistics Maritime Task Force of the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Howard, Merrell & Partners, a Raleigh-based branding and advertising agency, announced:
- Laura Gross is celebrating her 15-year anniversary with the agency. Gross is the public relations and events services manager.
- Kayla Bourgeois is a new account executive in its account management department. Bourgeois develops and implements marketing strategies and manages daily advertising and communications for the agency's clients.
Janice Cutler, president and owner of North Raleigh Florist, announced that florist Brandi R. Dennison joined the staff as a lead designer and a weddings and events consultant.
Christie M. Foppiano, attorney and certified Superior Court mediator, announced the opening of Foppiano Mediations in Cary.
Terry W. Spicer, CEO of Epiphany Public Relations, launched a global professional speakers bureau, which is called Epiphany Public Relations Speaking Volumes.
Jackie Bryant joined Southport Graphics, a digital printing company, in Morrisville, as a customer service representative.
Diane Kuehn, president and CEO of VisionPoint Marketing, in Raleigh, announced:
- The 10-year anniversary of the firm.
- Christina Motley, account manager, received two awards from the National Federation of Press Women. Motley won third place nationally in the internal program communications category and an honorable mention in the public service/program for public good category.
Minding Your Matters, a professional organizing company, in Cary, announced:
Janice Russell, CPO-CD, is now a certified organizer coach as designated by the Institute for Applied Coaching.
Jennifer Wig earned her Level I Certificate of Study in Basic ADD Issues with the CD Client from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. Also, she was chosen as the social media chair for the Institute.
Gail Perry, a social services professional from Durham, was named interim director of Durham County Social Services by the Board of Social Services. She holds a master's in social work from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Grace D. Smith, AICP, CZO, planning supervisor of the Durham City-County Planning Department and treasurer of the N.C. Association of Zoning Officials, was selected as the 2011 member of the year by the association.
Brenda Howerton, Durham County commissioner, reached master status in the Local Elected Leaders Academy (LELA). The designation means that she completed a course of study at UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Government. The master status is the second-highest level of recognition in the LELA course of study.
Laura Aiken, director of Advocates for Health in Action (AHA) and WakeMed Community Outreach, announced that AHA teamed up with the Capital Area Soccer League to promote AHA's Sports Snack Game Plan. It encourages young athletes to eat healthy snacks and hydrate.
United Way of the Greater Triangle announced that three of the 14 new campaign associates who will work on the 2011 United Way campaign are "emerging leaders." As part of the Emerging Leaders Program, these people will be trained for United Way's mission and then provide service to the campaign coordinators within companies that do workplace campaigns. The three emerging leaders are:
- Rebecca Price - Research Triangle Park
- Krystle Stainback - Morrisville
- Erin Doak - Raleigh
Patty Briguglio, president of MMI Public Relations, in Raleigh, announced that the firm received a 2011 videographer award for "Four Guiding Principles." The video was produced for Wake School Choice, a program created by The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Wake Education Partnership in response to a request for input on the growing student enrollment by the Wake County Board of Education.
Carol Sherman was hired as the second closing coordinator in the Raleigh division of M/I Homes, a builder of single-family houses. In this position, she works with buyers, realtors and attorneys to ensure that all financial obligations are met.
Ragsdale Liggett, a law firm in Raleigh, announced that Melissa Dewey Brumback, a partner, will be a panel speaker for a Strafford Publications webinar. The webinar will provide guidance to real estate and construction counsel for drafting construction contracts.
Katherin Burnette, broker in charge at Linda Craft & Team, Realtors, in Raleigh, earned the certified investor agent specialist designation. She completed a 30-hour training course about real estate investor types, investment opportunities and financial options.
Carole Notch, sales manager for Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, in Raleigh, announced that Robyn Faison joined the firm as a sales associate.
Dianne Baker joined Dream Living Realty as new homes sales manager in the Triangle market.
Debra Barksdale, Ph.D., associate professor at UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing, was named one of 21 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Executive Nurse Fellows for 2011.The three-year program is designed to make nurse leaders more effective in the improvement of the U.S. health-care system.
Jean Harry, Ph.D., scientist in the Laboratory of Toxicology and Pharmacology Neurotoxicology Group at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Research Triangle Park, presented new research findings that exercise not only promotes good health but also protects the brain from injury.
Dr. Sandra Fearrington, plastic surgeon, announced that dermatechMD Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, in Raleigh, is offering the Liquid Gold procedure. Liquid Gold is a 30-minute cosmetic procedure that increases collagen production.