BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Allison Doby grew up in Salisbury, graduating from East Rowan High School in 2002. After earning her bachelor's degree from UNC Greensboro and master's degree from UNC Charlotte, Allison served as a school counselor at West Rowan and Salisbury high schools. She currently serves as the Director of Admission at Salisbury Academy. Allison enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband, Mark, and two children, Cate and Myers. 

Daniel Wallace is a Salisbury native and an attorney at Wallace and Graham. He earned his undergraduate degree from NC State University and his juris doctorate from the Charlotte School of Law. Daniel joined the RCLC board in 2023. 

Carol Lewis joined the RCLC board in the role of treasurer in 2023. Carol is the VP Finance & Operations for the Rowan Chamber of Commerce. She previously served as the Interim CFO/Director of Business Services at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Customer Service Manager for the City of Salisbury. She earned her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of science in management degrees from National-Louis University in Chicago. Carol loves to spend time with her husband and family in her free time.

Macon has a Master's degree in social work and serves as the Deputy Director for Multi-System Operations for the Georgetown University Center for Juvenile Justice Reform. Macon serves as part of the Justice Consortium for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Locally, she is a member of the Salisbury NAACP and formerly served as co-chair for the Rowan County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. 

Vincia Benjamin Miller is the Philanthropy Coordinator for Novant Health Rowan Medical Center Foundation. Vincia is also a member of the Board of Directors for Communities in Schools Rowan and Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center.

Kaisha Brown is a Communications Specialist for the City of Salisbury. Kaisha also serves as a crisis counselor volunteer, a member of the Board of Directors for Rowan County United Way and is a member of the Rowan Rotary.

Karen Puckett is a retired Media Specialist and English as a Second Language Teacher with Rowan-Salisbury Schools. Karen is also an active volunteer in the community.

Born and raised in Rowan county, Brittany graduated as a Teaching Fellow from Appalachian State and taught English in Cabarrus and Rowan county public schools and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. After graduating from UNC Charlotte with her M.Ed, she pursued supporting literacy instruction in all middle and high school classrooms in Rowan county as the district's lead literacy coach and then as district mentor for beginning teachers. As an active participant in the district's literacy initiatives, Brittany is passionate about providing strong and research-backed literacy instruction for all students. Outside of the educational world, Brittany spends her time with her husband, Adam, and their three-year-old son, Knox. 

Amy Vestal is a dedicated advocate for community well-being and a culture of giving, serving as Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Rowan Medical Foundation and supporting organizations such as the Rowan Literacy Council. With a background in education and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), she has long championed equitable access to resources for individuals with developmental and learning differences—a commitment shaped by her personal experience advocating for a child with dyslexia. Her community leadership includes serving as the past president of her son’s school PSA, a board member of Kiwanis of Salisbury, a member of the Salisbury Rotary, and volunteering with organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Partners In Learning, and Salisbury Academy. Amy pioneered efforts to expand ABA therapy in Rowan County and collaborated with autism advocates to help pass North Carolina’s autism insurance mandate in 2015. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University with advanced studies in ABA therapy and Social Work, and recently led a successful $12 million campaign, demonstrating her ability to inspire collaboration and community investment.

Vanna Christian is a writer, communications professional, and higher education advocate with a strong belief in the transformative power of literacy. A proud alumna of Catawba College, she graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Writing and minors in Communication and English. She has worked in both human resources and executive administration, most recently serving as Executive Assistant to the President at Catawba College, where she supported presidential communications, donor engagement, and strategic initiatives. 

As a freelance writer, Vanna specializes in storytelling that elevates mission-driven work—helping organizations translate their impact into words that resonate. She brings to the Rowan County Literacy Council a passion for advancing educational access, equity, and intergenerational opportunity. She believes literacy is not just a skill, but a gateway to prosperity.

Duane DeBerry is a Children’s Library Associate at Rowan Public Library Headquarters, where he develops and leads literacy-based programs for youth and families. With a background in education, performance storytelling, and community outreach, he brings creative energy to connecting young readers with meaningful learning experiences. As a Prince Hall Mason, Duane applies the fraternity’s core values of service, integrity, and upliftment to his work in the community. He also serves as a mentor and fitness coach, helping others build discipline, confidence, and balance through wellness and a positive mindset. His passion for youth development and literacy makes him eager to contribute to RCLC’s ongoing mission.

Rakeem Brawley is an experienced and innovative community recreation leader with a Master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism & Sport Management from NC State University. As the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Salisbury, he oversees multi-faceted programs, supervises diverse teams, and ensures high-quality, inclusive services that strengthen community engagement. Recognized for his expertise in program development, staff leadership, and strategic planning, Rakeem excels at fostering collaborative environments, promoting equity in access to recreational opportunities, and implementing innovative initiatives that enhance public health and well-being. His background in sociology and psychology further informs his approach to building safe, supportive, and meaningful experiences for participants of all ages and backgrounds.