First In Families of NC is governed by a Board of Directors from across the state of North Carolina. A majority of the Board must, by Bylaw requirement, be comprised of people with developmental disabilities or their family members.
If you are interested in learning more about membership on the Board of FIFNC, please print our board membership application, complete and postal mail to the address provided. [Note: The link to the application is a PDF formatted document and requires a free software, such as Adobe Reader, to open.]
Meet some of our board members.
Jim McDermott is board President and the father of three children. Jim works for Bank of America in Charlotte, NC.
Pat Reid is a self advocate from Statesville, NC, and has been a board member for two years. She is very active in promoting self-determination for persons with disabilities.
Gwen McArthur.
"The potential for strength, endurance, courage, inventiveness and creativity exist in every human being God created." (Michelle Wallace)
Laura Newell is a self-advocate in Charlotte, works at RSS as a secretary and leads the Self-Advocates for Self-Determination group.
Daigo Yoda, Candidate for MBA 2008.
"I believe that everyone was born with a purpose. I hope to help each other find them at FIFNC".
Cathi Drinkard is Program Development Coordinator for FIFNC. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to be a fully participating member of their community. Her career has been dedicated to the full
inclusion of all people recognizing that communities are richer when everyone's gifts are utilized.
Gail Dupre is the Coordinator of Lifetime Connections. She believes strongly in the power of relationship and community and that everyone has special gifts to offer in that context.
Betsy MacMichael is State Director of FIFNC. She has two daughters, and believes everyone should be able to create his or her own good life.
First In Families of North Carolina | 524 S. Duke Street | Durham, NC 27701
919-251-8368 | email