Caroline King
Caroline King, Ph.D., is an expert in business strategy with a passion for equity in the workplace. She has authored several books on these topics, aimed at providing instructional and process information for people looking to make positive changes in the workplace. A Wilmington-based entrepreneur and mother of two girls, Caroline is passionate about her mission to bridge gaps and educate those ready to promote diversity and inclusion in society. Her latest project is a historical overview of diversity in the United States, providing insight into how it has shaped our workplaces and other areas of society today. “I carry my life experiences with me every single day as an African American woman. My driving mission is to help create environments where all individuals feel mentally, physically, and economically safe within our society.” Caroline grew up in the arts as a musician and a ballet dancer and as a strong belief that being creative brings people together to form a stronger community.
Morgan Scheibel
Morgan Scheibel is from West Columbia, SC but resident of Wilmington since 2011. She currently is an insurance agency owner of The Scheibel Agency – An Allstate Agency in Wilmington. The agency is a full-service agency with a wide ranging array of insurance services for both personal and business needs. She has been in the insurance industry since the early 2000’s. Morgan was a dancer growing up and her father was heavily involved with Workshop Theatre in Columbia, SC, so she always been a part of the arts in some way, shape or form. Prior to joining the Thalian Association Board of Directors, she was a Board member for Canines for Service. Morgan is married to Will Scheibel and has a son, Kent, born 2015 and two Golden Retriever girls – Murphie and Georgia.
Paul Lawler
Paul Lawler was born and raised in Charlotte and has resided in Wilmington for 17 years with his wife Patricia. After North Carolina State University graduated him, he worked in a variety of accounting positions in Raleigh, Chicago and Washington DC before retiring to the Port City. “Wilmington with its history, arts, entertainment, food, ocean and river has everything and helping grow that through Thalian Association is a wonderful opportunity,” he noted.
Keesha Starr
Keesha Starr, originally from Fort Branch, Indiana arrived in the Wilmington area in 2011. After traveling around the world for 7 years and gaining her Ministry and Leadership Certification from The New Life Drama Company, she moved from their Homebase in Tennessee to Upstate New York. For the next 15 years she spent time as a leader in the non-profit space. From student ministries, to community centers and after school programs she was able to impact thousands of families during her tenure. In 2011, finding herself a single mom and ready to get out of the snow, she relocated to Wilmington to continue her team building and coaching career. In 2012, Allen and Keesha were married and blended their family of 5 children. Once they got settled, Keesha gained her John Maxwell certification in Speaking and Coaching in 2017, and returned for her certification as a Behavioral Specialist the following year. After 7 years with a local company, K Starr Coaching was launched in 2018. Her experience in building teams and inspiring growth has stretched from churches, community centers and local businesses to the leaders of top brands like Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Walgreens, Hilton and Fedex. Today Keesha is a wife, a mom, the Founder & CEO of K Starr Coaching, a local board member, volunteer for community organizations, and lover of all things theater!
Patsy Hayes
Patsy Hayes was born in Okinawa, Japan and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina just outside the Fort Bragg Army Base. Her love for the theater began in middle and high school winning awards in Forensics for Dramatic Interpretation and has motivated her to find ways to contribute to community theater. After two of her children performed in Thalian Association Youth Theater shows, she wanted to find ways to show her support so more children could find their confidence while performing for the community on stage. In 1990, she was awarded a North Carolina Teaching Fellow Scholarship and graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 1994. For 10 years, she worked as a middle school teacher here in the New Hanover County School System. Patsy earned a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology from UNC Wilmington. She served as the Director of e-Learning and became an integral part of online course and program development at UNCW. After 11 years at UNCW, she moved on to Global Client Success at Blackboard, Inc. Education Technology. She and her husband Tom, are now local entrepreneurs and both enjoy promoting local theater performances and creative arts. Patsy is motivated and passionate about community theater and believes in the strong impact it makes on children and adults alike. She is also grateful for the chance to perform on stage when possible. Her latest ensemble roles include Thalian Association productions of A Christmas Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Elf the Musical Take 2, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
REV. DR. CLIFFORD D. BARNETT, SR.
Rev. Dr. Clifford D. Barnett, Sr. is a native of Rockville, Maryland. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Livingstone College, a Masters of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary both in Salisbury, N.C., and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in the Renewal of the Church for Mission from the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. He has pastored in A.M.E. Zion churches in Kingstree, Rock Hill, and Eastover, South Carolina, Indianapolis, Indiana, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Portsmouth, Virginia. He was appointed to Warner Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Wilmington, NC in October of 2009. During the 14 years he pastored at the Brighton Rock AME Zion Church in Portsmouth, VA, he built and sustains a number of partnership that benefit families throughout the Hampton Roads area and across the nation. He established the Portsmouth’s Grandparents as Parents Support Group at the church for grandparents and other kinship caregivers who were raising their relatives. With the support of school superintendents, principals, and guidance counselors, support groups were expanded from the church and held in many of the elementary, middle, and high schools in Portsmouth and Chesapeake. As a result of the church’s recognition and that of Brighton’s Solid Rock, Inc.’s, a nonprofit organization that he founded, Rev. Barnett had many opportunities to speak publicly at civic, state and national events. He has addressed the Senate in Washington, D.C. about grandparents raising grandchildren and the need for support of kinship care families. He has also spoken at the National Children’s Defense Fund’s Grand Rally held on the steps of the United States Capitol in support of kinship care. Other ministries established during his tenure included the Study Buddies/Kid’s Café Afterschool Homework Program and the Bus Stop Mentoring Ministry. The Bus Stop Program, a ministry for high school students who waited for the bus in the church’s vestibule, was an opportunity for church volunteers to mentor and encourage students who lived in the community. This ministry was recognized by General Colin Powell and included in his journal, “America’s Promise” which featured other programs across the United States catering to children and youth. In addition, he was also recognized in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC by President George W. Bush in 1999. Since being in Wilmington and pastoring Warner Temple Church, Dr. Barnett continues to be involved in the community. He serves as the Chairman of the Southeastern Dropout Prevention Coalition at UNC-Wilmington, Co-chair of the NHC Community Resilience Task Force, a member of the Cape Fear Coalition for a Drug Free – Tomorrow Committee, and was selected as a member of the D. C. Virgo Prep Academy Board of Advisors, where he also serves as a mentor to five boys weekly. He is also a member of Smart Start Board and the Boots on the Ground Ministry. He has been an integral part for the push of the First 2000 Days Initiative in New Hanover County. This thrust brings to light the effect of … » Continue Reading
Linda Stinson
Linda is an owner/partner in RLS Focused Solutions, a business coaching firm established in 2003. She has successfully completed programs in individual and organizational development and is part of continuing educational programs in those areas. Linda has worked with for-profit and non-profit organizations throughout the Carolinas in planning and business development and has conducted presentations at annual conferences/meetings for various organizations and associations. She has been a speaker at business forums and those presentations have included programs for the North Carolina Center for Non-Profits, The Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life, and the Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina. Linda has also presented programs for the Small Business Centers at Brunswick Community College and Southeastern Community College. Linda is a graduate of Leadership Wilmington and has served on the Board of Directors of the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, acting as chairperson for two years, and the Board of Directors of DREAMS. Linda’s past experience includes 10 years with Ted Bates & Company, an international advertising and marketing firm and 15 years’ experience in the travel and tourism industry serving individuals, groups of varying sizes, and corporate clientele.”
Star Sosa
Star Sosa, is an award-winning fine jewelry designer and entrepreneur and was best known in the Cape Fear Region as owner of Spectrum Gallery and Spectrum Fine Jewelry. She retired in 2019 to care for family members. She joined the Board of Thalian Association in 2019. During her 25 years with Spectrum, Sosa organized and hosted numerous art events & fund raisers and professionally represented literally hundreds of artists and designers. After retiring, she created and produced the Azalea Plein Air Paint Out and Art at The Harbor Way Gardens, regional art events that continue to attract professional artists from throughout the Carolinas. Her experience as a craft show exhibitor, art show organizer, and business owner have prepared her to provide support for Thalian Association’s fundraising activities, art shows, special events, and educational efforts.
Wayne Roberts
Wayne Roberts was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. He is a graduate of Oak Ridge Military Institute and UNC -Chapel Hill. After graduation in 1965, Wayne settled in Greensboro N.C. with his wife, Diane. In 1971, he started Roberts Insurances Services Inc which over the next 37 years, became a regional leader in transportation insurance coverages. Wayne sold his company in 2008 and retired to Wilmington to a home he has had for over 10 years. He and Diane have two daughters and seven grandchildren four of whom also live in Wilmington. Wayne is a member of Wrightsville United Methodist Church and Wilmington East Rotary club. He also serves on the Landfall Architectural Review Committee. He looks forward to being part of Thalian Association Community Theatre.”
Thomas Plummer
Thomas Plummer was born and raised in Danbury, CT. He credits his love for the theatre to his grandmother, Diane Thorpe, who would bring Thomas and his cousins to see a play every Fourth of July weekend when they visited their grandparents in Westerly, RI. Thomas graduated with his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC in 2010 and has worked with his family owned business, Infinity Payment Systems, since 2011. Joining the Thalian Association Board of Directors in 2019, Thomas looks to bring awareness and support to the Thalian Association and their mission. Thomas is married to his beautiful wife, Colleen. They have two children; Camille, born in 2018, and James, born in 2020.
Stuart Pike
Board Member
Joan Loch
Joan Loch is originally from Southern New Jersey where her career started in marketing with corporate companies such as Union Carbide, VPP Inc, and Acme Manufacturing. She ventured out on her in the mid 90’s to begin a consulting career in process development and project management with clients such as Dow Jones Business Information Systems, Curtis Young Company and EG&G Inc to name a few. A severe injury in 2003 side lined her until her and her husband relocated to NC in 2005. They purchased Crescent Moon, a gallery of fine handcrafted art glass and metal sculpture, which they owned and operated until September 2015. She is the owner and organizer of the American Craft Walk Wilmington, and event that premiered in 2016. In February of 2017 Joan received her license in Real Estate and joined Momentum Companies as a commercial broker. Overall, her career spans 40 years accumulating experiences and expertise in marketing and business development. Joan additionally has board participation experience both in NJ and NC.
Emma Jackson
Emma Jackson the current New Hanover County Schools Federal Programs Director. Emma is a native of Belize. Except for a four-year period in the late 1960’s, where she served as a lecturer at Belize Teachers College, she has spent all of her professional life in the New Hanover County School System as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Executive Director of Instructional Services. She graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in New York and attended Washington University in St. Louis, New York University, and is a graduate of Fayetteville State and East Carolina Universities. Among the numerous state and local education committees on which she has served are her two terms on the NC Annual Testing Commission, where she chaired the Writing Sub-Committee, the NC Commission on Education for Economic Growth, the NC Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Center, the NHCS Senior Quality Council and the Redistricting Committee. Emma has held leadership positions in many organizations. She has served as the Treasurer, and the President of the Churchwomen and the Sr. Warden of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, the National Vice-President of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., local President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc. She has also been a Board Member of the Cameron Art Museum and TACT. She is married for over fifty years to Russell Jackson and they have two daughters and a granddaughter.
Sharon V. Dickey, LCMHC
Sharon V. Dickey, LCMHCA is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina. She is a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where she received her BA in Psychology in 1998. Sharon received her MS Degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2018, and a Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior in 2019. Sharon is currently a practicing Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. Sharon is also a self-published author of her very own memoir “My Reason Why” and an inspiring work that encourages you to find your purpose called “What is Your Price of Admission?”. Sharon’s favorite quote is by Mahatma Ghandi, “The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others”. Sharon has dedicated herself to serving others as a member of the Young Adult Missionary Society at her Church, Warner Temple, AMEZ. She also serves in her community as a member of Rose Fidelity #651 Order of the Eastern Star, and as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Zeta Rho Zeta Chapter, where she proudly holds the office of third vice president, and Undergraduate Chapter Advisor at UNCW, as well as being given the honor of Zeta Rho Zeta, Zeta of the Year 2020. Sharon’s most recent honor in Zeta was being appointed the North Carolina Mental Health Coordinator 2020-2022. Sharon is truly at her best and filled with joy when she is taking the time to volunteer at the Good Shepherd, helping the elderly, or mentoring young ladies and helping them find direction and purpose in life. As a therapist, author, and mentor, it is Sharon’s belief that you can be your true self, have everything you desire, and be a Blessing to those around you by promoting change in the world and serving others in your community! www.sharondickey.com
Bradley Coxe
Bradley Coxe is a native and resident of Wilmington. He currently is an attorney and partner in the Wilmington law firm of Hodges Coxe Potter & Phillips, LLP. The firm is a full-service firm with a wide ranging array of legal services for both personal and business interests. Bradley primarily practices in the fields of personal injury and business litigation. He has been involved in theater in Wilmington since high school and has acted in several shows for Thalian Association on the main stage at Thalian Hall and at the Red Barn Studio. Prior to joining the Thalian Association Board of Directors, he was a Board member and chairperson of the Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross. Bradley is married to Julie Hays Coxe and has a daughter, Ella, born in 2002, and a son, Gavin, born in 2006.
