Staff + Board

FAWN PATTISON is a consultant who helps nonprofit organizations through leadership transitions. She is also a passionate advocate for children, families, public health, environment, and social justice. Fawn has over twenty years of experience leading nonprofit organizations in North Carolina. Recently, she has served in interim leadership positions at Family Connects International, the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation, Partnership for Children of Johnston County, NC Child, and the NC Craft Brewers Guild. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors at the North Carolina Farmworkers Project.

In addition to a BA from the University of Virginia and MA from UNC Chapel Hill, she holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University, and a Certificate in Public Health from UNC Chapel Hill. She completed Armstrong McGuire’s Interim Executive certification in 2023. She lives in central North Carolina with her spouse, two great kids, and one goofy dog.

CINDY STAPLETON attended the State University of New York College at Brockport where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Cindy’s background reflects extensive cross-functional experience as a leader in the produce industry managing various areas including procurement, operations, logistics, quality, food safety, sales and marketing established a flourishing Farm to Food Bank program supporting 146 counties in the spirit of collaboration with transparency and integrity.

Cindy lives in Clayton, NC with her husband Kevin, and has a daughter and granddaughter. She works to align work with a greater purpose, contributing in a meaningful way, and making a difference in people’s lives.

ERICA KING was raised in North Georgia and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science with a concentration in Production and Management at Berry College in Rome, GA as well as an Associate of Science in Accounting Technology. Erica uses her experience in accounting, farming & agriculture, food safety, and communication skills to coordinate with growers and food banks to help make a difference in other people’s lives.

Erica, her husband, and their son currently reside in Johns Creek, GA with their two dogs and rabbit. For Erica, it is not just about feeding the hungry, but the joy that comes with knowing that families and loved ones have food on their table.

TINA NEWSOM is a native of the Carolinas and grew up on a farm, which led to a passion for food. She believes that this passion coupled with the desire to help others, is instrumental to her role. Tina comes to Feeding the Carolinas from the State of North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency’s Housing Opportunities and Eviction Prevention (HOPE) Program, the largest rent and utility assistance program in State history. Tina brings a wealth of experience, as well as a strong work ethic and skillset, to help support our mission.

Tina currently resides in Kernersville, NC and has three children and one grandchild. Knowing the work that she does is making a difference in others’ lives is why Tina finds her work fulfilling.

JAMIE BUTLER ALT is from Gainesville, GA but was raised in Chester County, SC. She attended Clemson University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology. After working several years in both government and nonprofit roles serving those in her community, Jamie attended Winthrop University where she earned her Master of Social Work Degree. Jamie is now a licensed social worker by trade and has a passion for advocacy through empowerment practice.

Jamie and her spouse, Wilson, have two children—Aurora (age 4) and Owen (age 1)—who keep them pretty busy. Jamie’s goal is to continue serving her neighbors on a larger scale through her policy and advocacy work, as equitable access to nutritious food is a right everyone deserves.

ERIC LEWIS attended Purdue University Global where he earned his Bachelor of Fire Science and Emergency Management. He is currently enrolled at American Public University System finishing his last class to obtain a Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Eric’s background includes Disaster Response and Recovery with over 31 years of experience in public service. He has assisted in helping individuals and communities prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from disaster events.

Eric lives in Hope Mills, N.C. with his wife Stephanie, and has 5 children and 2 grandchildren. He is focused on ensuring the safety and resilience of communities which are affected by emergencies. Using his extensive hands-on experience, combined with my academic background, fuels his commitment to making a positive impact in the field of emergency management and community recovery.