North Carolina Community College System Announces New Members to the State Board of Community Colleges
Published: July 31, 2025
RALEIGH, N.C. — Six new members have been appointed to the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, bringing a wide range of expertise in health care, higher education, human resources, construction, corporate leadership, and student advocacy. Their collective experience will help guide the Board’s ongoing work to expand educational opportunity, strengthen workforce alignment, and support the state’s 58 community colleges.
“These new Board members are accomplished, future-focused leaders who understand that North Carolina’s community colleges are the most important organization in our state, fueling the talent pipelines for healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT, and the skilled trades,” said Tom Looney, Chair of the State Board of Community Colleges. “They bring the urgency, innovation mindset, and real-world experience we need to move at the speed of business and innovation. At this pivotal moment, we’re proud to welcome such high-impact talent to help guide the system that drives North Carolina’s economic future.”
Dr. David Lowry
President and CEO, UNC Health Caldwell
Dr. David Lowry is President and CEO of UNC Health Caldwell, where he leads efforts to expand access to high-quality medical care in rural North Carolina. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Lowry’s commitment to educational access and workforce development is deeply personal. He previously served as Chief Medical Officer for six years and began his career as an internal medicine physician in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Lowry earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University, an MBA from Lenoir-Rhyne University, and completed a Fellowship in Transformational Healthcare Leadership in Washington, D.C. He lives in Lenoir with his wife, Dana, and they have six grown children.
Dr. Dale McInnis
President Emeritus, Richmond Community College
Dr. Dale McInnis is a lifelong North Carolinian with more than 30 years of service to the state’s community colleges. He served as president of Richmond Community College from 2010 to 2024 and held leadership roles at Montgomery and South Piedmont Community Colleges. A recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the 2025 I.E. Ready Award for Lifetime Achievement, Dr. McInnis was named President Emeritus by RichmondCC. He earned his doctorate from NC State University and currently lives in Rockingham with his wife, Thomasa.
Stacy Griffin
Stacy Griffin is a seasoned human resources professional with over 30 years of experience in HR leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development. A certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), she has served in senior HR roles in both public and private sectors, including Randolph County and the City of Asheboro. She currently provides HR consulting, supporting clients throughout the Piedmont-Triad area of North Carolina. Griffin holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from UNC-Chapel Hill and a certificate in Organization Development from UNC Charlotte.
Scott Ottman
Retired Vice President, Worldwide Sales Operations, Lenovo
With over four decades of experience in global sales and digital transformation, Scott Ottman retired from Lenovo as Vice President of Worldwide Sales Operations. At Lenovo and IBM, Ottman led strategic initiatives that improved operational efficiency and aligned business goals across international markets. His leadership in transformation and innovation is grounded in a passion for organizational excellence and customer success.
Terry K. Yeargan
Legacy Partner, DPR Construction
Terry Yeargan has over 45 years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in advanced technology, health care, life sciences, and higher education. As a founding leader of DPR Construction’s North Carolina operations, Yeargan has overseen more than $800 million in projects and served clients including Google, Pfizer, and NC State University. His public service includes leadership roles on the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board, the ECU Board of Trustees, and the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. He holds a degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University and resides in Willow Spring with his wife, Julia Anne.
Bannock Scott
President, North Carolina Comprehensive Community College Student Government Association (N4CSGA)
Bannock Scott is a student in the Engineering program at Gaston College, where he plans to graduate in 2026 and transfer to a four-year university to study mechanical engineering. With over two years of experience in student government—including leadership roles in the Gaston College SGA and N4CSGA—Scott has developed a passion for advocacy and public service. As N4CSGA president, he represents all students across North Carolina’s 58 community colleges.
Media Contact:
Nathan Hardin
Executive Director of Communications
North Carolina Community College System