Board of Directors

Board Member Election Process

Potential board members are put into a pipeline and in August of each year the governance committee reviews the candidates in the pipeline. After prayer for discernment selected candidates meet with a board member to begin a conversation about serving. At that time if they seem to be a good fit, they are asked to complete an application after reading our Statement of Faith, Bylaws and Covenant.

After applications are received the Governance Committee will make recommendations to the board for a vote in October.

Jean Gay

Chair

Jean is a graduate of Pfeiffer University, earning a Master’s in Business Administration. She retired in 2019 after 43 years of service with CommScope. She and her husband are blessed with adult children, grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Jean enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, and gardening. Her passion, shaped by personal experiences, is serving individuals and families impacted by substance abuse issues. A dedicated member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Jean is active on several committees and serves as a Certified Lay Servant. She is also involved with the Hickory Soup Kitchen, Cable TV Pioneers, and CS Credit Union. In addition to serving on Safe Harbor’s Board, Jean is a member of the 5-Star Care Team. Rooted in faith, service, and compassion, Jean is committed to supporting others and giving back to her community.

Angel Starnes

Co-Chair

Angel is a CPA with 21 years of experience in public accounting and is the director of her own firm, specializing in individual tax consulting, small business coaching, and outsourced CFO services. She is passionate about helping clients define and reach their goals. Angel and her husband, Jason, have two sons and a 115-pound Bernese Mountain Dog. They enjoy traveling, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and gardening. An active member of Grace Church, Angel is devoted to spreading God’s love through serving others.

Kelli Schmidt

SECRETARY

Kelli is a graduate of Appalachian State University, earning a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She and her husband, Darren, have been married 33 years and have three adult children. Kelli enjoys playing tennis, biking, hiking with Darren, and spending time with family and friends. She is passionate about God’s Word and leads a small group Bible study. Kelli and Darren live in the Mountain View community and are active members of Mountain View Baptist Church. Rooted in faith, family, and community, Kelli is dedicated to serving others and fostering meaningful connections.

David Parham

Treasurer

David has served as President and CEO of Conwareco Logistics for the past 29 years. He has also been President of the North Carolina Warehouse Association, Finance and PPR Chairman for his church, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Catawba Chamber of Commerce. David and his wife, Tracy, have been married 27 years and have three children and two grandchildren. He enjoys family time, traveling, hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Passionate about faith, leadership, and community service, David is dedicated to making a positive impact both personally and professionally.

Melissa Cruse

Melissa serves as Program Coordinator at ICGH Treatment Centers, holding NCCPSS and CADC-R certifications, and is also the Executive Director of Recovery NC, a non-profit addressing treatment and housing gaps not covered by opioid settlement funds. A mother of four and grandmother of two, she is pursuing studies in Human Services Technology at Stanly Community College. Melissa has volunteered with Safe Harbor and Habitat for Humanity, and in 2023, she built and acquired her home through Habitat for Humanity, demonstrating her hands-on commitment to community improvement. She enjoys DIY projects, crafting, and home décor, but her favorite time is spent with family in her new home. Passionate about service, community, and family, Melissa brings dedication and heart to everything she does.

Hailey Hendren

PEER ADVOCATE

Hailey is originally from Granite Falls and now calls Hickory home. She is a proud mom to her six-year-old daughter, Genesis, and an aunt to eight nieces and nephews. Hailey oversees retail operations and inventory at West Penn Hardwoods and is pursuing a degree in Social and Human Services with a focus on addiction and recovery. She is an active member of Discovery Church, where she loves to serve and is growing in involvement, and she is passionate about volunteering and supporting the recovery community in Hickory. Grateful for all God has done in her life, Hailey is excited to serve as a peer advocate on this year’s board.

Kimberly Cheek

Kimberly is a graduate of Alfred University, earning both a M.S. in Glass Science and a B.S. in Ceramic and Raw Materials Engineering. She has built a 30-year career with Corning Incorporated, spending 15 years in engineering roles before moving into global supply chain management, where she has served for the past 20 years. She and her husband, Larry, have one daughter, Vanessa, who still lives at home, along with their Cockapoo, Cooper. Kimberly enjoys spending time outdoors and especially loves being at the lake boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding. An active member of Mountain View Baptist Church for more than 22 years, Kimberly serves faithfully in the music ministry as part of the worship team and adult choir. She also directs the children’s choir and leads a ladies’ quartet that shares the love of Jesus through song. Rooted in faith, family, and service, Kimberly is dedicated to using her gifts to encourage others and glorify God.

Carrie DeLeary

Carrie is a University of Florida graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is a certified birth doula, Body Ready Method Pro, and a Revelation Wellness–certified personal and group fitness trainer. Carrie and her husband, Geoff, have been married 33 years and have four adult married children and three grandchildren. She enjoys traveling, entertaining, hiking, and pottery. Passionate about God’s Word, her faith, mercy and justice, family, and wellness, Carrie is an active member of Soma Church, where she continues to live out her calling to serve others with love and purpose.

Dennis Smart

Dennis has been married to Linda Smith Smart for 35 wonderful years and is a proud stepfather to Stephen. He is currently employed by First Horizon Bank in Hickory, NC, celebrating 18 years with the company. Over the past 35 years, Dennis has served on numerous boards and organizations across the Hickory, Lenoir, and Taylorsville areas, contributing his time and expertise to strengthen the community. He attends Christ Church in Mountain View, where he assists with youth programs, and draws inspiration from his favorite Bible verse, Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Guided by his faith and dedication to service, Dennis brings a heart for community and mentorship to his role on Safe Harbor’s Board.