A Place Where Teamwork Thrives

Maggie is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table. She graduated from NC State University in 2013 and began working for a nonprofit with people experiencing homelessness. By befriending many people living on the margins, she knew something needed to be done. February 2015, A Place at the Table was birthed and Maggie never looked back, opening in January of 2018 serving thousands of people in Raleigh with a dignified and an affordable meal. Maggie has a heart to serve, a desire to always be inclusive, and a passion for loving people.

She lives in Raleigh, loves to jump rope, and eats a large amount of peanut butter. She loves hiking in the mountains and all things sunflowers. You’ll find her watching movies at the theaters in those big comfy chairs, skydiving or breaking away for a quick weekend trip.

Terrance is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work at NC State University. He also spearheaded the launch of a social justice foundation called the Justice Love Foundation. Terrance is one of the newest research fellows for the African American Center at NC State University. In addition to his social work, Terrance was the former executive director of the NAACP of North Carolina, a former administrator for Wake County Public Schools.

He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida. His research interest includes the theoretical fields of globality and structuration with a focus on future projections in cultural perceptions. He acquired his Master’s in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. 

Terrance is happily married to Kiara Ruth, and they have a son named Miles. 

Alicia is a strategic planning professional with expertise in leading organizations to greater strategic growth and social impact by leveraging purposeful partnerships and data-driven insights. She has spent over 18 years working within health systems focused on expanding their portfolio of services to improve health and well-being for all. Alicia is passionate about community and connection and has served on several nonprofit boards whose mission involved addressing food security, housing security, and access to care. Alicia holds a Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Alisha currently serves as Customer Service Specialist at United Restaurant Equipment Co. She is well known and connected in the restaurant industry in Raleigh. United Restaurant Equipment Company is a family-owned business, and a leader in the restaurant equipment and supply industry. URECO is a full-service dealership that specializes in the design, supply, delivery, and installation of commercial kitchen and dining equipment. Alisha works will all types of food service clients providing excellent knowledge and customer support. 

Alisha was also recognized as a 2020 TBJ Women in Business Award winner. 

Alisha previously served on the APATT Board and was instrumental in opening the cafe. Her expertise in the restaurant industry and commitment to the mission of A Place at the Table was essential in the cafe’s first few years. Alisha also served on the Creative Planning committee and has assisted in the planning and implementation of many of A Place at the Table’s fundraising events.

Bart Norman practices corporate and commercial law and has broad experience in financial transactions and mergers and acquisitions of public and private companies. His finance experience includes syndicated and commercial loans, senior and subordinated debt offerings, mezzanine finance, and financing for start-up and growth companies, including venture loans, fund finance, and sponsor finance. He represents buyers and sellers in mergers and acquisitions and regularly counsels clients with regard to other complex commercial transactions. Bart has been recognized by clients and peers in such ranking publications as Chambers USA and North Carolina Super Lawyers. According to sources interviewed by Chambers USA on the quality of Bart’s service, he exhibits “great analysis, skill, and judgment” and is “highly knowledgeable and practical.” Bart is currently the co-leader of the Finance Group at Smith Anderson. Additionally, Bart is a member of Smith Anderson’s Management Committee and a co-chair of Smith Anderson’s Lawyer Development Committee.

Chase is a Director at Thyme Care, building partnerships and networks to serve oncology patients in their cancer journeys. Most recently, Chase helped lead Cityblock Health in North Carolina, serving the Medicaid population through community-empowered health initiatives, and previously founded the Vs. Cancer Foundation, an NPO empowering athletes to fund pediatric oncology research.

Chase graduated from the University of North Carolina and holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Chase is married to his love, Katrina, is a proud girl dad to Kennedy and tells every person he knows the Spicy Cheddar Biscuit at Table is the best thing to happen to the South since buttermilk and air conditioning.

Danny is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Brand Fuel, a free-spirited, full-service promotional products agency. He is the Co-Founder of Band Together, a volunteer-driven nonprofit that uses live music as a platform for social change that has donated $10 million+ to Triangle community efforts. He serves on the boards of PromoCares, PromoKitchen, Reciprocity Road, American Marketing Association (Triangle Chapter) and most importantly, A Place at The Table.

Danny is a tireless connector, community leader and entrepreneur. He helps people and brands realize higher aspirations that will have a positive and sustainable impact on both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. He is hubs to Niccole and pops to Tyler and Brooke.

Mr. Ellis is the County Manager for Wake County, NC. He began his role as County Manager on February 12, 2018, becoming the first African-American County Manager in Wake County’s history.

Mr. Ellis started his tenure with Wake County in 2015 when he was appointed deputy county manager. In this role, he oversaw several departments, including Human Services and Community Services.

Prior to coming to Wake County, Ellis served as assistant city manager in Charlottesville, Va., for three years. He also held positions in Fairfax County, Va., including assistant to the county executive, assistant director of Human Services, and manager of the Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Department of Code Compliance.

Ellis holds a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University. He also holds the distinction of credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association. In addition, Ellis successfully completed the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government program in 2017.  Ellis is also a proud life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

Jennifer Tolle Whiteside serves as president and CEO of the North Carolina Community Foundation. She has led the Foundation, its 20-member board of directors, and 30-person staff for more than a decade, more than doubling NCCF assets and grantmaking in her tenure. As NCCF’s second CEO, she is responsible for long-term growth and sustainability, and strategic planning, and serves as the public face of the Foundation. She loves working every day with generous, passionate, and engaged North Carolinians to build community through philanthropic giving.

Tolle Whiteside has 28 years of experience in nonprofit management and civic affairs. Prior to joining the Foundation, she served as the first CEO and president of Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, a nonprofit organization she grew from one staff member to 14 full-time employees and a statewide network. She is a graduate of the University of Florida, received a master’s degree from Louisiana State University, and is an alumna of Leadership North Carolina.

Tolle Whiteside has served on numerous nonprofit boards and public commissions, including several legislative appointments. She is the vice-chair of the North Carolina Rural Center board and serves on the Community Foundation National Standards Board. She previously served as chair of the Covenant with North Carolina’s Children and co-chair of the NC Child Fatality Task Force. She is a past recipient of the Old North State Award from the Governor of North Carolina and the national US Commissioner’s Award. She has been named a News & Observer Tar Heel of the Week and counted among the Triangle Business Journal’s most influential female leaders. She is a recipient of the Women of Achievement Award by the Federation of Women’s Club and was inducted into Leadership Raleigh’s first Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

Lisa serves as the Chief Strategy Officer with the YMCA of the Triangle. She has dedicated the last 30 years of her career to the YMCA, leading initiatives, developing partnerships and building community collaborations. Lisa is a seasoned nonprofit executive energized by transforming bold ideas into action that satisfy community needs and support ambitious missions for nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about finding equitable and inclusive solutions.  

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lisa lives in Raleigh with her husband Rob, their two children, Mac (23) and Cate (18).  As an emerging empty nester, Lisa enjoys spending quality time with her family, live music, travel, connecting with dear friends and lots and lots of pilates.

Director, Department of Housing Affordability and Community Revitalization, Wake County Government

A native Minnesotan, Lorena began her work as a community advocate in the early 2000s, serving in winter shelters and soup kitchens. Having come from a less privileged background and experiencing the shelter system as a youth, Lorena has dedicated her life’s work to ensuring that families nationwide have safe, affordable places to call home.

In late 2018, Lorena came to Wake County to raise and lead the County’s new Department of Housing Affordability & Community Revitalization. In this role, she and her team are responsible for efforts across the spectrum of affordable housing, from running the most prominent men’s shelter in North Carolina to Permanent Supportive Housing vouchers, Veteran Services, multimillion-dollar annual investments in affordable housing development, and much more in between.

Before coming to Wake County, Lorena served as the Vice President of Programs for Northern Virginia Family Service, the largest human service agency in Northern Virginia, and as a Deputy Director for the Atlanta Mayor’s Office, where her work resulted in a complete revamping of Atlanta’s homelessness response system.

In addition to her government and nonprofit leadership roles, Lorena has consulted nationally, helping government and nonprofit organizations with strategic planning, best practice program development, and financial stability.

Since 2012, Neal Seigler has served as the Director of Environmental & Nutritional Services at Duke Raleigh Hospital where he manages and directs budgets, purchases, labor, compliance, and strategic initiatives as well as oversees the clinical aspect of nutritional services. Prior to joining Duke Raleigh Hospital, he served as a District Manager for Sodexo for North Carolina and Tennessee.

Serving the community, improving social conditions, and addressing inequalities is important to Seigler which makes the opportunity to serve on the A Place at the Table Board even more compelling. He currently serves on the Marcus Harris Foundation board.

Seigler holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Mount Saint Mary College and a master’s of business administration from the University of Mount Olive. Certifications include Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professional (CHESP) with the American Hospital Association and ServSafe with the National Restaurant Association. He is also Green Belt/Six Sigma certified. 

Stephanie Sarazin is a writer, researcher, and experiential expert in ambiguous grief. Her work began with her experience of mid-life trauma, which sparked an ambitious journey— spiritually and around the world—to understand, name, and heal the grief she found within her. Her efforts revealed a first-of-its-kind definition for “ambiguous grief,” whereby grief is onset by the loss of a loved one who is still living and wherein the experience of hope presents as a stage of the grieving process. Stephanie’s work brings new resources to reframe disruptive, activating events as a gateway to discovering your highest self, championing ambiguous grief as nuanced, natural, and navigable. Stephanie is also the founder of Rise Up Rooted, an online resource center for those navigating ambiguous grief, a grief educator, and a TEDx curator in her community. 

She graduated from Michigan State University and earned a Master of Public Policy from The University of Chicago. She is an avid reader, recreational runner, and aspiring camper, and lives in North Carolina, where she is training to trek to Mt. Everest’s Base Camp. Her book, Soulbroken: A Guide for Your Journey Through Ambiguous Grief, is published by Balance, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, and was released in October 2022. It is available for order at Barnes & Nobel, Amazon, or your favorite independent bookseller. 

Tawanda Foster Artis serves as General Counsel and Vice-President of Legal Affairs & Human Resources for the North Carolina Community College System.  She is a North Carolina native and proud double Tarheel, receiving her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She has worked for almost 20 years in state government legal counsel roles.

Tawanda has served our State in several different capacities.  Before joining the Community College System team, Tawanda was a senior staff attorney (non-partisan legislative attorney) at the North Carolina General Assembly.  As a non-partisan attorney, Tawanda served as counsel to legislative committees and commissions, drafted legislation, and advised lawmakers and partisan staff.  In this role, she also served as the Chief Editor for the guidebook, “Summaries of Substantive Ratified Legislation,” with new editions published after each legislative session. 

In addition, Tawanda has previously served as appellate counsel and pro bono program manager at the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts handling cases, arguing before our State’s highest courts and training other attorneys to do the same. She has also served our State as an assistant attorney general at the North Carolina Department of Justice, representing the North Carolina Department of Labor in employment and labor law disputes and as an assistant district attorney prosecuting felony and misdemeanor matters.  Before attending law school, Tawanda worked in human resources and training and development functions with several corporations. 

Tawanda sits on the Board of Governors for the North Carolina Bar Association and serves on the NCBA President’s Diversity Task Force.  She has also been active in and served in leadership roles in the Government and Public Sector Section, the Juvenile Justice & Children’s Rights Section, Corporate Counsel Section, and the Professionalism Committee.  Tawanda is active in the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) and has served as a co-facilitator for their General Counsel Roundtable.  She has served in leadership roles in the Wake County Bar Association, including as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and as a member of the Juvenile Justice Committee of the North Carolina Commission on Racial & Ethnic Disparities in the Criminal Justice System.  Tawanda is a former co-chair of the NCBA Minorities in the Profession Committee and past president of the Capital City Lawyers Association.

Tawanda enjoys volunteering with child literacy and education programs in local elementary schools, as well as with hunger relief/food insecurity and arts-related charities.  She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Arts Council of Wilson and the Food Runners Collaborative, Inc., and as an associate board member for the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, Inc.

 She was presented the Statewide Citizen Lawyer Award in 2020 for providing exemplary public service to her community and the legal profession.  In 2022, Tawanda also received the Wake County Bar Association’s President’s Award of Excellence for exemplary and dedicated service to the legal profession and the citizens of Wake County.

Tawanda has taught continuing legal education courses and workshops on a variety of topics across the State of North Carolina.  In 2015, as an adjunct law professor, she created an appellate advocacy clinic to teach law students to write appeals for child welfare cases at Elon University School of Law.   

In her free time, Tawanda enjoys traveling, attending live music events, volunteering, and spending time with her family.

Tosheria is the Program Coordinator at the Oak City Outreach Center in downtown Raleigh and is employed by Catholic Charities. As a business management undergraduate of NC State University, she called Raleigh her home for many years. She is originally from Rockingham, NC and spent seven years living in San Diego, CA where she was employed by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. At the Oak City Outreach Center, Tosheria schedules volunteers and community partners to provide meals and events, which support our friends experiencing homelessness and/or hunger in downtown Raleigh. Under her leadership and compassion, over 50 service partners and 120 host volunteers connect to build community through active engagement and hospitality. She brings experience and a wealth of knowledge working directly with our friends experiencing homelessness so that Table can better understand how to serve this population.

Willam is a Solution Architect at CCI, inc. and has 30+ years of experience in the telecommunication industry. His work philosophy is to do better, help people, and grow community awareness of kindness and volunteering. His passion to be a strong and effective leader guided his career at Cisco, Nokia, and the US Marine Corp. 

William has raised three daughters; the oldest is a bull ride, the middle is a firefighter and the youngest is a redhead. All three are fierce, strong and independent.