Salem Academy and College Announces New Members to the Board of Trustees

Winston-Salem, N.C. (July 16, 2024) – Salem Academy and College announced today the appointment of six distinguished individuals to its Board of Trustees. The new Trustees bring a wealth of experience, remarkable leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing Salem’s mission which is dedicated to educating girls and women and empowering them to lead.

The Board of Trustees play a vital role in the stewardship of Salem Academy and College’s mission, financial health, and strategic long-term direction in the Academy’s STEAM curriculum and the College’s health leadership focus. The new trustees join at an exciting time of momentum and renewal across both the Academy and the College.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest members to Salem’s Board of Trustees,” said Dr. John McConnell, Salem Academy and College Board of Trustees Chair.

“Their diverse experiences and commitment to Salem will help guide our strategic vision as we continue to build on our legacy and prepare students to lead in a changing world,” Dr. McConnell added.

The newly appointed trustees are:

• Abrea Armstrong A’09, Executive Director, Triad Cultural Arts, Inc.
  A proud alumna of Salem Academy, Armstrong is a nonprofit leader and an award-winning writer and marketer passionate about advancing women in leadership.

• Jennifer Byrne, Chief Executive Officer, Javara
  A seasoned executive with a background in innovation and corporate strategy, Byrne brings a forward-thinking perspective to institutional governance and growth.

• Caroline Durham A’88, Chief Financial Officer, Caroline Corporation of Burlington
  An alumna of Salem Academy with a longstanding commitment to Salem, Durham has been an active supporter of student success and alumnae engagement.

• Sarah Solana C’11, Director Global Enterprise Customer Success, UKG
  President of the College Alumnae Board, Solana is a College alumna dedicated to advancing women in leadership and helping students reach their highest potential.

• Vonda Delawie A’75, Nonprofit Board Member
  President of the Salem Academy Alumnae Board, Delawie is a dedicated alumna leader who brings a diverse understanding of Salem’s traditions and future opportunities.

• Dr. Jaleema Speaks, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Novant Health
  D. Speaks is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and is passionate about women’s health and dedicated to advancing women’s and children’s health

In addition to Salem Academy and College welcoming its newest Trustees, the institution also announces its Board leadership for the next academic year, a distinguished group whose vision and expertise will help guide the institution’s future. Together, these leaders represent a remarkable blend of professional achievement and passion for Salem’s mission to educate and empower girls and women. 

The newly appointed officers are:

• Chair, Dr. John McConnell, Chief Executive Officer Emeritus, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Professor Emeritus of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine
  Dr. McConnell has been named Chair of the Board, bringing decades of leadership in academic medicine and healthcare innovation.

• Vice Chair, Dr. Brandy Nelson, C’97, Founder and CEO, Nelson.Roots, LLC
  Serving as Vice Chair is Dr. Nelson who is a Salem College alumna and an accomplished educator and advocate for equity in education.

• Treasurer, Alumna Sallie Beason A’85, Independent Financial Consultant
  Beason will continue her longstanding commitment to Salem as Treasurer, offering deep experience in finance and philanthropy.

• Secretary, Katie Holland C’00, Executive Director of Perkins International
  Holland is a dedicated Salem College alumna and a global leader in advocacy for gender equality and health leadership.

To learn more about Salem Academy and College’s Board of Trustees, visit salem.edu/about/leadership/board-of-trustees on the College’s website or https://salemacademy.com/about/leadership/board-of-trustees/ on the Academy’s website.

About Salem Academy 

Salem Academy is the nation’s oldest educational institution for girls in the United States exclusive to girls grades 9 -12. Educating girls since 1772, Salem Academy fosters compassionate and creative leaders, prepared for college and life, who chart their paths with character, curiosity, and courage. Nationally recognized for success with a distinctive STEAM focus, NICHE ranked Salem Academy as the No. 1 Best Boarding High School in North Carolina and as the No. 1 Best High School for STEM Education in Forsyth County.

About Salem College

Salem College provides women a liberal arts education with a distinctive focus on health and leadership ensuring our graduates understand the power, importance, and complexity of health in our society. Salem College prepares students for a range of career paths to lead in making the world a better, healthier, more equitable place. Salem College is the only national liberal arts college exclusively focused on developing the health leaders of tomorrow.

News media contact

Mallory Forsman
Director of Marketing and Communications
Salem Academy and College
mallory.forsman@salem.edu
704.661.4686