Board of Directors

CHAIR: Gale Bess (Gaston County) 2007-2009

Gale was the Assistant Chief of Police for Gaston County, the highest ranking female officer, before her retirement in 2006. She holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from UNC-Charlotte, and an MBA from Pfeiffer University, Gale has served as a court volunteer in Mecklenburg County, and has been an Explorer Post Advisor for the Gaston County Police Department. Gale hopes that her time on the board will allow her to be an instrumental factor in promoting the advancement of the Girl Scout legacy. Gale is a former Girl Scout and believes in nurturing our youth to become well-rounded, productive citizens in our communities.

FIRST VICE-CHAIR: Kimberly Gelsinger (Gaston County) 2007-2009

Kim is the Director of Distance Education at Gaston College and holds a BS in Business Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill. Kim has volunteered with Gaston Together, was a President of the Leadership Team in 1999, and a founding Leadership Team member in 1997. She was also a board member and marketing committee chair for the Alliance for Children and Youth in Gastonia. Kim was a Girl Scout in the Pioneer Council, and greatly appreciates the experiences she had in the late 60s and early 70s. Kim is looking forward to assisting in the generation of funding to enable growth and opportunities to continue to be available to girls.

SECOND VICE-CHAIR: Freda Mayse (Cleveland County) 2006-2008

Freda Mayse is a long-time Girl Scout volunteer with experience at the leader, trainer, and resident camp director levels. She was a past board member of the Pioneer Council, serving for six years. She has also held the position of Service Unit Manager, and served on the Nominating Committee as a board representative, and earned the Curved Bar (precursor to the Gold Award) as a senior Girl Scout.

SECRETARY: Elizabeth Dampier (Gaston County) 2007-2009

Elizabeth is the Executive Director of the Gaston County Museum in Dallas. She holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from NCSU in Raleigh. Elizabeth was a Brownie and Junior Girl Scout, and looks forward to her service on the executive committee of the board. Elizabeth is excited about being an advocate for girls and for the Pioneer Council, helping to create a future vision for Girl Scouting in our area.

TREASURER: John Rudasill (Cleveland County) 2007-2009 * INTERIM

John Rudasill is a native of Cleveland County, and president of Phoenix Corporate Services. He holds an engineering degree in computer electronics from UNC Charlotte. He is married to the former Vickie Costner, and they have three children and two grandchildren. John is a member of Union Baptist Church where he is a choir member, Sunday School teacher, Finance Committee Chairman, Building Fund Committee Chairman, and a member of the board of deacons. Among his diverse talents, John in also a stage performer, currently performing primarily as an after dinner speaker or emcee for church, community or private functions. John has been involved in the Pioneer Council for many years, including six years on the board of directors. During that time, he served one year as treasurer and has served many years on the council's finance committee.

Suzan Rhyne (Rutherford County) 2007-2009 (Third Term)

Suzan comes to the Pioneer board with extensive experience in Girl Scouting, including seven years on the cookie team, Day and Resident camp, business manager and leader of Brownie, Cadette and Senior troops. She is a first grade teacher at Ellenboro Elementary School in Ellenboro.

Sandi Farnham (Gaston County) 2007-2009 (Second Term)

Dr. Farnham is doctor of Optometry, earning her degree from Indiana University. She is currently an Associate with Summit Eye Associates in Gastonia. Sandi was a Brownie when she lived in Erie, Pennsylvania, and is looking forward to beginning her community service work helping those who don't have a strong support system. Dr. Farnham believes that helping others at a young age can have a profound effect on the rest of a child's life.

Loretta Forbes (Gaston County) 2006-2008 (Continuing)

Loretta is a retired Gaston County school teacher, and is looking forward to being able to spend some of her time and abilities helping girls become their best. Loretta holds a BA from Wake Forest College and has been active as a tutor with the Gaston Literacy Council and is an interpreter for the deaf at Flint-Groves Baptist Church.

Heather Lyerly (Gaston County) 2007-2009 (New)

Heather is a North Carolina native, grew up in Raleigh, and attended Appalachian State University, where she earned a BS in Business Administration, and a BS in Music Industry. Heather is the Financial Center Leader for BB&T's Gastonia East location. She is married with one child. Heather is looking forward to serving on the board as she is a "true believer in giving back to the community, and making a difference."

Evelyn Meserve (Cleveland County) 2007-2009 (Continuing)

Evelyn is the Director of Safety & Security for CaroMont Health, and holds a BS in Criminal Justice from Southern Columbia University. Evelyn is looking forward to her continued involvement on the board of the Girl Scouts, and has a particular interest in the area of personal safety for girls and women.