Board of Directors

Melanie Clark

Vice Chairman

Melanie Clark has served on the GLC board since 2015. She is a Greenville native and mother to one daughter. Melanie is an Attorney Advocate for the Guardian ad Litem Program in Pitt, Beaufort, Martin, Tyrrell, Hyde and Washington Counties. She has enjoyed watching GLC grow into its new location and expand to serve students in Wayne County as well.

Michael Cowin

Treasurer

Michael Cowin has served on the GLC Board since 2015. Michael holds the position of Deputy City Manager for the City of Greenville where he has oversight responsibility for the Greenville Police Department, Recreation and Parks, the City’s Information Technology Department and the City’s Grant Management Division. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Uptown Greenville and the Pitt County Arts Council. Michael is married to his wife Pam and has two children.

Raymond Henderson

Raymond Henderson joined the GLC Board in 2023.  He attended East Carolina University and received a BA in Fine Arts. He is an Autism Services Coordinator with the Autism Society of NC and has worked with the special needs’ population since 2006. He also uses his free time as a volunteer coach with the Special Olympics of NC for basketball and the baseball league.  His son is currently a junior at JH Rose High School.

Susan Irons

Susan Irons joined the GLC board in 2024. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with an AB in English Education. As a teacher, she has taught children with special needs as well as adult students enrolled in the community college ESL program. She is retired from ECU where she provided administrative assistance in the Undergraduate Admissions office, the Center for Faculty Excellence, and the Dean of Students office. Susan and her husband, Ben, have two adult children and four grandchildren, one of whom attended GLC and made outstanding progress. She and her husband are grateful for GLC’s supportive and strategic learning environment and the positive impact it has on a child’s ability to succeed academically and develop strong self-esteem.

Catherine Jordan

Catherine Jordan became a member of the GLC board in 2024. She attended East Carolina University before embarking on a career in federal politics. Having grown up in Greenville, Catherine is passionate about community involvement. She and her husband, Dr. Drew Jordan, enjoy being involved at ECU in various ways, and have three children who attend St. Peter Catholic School. Catherine hopes to use her background in fundraising and communication to help GLC grow and continue its great work in our community.

Michelle Laughridge

Michelle Laughridge has the heart of a teacher having served children and their families throughout eastern North Carolina as a public school teacher, principal and administrator for over 40 years. She knows that Greenville Learning Center provides a place where students can learn to overcome their unique academic barriers. Our region is fortunate to have such an opportunity for them.  A new grandchild and family brought Michelle and her husband Chuck to Greenville four years ago.  They are active members of Covenant Church and enjoy time with their family and friends.

Dr. Billy Smith

Dr. Billy R. Smith, MD joined the GLC board in 2018. Dr. Smith owns Eastern Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and is retired from the U.S. Army following 25 years of service. He and his wife, Jennifer, have a son who has attended Greenville Learning Center for the past six years. A North Carolina native, Dr. Smith and his family are active in many local service organizations. He enjoys attending ECU football games as a proud alumnus and occasionally finds the time to go fishing.

Stan Smith

Stan Smith joined the GLC board in 2022. A lifelong resident of Greenville, NC, Stanley attended East Carolina University where he studied Business and Executive Leadership. He has been serving in the financial services sector for the last 12 years specializing in life insurance and retirement. Stanley and his wife, Crystal, have two children. One is a student at DH Conley High School and the other an RN at ECU Health Medical Center.

Jeff Stein

Chairman

Jeff Stein joined the GLC board in 2020 and currently serves as Board Chairman. Jeff is with Brown & Wood, Inc. He and his wife, Stephanie, moved to Greenville seven years ago from San Diego and have three children. Jeff has a deep passion for the teachers, families, and most of all the children at GLC. One of his own children attended GLC for three years and was able to move on and soar. They are forever grateful and supportive of the way GLC can change lives.