Board Members - York School District One Education Foundation

Our board members

— Shaun Barnes

Shaun Barnes graduated from Clemson University and has worked for Comporium, where he is Vice President of Corporate Communications, since 2006. Originally from Rock Hill, he has been a resident of York since 2013. Shaun focuses his personal time on serving the community through his church, by volunteering with Comporium’s Pioneer Club, and by serving on the boards of Habitat for Humanity of York County, the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the York County Community Foundation, and the York County Free Clinic.

— Grier Sandifer

Grier Sandifer is a lifelong resident of York and a 1994 graduate of York Comprehensive High School. He and his wife Crystal, have two daughters, Blakely and Caroline, who are students in the district. Grier serves as an Executive Vice President at Bank of York and is involved in other community and civic activities. He and his family have been significantly impacted by the excellent teachers, coaches and staff of York School District 1 and he is excited about the opportunity to give back by serving on the Board of Directors for the foundation.

— Elizabeth Smith Owen

Elizabeth Smith Owen is a partner with Morton & Gettys. She primarily practices in the areas of family law and education law. Elizabeth lives in Rock Hill with her husband, Henry, and 2 daughters. She is a native of York and a 1998 graduate of York High School. She is passionate about public education and early literacy and is proud to serve as the Foundation’s first Board Chair.

— Maria Duncan

— Meg Ferguson

Meg Ferguson is a contract grow manager for Metrolina Greenhouses’ York facility. Metrolina Greenhouses, founded in 1972, is one of the largest greenhouse operations in the world. Meg has worked with Metrolina since 2013, and she has lived and served the York community for over 20 years. Meg is married to Jack and lives in York. She has two children that have proudly attended York Schools.

— Tom Faulkenberry

Tom Faulkenberry has been a resident of York School District One since 1984. He was District administrator in YSD One (1984-1996 and 2000-2005), Dean of School of Education and Graduate Studies at Converse College (retired 2010), Superintendent in Newberry County School District (1996-2000), and a Former teacher, counselor, coach, and school administrator. He is married to Nancy, have 2 children (Kelly and Brian), and 5 grandchildren (Anna Wallace, Libby, Thomas, Sam and Ollie.)

He believes in public education and has a sincere desire to help improve educational opportunities for students attending schools in York School District One. Faculty, staff, administrators, and board members work hard to provide quality learning environments and experiences, and the support made available through Foundation efforts can enhance their efforts and increase potential for improved student achievement.

— Nikki Carpenter

Nikki Carpenter is a resident of York SC and a YCHS Graduate (C/O 2000). Nikki owns a bookkeeping and tax business in the heart of Historic York for 5 years. She is excited and committed to serving on the YSD1 Education Foundation because there is a need to nurture and provide our youth with the necessary tools to become positive, self-sufficient citizens and role models in our community and YSD1 Education Foundation will be a great opportunity to help with that task.

— Amy Hagner

Amy Hagner Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations and have been in the district for 14 years.

— Kelly Coxe

Kelly Coxe is the Superintendent for York School District One. She has been an educator for 28 years.

— Michael Lewis

A native of western York County, Michael graduated from York Comprehensive High School in 1995 and obtained degrees in Administration and Middle Grades Education. After college Michael served Cleveland County Schools in North Carolina as a seventh grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher for five years. During his time as an educator Michael also worked for Piedmont Medical Center EMS as a medic, which later turned into a full time career in Emergency Management as an Emergency Planner and SWAT Medic. Michael served in the public safety field for over 22yrs and is now a realtor with The Josh Boyd Team at Allen Tate Rock Hill. Michael and his spouse currently reside in York and enjoy spending time on the family farm, riding horses, and enjoying the outdoors. His goal is to bring more awareness to public education and the support that is needed for our teachers and students.

— Becky Baker

— Porter Gable

Porter has been with York Electric Cooperative since 2008 and currently serves as the Vice President of Communications and Outreach. She grew up in Smyrna, SC, and she and her husband live in downtown York with their daughter, Ava Wallace. She earned a BA in Finance from Wofford College in 2008, the designation of Certified Cooperative Communicator (CCC) from NRECA in 2018, and her MBA from Queens University in 2021. Porter says, “Any day I am able to tell the co-op story in a creative way is a great day. I am proud to work for an organization that works to improve the quality of life for people in our communities and that puts exceptional service and kindness above all else. ”Outside of the co-op, Porter serves on the York County Regional Chamber Board, Palmetto Community Health Care Board, York Technical College Foundation Board, is a member of the York Rotary Club and serves as a commissioner for the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau. She and her family attend Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in York and enjoy spending time and serving in the York community.