Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County (PPS-PC) is fortunate to have the support and leadership of an active and dedicated Board of Directors. Currently, 14 individuals serve on the board, helping guide the organization’s mission and strengthen support for public education throughout Pitt County.
Board members serve three-year terms and may serve up to two consecutive terms. In addition, three community organizations hold standing seats on the board, ensuring strong partnerships and collaboration across the county. These representatives include:
- Kimber Stone, Director of Development & Member Engagement, representing the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce
- Sara English, Executive Director of Student Services for Pitt County Schools, representing Pitt County Schools
- Dwain Cooper, President and CEO of United Way of Pitt County, representing United Way of Pitt County
During the June 2026 Board of Directors meeting, the board voted to welcome three new members who officially joined in August: Rosa Ruiz, Melissa Britner, and Jamie Lynn Cash. We are excited to have these community leaders share their expertise and passion with PPS-PC.
Rosa Ruiz is a parent of two Pitt County Schools students and a school nutrition administrative professional. A graduate of the Parent Engagement Program, she found in PPS-PC a community that welcomed her questions and encouraged her to speak up. Her advocacy has taken her from local school board meetings to Washington, D.C., to advocate for increased school funding. Along the way, she has focused on building positive relationships with school staff, leadership, and local representatives. Through her board service, she hopes to broaden PPS-PC’s reach, develop more parent leaders, expand participation in the Spanish-language Parent Engagement Program, and continue contributing to a more positive narrative about public schools. Rosa enjoys spending her free time with her family and two pets while practicing Spanish, Portuguese, ASL, or whatever new hobby she’s picked up that will inevitably be forgotten in a few months.
Melissa Britner is a lifelong educator, community advocate, and local business owner with more than 20 years of experience supporting students, families, and educators. She began her career as a classroom teacher with Pitt County Schools before moving into school administration, serving as an assistant principal and later as a principal. Melissa is a National Board Certified Teacher and earned both her bachelor’s degree in education and Master of School Administration from East Carolina University.
In 2017, Melissa transitioned to Sylvan Learning Center, where she continued her work helping students grow academically and build confidence. Three years ago, she purchased Sylvan Learning of Greenville and now owns and operates the center, working closely with local families, educators, schools, and community organizations. Having spent her career in both public education and community-based educational support, Melissa remains deeply committed to strengthening public schools and ensuring that students and families have the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Jamie Lynn Cash is a mother of four whose children have attended or currently attend Pitt County Schools. Her connection to the school system became especially meaningful when her youngest son received additional support during preschool. After learning he was on the autism spectrum, she wanted to better understand his sensory needs and how she could help him thrive. For years, her son worked with an occupational therapist who became an important part of their family. She helped Jamie Lynn’s family understand how her son experienced the world, recognize his strengths, and support him through sensory overload. That relationship showed her the lasting difference one dedicated professional can make in the life of a child and inspired her to learn more about IEPs, 504 Plans, and the resources available to families.
She currently serves as President of the Junior League of Greenville, NC, and founded a nonprofit focused on expanding educational opportunities for students who are first-generation college applicants. She has studied leadership and operational art through North Carolina State University, and her writing was recently selected through a national juried process for publication in a distinguished academic literary anthology.
She chose to serve on the PPS-PC Board because she believes parents know their children best, but they should not have to navigate educational support systems alone. She looks forward to helping families feel informed and heard while strengthening the relationships among parents, educators, and community partners. Above all, she hopes to help build the kind of support around every child that her own family was fortunate to experience.
2026 – 2027 Board Officers –
- Tarrick Cox, President
- Maria Bright, Vice President
- Kimber Stone, Treasurer
- Kaye Rouse, Secretary
Board Members –
Veronica Ramirez-Chance, Katie Gilbert, John Carrere, Will Eblin, Dominique Williams
Each member of the PPS-PC Board of Directors is deeply committed to public education and generously gives their time, talents, and leadership to support students, educators, and schools throughout our community. We are grateful for their service and dedication to advancing the mission of PPS-PC.
