We come from a legacy of fighters and change-makers and experienced organizers. We’re grateful for their support and proud to carry the torch.

A letter from the past presidents and retired leaders of NCAE endorsing Tamika Walker Kelly and Bryan Proffitt for Leadership.
Dear NCAE Family, Retired and Active,
We are writing this letter to personally endorse and encourage you to vote for Tamika Walker
Kelly (President) and Bryan Proffitt (Vice President) in the upcoming NCAE elections. Like you,
we spent our adult lives educating the young people of this state. We also spent our adult lives
building NCAE and fighting for educators, public schools, and our students. As our organization
turns 50, and we celebrate the bold vision and hard work that birthed us, we stand behind a new
generation of leadership who share our vision and who have worked tirelessly as local presidents,
NCAE board members, and organizers who get things done. They are ready to lead with the same
passion, commitment, and work ethic that our generation brought to NCAE.
As retired and active members, we care about the future of public schools and the economic
conditions of our families. A strong NCAE built a high quality public school system and decent
conditions for our families over the last 50 years. A strong NCAE can win them back and go
further in the next 50 years. Tamika and Bryan are the leaders who can take us there. Please
support them in the upcoming NCAE elections starting at 7 P.M. on Saturday April 4th and ending
at midnight on April 14th. Please visit their website to learn more about these two fine leaders
(https://tamikaandbryanforncae.com/) or have a conversation with any of us about why we are so
excited about their leadership.
All members, retired and active, can vote if they have an active email account on record with
NCAE. If you do not receive an email on the evening of April 4th, let one of us know, and we will
assist you.
In This Together,
Cecil Banks
NCAE Past President
Joyce Elliott
NCAE Past President
Karen Garr
NCAE Past President
Gladys Graves
NCAE Past President
Julia Kron
NCAE Past President
Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend
NCAE Past President
John I. Wilson
NCAE Past President
Anna Austin
Buncombe Co. NCAE Past President
Sid Baker
Former NCAE Board Member
Rebecca Banks
Former NEA Director
Gaynell Wiley Bigelow
Caswell Co. RSP President
Jim Brooks
2009 NEA Excellence in
Teaching Award
Rukiya Dillahunt
Wake Co. NCAE Past
President
Mary June Greene
NC RSP Past Region Director
Steve Hansel
Former NCAE Board Member
Sandra Hatley
NCRSP Region 1B Director
Dorsey Harris
Retired NCAE UniServ
Paula Harrison
Alamance-Burlington RSP
Leader
Linda Ingle
Charlotte-Mecklenburg NCAE
Leader
Lynn Shoemaker
New Hanover NCAE Past
President
Betsy Wells
Cleveland County RSP
President
Sandy Younce
Retired NCAE UniServ
