By Shavonne Potts
spott@salisburypost.com
Occupation: Corporate compliance officer with Rowan Regional Medical Center
Age: 49
Background: Born in Augusta, Ga. and moved to North Carolina 10 years ago.
Education: Received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fort Valley State University (Georgia), master’s degree in public health administration (Georgia) and a certification as a health care compliance officer from Healthcare Compliance Association.
Career path/boards: Began teaching science following college. When she was getting her master’s degree, she was offered a job in the health care sector. Worked as a Department of Defense contractor in compliance and data analysis. Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., City of Salisbury Planning Board, board of directors of Nazareth Children’s Home, member of the Adolescent and Family Enrichment Council.
Family: Husband. She is one of three children.
Role models: “It is difficult to name only one because I encounter role models on a daily basis; I am blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people at work, in the community and at home who inspire and teach me. To answer your question, the role models in my life the longest are Jesus and my mother, Mildred Ward.”
A quote you live by: “To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the Lord.”
What legacy do you want to leave behind: “One that I want my life to have been one who paid it forward. That I reached out and pulled up because that’s what was done to me.”
What does Barack Obama’s win as the nation’s first African-American president signify for you: “It means different things to different people but the constant is with self-discipline and willpower, we can be what we want to be. It’s a new era of dreams that can be realized and all we have to do is go for it.”