The Board of Trustees for Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina has chosen a new Board Chairperson. At a strategic planning board retreat in Southern Pines, former Board Chairperson Pete Locklear passed the gavel to Gary Cooper. Locklear had completed two years as Chairperson but remains an active board member.
“I saw God’s hand in providing for us after [previous BGHNC president] Ricky Creech’s passing and sending Marc our way,” Locklear said of the hiring of Marc Murphy as the new BGHNC President. “The board members were just so supportive. I saw miracles the entire time I was there. . . I received the gavel from a man who I respected and was much more qualified than I, and I passed the gavel to a man much more qualified than I, and it’s been a great experience.”
In gratitude for his service, board members awarded Locklear a collage with an inscription from John 1:14, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Cooper stepped up from his officer’s position as Executive Committee Chairperson and Board Vice Chairperson.
“What I really want us to do is fill up every single cottage on campus because I know there are children around North Carolina that need our assistance so my goal is that we get those cottages staffed, and we can get kids back in there,” Cooper said.
BGHNC President and CEO Marc Murphy is excited for the continued strength and direction of the current Board.
“When I think of Pete Locklear’s service to Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, I think of one word: ‘Love.’ His love for the children, the staff, and his fellow board members is contagious and shined through all his decisions. It has been a privilege serving under his leadership,” Murphy said. “Boys and Girls Homes is equally blessed to now transition to the capable hands of Board Chairperson Gary Cooper. I am truly excited for the future of our organization and the children of North Carolina.”
Current board officers include Gary Cooper of Pinehurst as chairperson, Jess Hill of Whiteville as vice chairperson, Rick Benton of Cerro Gordo as treasurer, and Nancy Sigmon of Lake Waccamaw as secretary. At-large members include Kenneth Bland of Garner, Sandy Cyphers of Myrtle Beach, Garry Elliott of Jackson, Fred Gore of Whiteville, Charlie Hatch of Apex, Ron Jones of Pinehurst, Terry Jones of Holly Springs, John Kay of Hubert, Linda Reid Oldham of Lakeview, Jerry Parrish of Henderson, Nancy Phillips of Elizabethtown, R. Mike Reid of Wilmington, Kim Sheeks of Rockwell, Bruce Stanback of Rockingham, William Teague of Leicester, Althea Weaver of Riegelwood, Dave Weiss of Holly Springs and Julia Wolfe of Wilmington.
