People News & Notes: Rankin promoted to PCS director of technology

Pitt County Schools announced it has promoted Cory Rankin to the role of director of technology.

Rankin, who has served in a similar capacity with an interim title since Aug. 10, 2023, initially accepted a position with the schools as a technical support specialist II in 2014.

After he was elevated to local area network engineer status in 2017, Rankin transitioned to a manager and wide area network engineer role in 2021 where he established himself as the district’s top cybersecurity specialist. He later was appointed assistant director of technology in April of 2023.

“Cory has a proven track record of excellence in all facets of this critical and continuously-evolving aspect of our district,” Executive Director of Facilities and Operations Aaron Errickson said. “His ability to combine a service-oriented mindset with skilled expertise has been of tremendous benefit to our students, staff and administration, and we are confident our technology department will reach even greater heights under his direct leadership.”

Rankin holds certifications as a Wireless Design Professional (CWDP), Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) and in Wireless Network Administration (CWNA). Most recently, to fully finalize his commitments related to assuming the district’s top technology leadership position, he completed National Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) and Certified Educational Chief Technology Officer (CeCTO) training.

Those programs include equipping government technology professionals with the requisite tools to improve and demonstrate leadership and management skills and offer a specific focus for educational technology leaders.

A product of the Pitt County Schools system, he attended Eastern Elementary School and E.B. Aycock Middle School before graduating from J.H. Rose High School.

NC East Alliance names vice president

NC East Alliance has announced the addition of Donna Phillips, who will be the vice president of industry engagement and recruitment.

Phillips will lead efforts to better engage existing and new industries in the education, workforce and economic development initiatives, the organization said.

This will include serving as a critical connection to industry for the STEM East Initiative, which aims to bring public school districts, community colleges and industry together to grow the workforce of eastern North Carolina.

Phillips has experience in economic development at the local, regional and state level. Most recently, she was a senior economic development manager with Duke Energy, where she managed the Duke Site Readiness Program within a 22-county region in addition to working with new and expanding industries in the region.

Prior to Duke Energy, Phillips worked for the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, The North Carolina Department of Commerce, Duplin County Economic Development, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and Wayne County Economic Development.

“I am excited to join an organization that is making a real difference in eastern North Carolina. I look forward to making a positive impact and improving the lives of all people in the region. It is a great opportunity to give back to a region that has been so important to the success of my career,” Phillips said.

Phillips is a native of Murfreesboro and is a graduate of Chowan University with an associate’s degree in business administration. She is also a two-time graduate of East Carolina University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration-marketing and a master’s in business administration.

“I have known and worked with Donna Phillips for many years,” said alliance CEO Vann Rogerson. “She has eastern North Carolina roots and a passion for growing our rural economy. We are lucky to have Donna join our NC East team as we re-imagine new strategies for rural economic development, community development, education, and industry engagement,”

Spruill president of NC Society of Accountants

Karen Spruill, co-owner of Down South Accounting and Tax in Greenville, was installed as president of the North Carolina Society of Accountants at the organization’s 77th Annual Convention in Greensboro.

The NCSA was formed in 1947 to protect the practice rights of non-certified accountants in North Carolina. By offering continuing professional education, state legislative monitoring, and an annual state convention, the society helps to maintain a high standard of proficiency and integrity among its members.

Spruill previously served as the society’s treasurer and president-elect. Accountants interested in the society can check out its website at www.ncsa1947.org or contact Spruill at 364-2900.

New hire, anniversary at Copy Pro

CopyPro announced the addition of a new employee to its Greenville corporate office and the 25-year anniversary of another.

Jacob Miller will join the delivery team. As a delivery driver, he will assist service technicians with the delivery and installation of equipment. Prior to joining CopyPro, he worked with McFayden Music.

“We are delighted to welcome Jacob to the CopyPro family. He will be an asset to our delivery team,” said Ron McClintock, director of aftermarket services.

Miller is from Greenville and lives in Grimesland with his wife, Josette. When he’s not working, he often is playing an instrument such as the guitar and piano or working with his hands in the yard and around the house.

James Richardson, lead inventory control specialist, is celebrating his 25-year work anniversary with the company.

Richardson began his career with CopyPro as a delivery driver in 1999. In his current role, he has many responsibilities including ordering supplies for the warehouse, technicians, and parts. He supports both the warehouse and service departments.

Richardson also processes and receives purchase orders, orders supplies for drop shipments and service calls, maintains inventory, transfers and pulls parts and receives and tracks shipments.

His favorite part of his job is processing warranty claims.

“James is hard-working, dedicated to excellence, and committed to the success of our team,” McClintock said. “His 25-year career is inspiring, and we are lucky to have him!”

“James is an integral part of the CopyPro team,” said Jason Jones, COO. “His advancement within the company shows he is willing to go the extra mile to get the job done right. We look forward to celebrating his next milestone anniversary at CopyPro.”

Originally from Fuquay-Varina, Richardson enjoys reading books and comics, building Lego sets and traveling with his wife, Leona.

Farm Credit Associations completes FFA cottage

The Farm Credit Associations of NC have announced the completion and dedication of the Farm Credit Cottage at the historic North Carolina FFA Center at White Lake.

The associates said the dedication underlines its ongoing commitment to supporting agricultural education and youth development initiatives across the state, according to a news release.

In collaboration with AgSouth Farm Credit, the Farm Credit associations raised over $750,000 through various fundraising endeavors, including the annual Pull for Youth events. These efforts enabled AgSouth Farm Credit and AgCarolina Farm Credit to partner and contribute to organizations such as North Carolina FFA and North Carolina 4-H, empowering students with essential skills and opportunities for leadership, personal growth and successful careers in agriculture.

The Farm Credit Cottage will serve the next generation of agricultural leaders. Since 1928, the North Carolina FFA Center at White Lake has provided over 150,000 students with unforgettable experiences. Now, with the addition of the Farm Credit Cottage, FFA students and staff from across the state will have a modern and comfortable space for programs such as the State Leadership Conference, officer retreats, Wildlife Camp and more.