2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
New BoD Members have traditionally been recruited by the acting Executive Director and the Executive Committee with a focus on their alignments with and benefits they can bring in the execution of the Forge's mission. Program development, strategic partnerships, fundraising capacity, and community influence are factors weighed in the selection.
In addition to the new BoD Members, there are other changes to the makeup. Boyce Collins, who has served as Secretary for 6 years, and Laurie Friedrich-Bargebuhr, who has served for 6 years, are resigning their positions.
Joey Adams, founder of the Forge, has served as Board Chair and President since 2013. While staying on the BoD as a Director at Large and to advise the Executive Committee, Joey is passing his duties as Chair and president to Joe Rotondi, who served as the Forge's first Executive Director.
NEW DIRECTORS
Enoch Bowles
Bio: As the Leader, Corporate Communications and Talent Acquisition at Honda Aircraft Company, Enoch Bowles is a true boomerang. He grew up in the Greensboro area and attended New York University, staying to work for 15 years in HR and Talent Acquisition. Two years ago, Enoch returned from New York to Greensboro, bringing with him his family and a wealth of knowledge. He has always had a passion for aviation and is proud to combine his enthusiasm for the industry with his work.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: A significant portion of Enoch's experience is working in and with major nonprofits and foundations on talent development and skills pipelines. With his expertise and commitment to developing and attracting top talent to our community, he is making a significant impact on the future of the aviation industry in our region.
Brandon Frederick
Bio: Brandon Frederick is the Engineering Manager for Core Technology Molding Corporation. His professional interests focus on innovation, creativity, networking, and
mentoring. His current projects include plant expansion, developing new business with new and existing Biological Pharmaceutical, Automotive, and Industrial Customers. He involves his team of Engineers in solving complex problems with permanent and sustainable solutions.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: In addition to this full-time role, he serves as the Program Director for Molding Kids for Success. The nonprofit is a S.T.E.M education focused program where that hosts industry tours for K-12 students and week-long summer learning accelerators for students ages 10-14. The program saw nearly 1,500 students in 2024. Brandon is excited about bringing his experience as an Engineer and STEM educator to the Forge.
Regina Glaspie
Bio: Regina Glaspie has over 32 years of experience in the media industry, with the last 14 years spent in North Carolina. She runs her own consulting company and collaborates with the Greensboro Police Department on community outreach initiatives aimed at low-income, high-crime neighborhoods. Her efforts focus on ensuring that residents can thrive without fear of violence by increasing access to job and housing programs for those affected by crime. Additionally, she develops community-based initiatives to align public safety strategies across all neighborhoods.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: Regina Glaspie is dedicated to helping people explore different opportunities. She has brought several groups to the Forge, to witness their amazement to discover that such a valuable space exists in our community. She believes that supporting our youth in achieving success truly takes a village, and is grateful that the Forge is an integral part of her village.
Dr. Holly Pore
Bio: Dr. Holly Pore is the Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Guilford County Schools (GCS). She is a native of Greensboro, graduating from Western Guilford High School. She is an accomplished educator with 19 years of service as a CTE teacher, Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator (CIMC), and CTE Director. She has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Supervision, and a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership-Superintendency, both from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: Dr. Pore is a strong instructional leader who labors to empower students through career exposure, career exploration, and authentic career experiences. She is passionate about preparing students for high skill, high wage, or in-demand careers and is excited about finding ways to collaborate with the Forge to make our community the best place to Learn, Earn, and Return.
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Joe Rotondi, Chair and President
Bio: Joe Rotondi is the Business Development Officer for Minerva Lithium, a local lithium refining technology firm developing a domestic supply chain for the clean energy transition. Joe is deeply committed to developing new technologies, believing that they hold greatest potential for meaningful economic growth and positive impact on our environment and in our communities.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: Joe was the Forge's first Executive Director. Under his leadership, the organization launched initiatives in youth education, workforce development, and entrepreneurial programs, all while dramatically growing its fundraising efforts. His experience and context for the Forge's history and administration has been a support to the Forge's current Executive Director and staff.
Art Winstead, Treasurer
Bio: Art Winstead is a Greensboro native and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Art started with DMJ Wealth Advisors, LLC in 1978 and became a partner in 1984. Art lends his accounting expertise to the Forge.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: Art’s professional experience and expertise as a Certified Public Accountant makes him an obvious choice for the role of Board Treasurer. His specialty is in nonprofit accounting, and has steered the Forge with his insight into aligning and maintaining our finances with Generally Accepted Accounting principles. The value of his guidance will continue to grow as we undergo audit requirements for larger grant awards. Art’s firm has also filed the Forge’s taxes, pro bono, for the last 4 years.
Erol Yurtkuran, Vice President and Vice Chair
Bio: Erol Yurtkuran earned a bachelor and master’s degree in electrical engineering at Georgia Tech. Currently the Sensata Global Product Manager, Market Developer, and Engineer, Erol has +20-years of combined leadership. Formerly the Sr. Marketing Manager for Qorvo, he worked with manufacturers including Apple, Samsung, Sony, LG and Microsoft. He has experience in all aspects of financial forecasting, resource allocation, strategic planning, marketing and product development. When not at the Forge, he can be found at the crossfit gym, flying a plane, or spending time with his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Nicole.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: Erol currently serves as the Vice President of the Forge Board. His first experience with the Forge was as a member and a woodworking enthusiast. While his business experience provides a realistic perspective on sustainable planning for the Forge, he is a constant advocate for improving the experience of the Forge’s core program: membership access.
Melissa Smith, Secretary
Bio: Melissa Slade Smith is a bold and visionary workforce development leader dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity through inclusive, community-driven strategies. As Director of Workforce Development Solutions and a key member of the Economic Development team at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, she plays a vital role in supporting new and existing employers, driving job creation, capital investment, and the growth of high-impact sectors like aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Melissa leads transformative efforts such as the Workforce GSO Collective, cultivating a dynamic workforce ecosystem that brings together partners to empower individuals, fuel economic growth, and build a more prosperous Greensboro. Through strong cross-sector collaboration, she champions inclusive career pathways and prepares a resilient, skilled talent pipeline for the future of work.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: Melissa has expertise in business engagement and managing stakeholder relationships. She also has successfully developed and implemented employment and training programs with a focus on up-skilling young adults/adults
Joey Adams, Former President and Chair
Bio: Joey Adams grew up close by, in Winston-Salem, then settled in Greensboro in 2001. While he's always been interested in how things work, he initially gravitated towards computers, leading to a career in software development and development operations. Joey currently works for TCDI, a local eDiscovery software company. While at TCDI he earned a business degree from Greensboro College. He was also the original founder of the Forge in late 2013. In his spare time he enjoys software development, amateur science, wood working, and forging ahead.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: As the Founder and acting Board President of the Forge, Joey ensures that the Forge holds true to its original, grassroots purpose of being a catalyst for making through maintaining a welcoming community and affordable access to tools and technology. He is an advocate for growing the capabilities and the impact of the Forge.
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Anthony Banks
Bio: Anthony Banks began his career as a Detention Officer in Greensboro, NC, working in the first Court Alternative School in Guilford County helping justice served youth stay in school and obtain their High School Diploma. In 2007, he transitioned to education, where he served more than 6,000 students seeking in the Continuing Education Department at Guilford Technical Community College for more than 12 years.
Now, as the Resident Engagement Services Manager at Greensboro Housing Authority, he implements supportive services for families, youth, and seniors in all of the GHA Programs. He also proudly serves on the United Way African American Leadership Committee and as Board Chair of the Housing Consultants Group.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: Anthony’s network and trust within GHA neighborhoods extends the awareness of the Forge to several lower income communities, thus expanding access to our entrepreneurial or career discovery services.
Greg Chabon
Bio: Greg Chabon has over 20 years’ experience acting as a trusted legal advisor in transactional matters, primarily to privately-held businesses. Prior to his legal career, he spent eleven years as an engineer developing tactical weapons systems for the US Armed Forces. He uses his unique background and training to find creative and practical solutions
These attributes have repeatedly placed him on the list of “Best Lawyers in America” in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, and commercial transactions. Greg was also named a Best Lawyers Regional Lawyer of the Year in both 2017 and 2019 for commercial transactions.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: Greg’s legal experience and expertise has been a recurring asset to the Forge. At times, this has been providing a legal perspective to board decisions and organizational structure. Several times, this has been providing pro bono work through his firm in developing policies, contracts, and agreements.
Sara Porter
Bio: Sara Heredia is an associate professor of science teacher education in the department of Teacher Education and Higher Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her research focuses on the organization and design of science teachers’ professional learning.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: Sara has led several workshops at the Forge that show teachers how to use hands on, project based learning in their classrooms. Her experience and passion for education has already been an incredible asset to the development of Youth Programming at the Forge, and will continue to be as we build out our curriculum and partnerships.
Andy Zimmerman
Bio: Andy Zimmerman is a New Jersey native, and arrived in the Triad at age 18 to work for his father’s furniture manufacturing company and quickly became an adventure junkie and avid outdoorsman. In the ’80s, he started what became one of the world’s largest manufacturers of kayaks and canoes before divesting himself of ownership in Confluence Watersports in 2001.
Recently, he invested several million dollars into downtown Greensboro as a developer on South Elm and West Lewis Street. His buildings are home to the Forge, transform Greensboro, South End Brewing, Downtown Greensboro, Inc, Centric Brands, and several other businesses.
Why they are a good fit for the Forge Board: Andy has been a fierce advocate for the Forge since he offered us tenancy in one of his new developments. He has contributed over $100,000 to upfit the 219 building in which the Forge currently resides, and has introduced the Forge to several donor and partnership opportunities. He sees the Forge as a pivotal partner in building diverse and innovative communities in Greensboro.
RESIGNING DIRECTORS
Dr. Boyce E. Collins, Secretary
Bio: Dr. Boyce E. Collins is a research scientist at NC A&T State University as part of the Engineering Research Center for Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterials. He received a Ph. D. in Inorganic Chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill, was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship in interdisciplinary research at UCSD, and spent 10 years in private industry applying science to the efficient design and manufacture of technological products, including MEMS devices, piezo-electric ultrasound emitters, and carbon-based electrodes for use in ultra-capacitors. He maintains interests in educational methods and environmental health.
Laurie Friedrich-Bargebuhr
Bio: Laurie Friedrich-Bargebuhr acts as an Apprenticeship Coordinator for Guilford Technical Community College. Laurie comes from the manufacturing industry. She managed Friedrich Metal Products, Co., and is enthusiastic about connecting the Forge with business partners and sponsors in the manufacturing industry.