Board Members
Jim Lovell, Chair
Mr. Lovell is the CEO of Lovell-Smit and Associates. Lovell has served as the Beta Alpha Psi president at UNCC. He currently sits on the board of Gift of Adoption of the Carolina. Mr. Lovell holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.
Nikki Dragone, Vice Chair
Ms. Dragone is a graduate of the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with double concentrations in international business and marketing and a minor in Spanish. Most recently, Ms. Dragone was a Senior Director at TIAA in Charlotte.
Joan Mazzu, Treasurer
Ms. Mazzu is a founding Board member of Union Day School. She was the Founder and Owner of Informed Security Solution and the Founder and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Onsite Access. Mazzu has served as treasurer on numerous school boards. Mazzu received her Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Maryland.
Celeste Slay, Secretary
Ms. Slay is a founding Board member of Union Day School. As a certified personal nutritionist, Slay also serves as the school’s catered lunch liaison. Slay earned a Bachelor of Arts in Retail and Consumer Science from Marshall University.
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Boyce Thies, Board Member
Mr. Thies is the President of Thies Realty & Mortgage Company. Thies has served two three year terms on the Alumni Governing Board of Charlotte Latin School; a three year term on the Board of the Young Affiliates of the Mint Museum; and, served as a Scoutmaster of Boy Scouts of America. Thies earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of South Carolina.
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Joanna Wise, Board Member
Mrs. Wise is a parent of two UDS students and is a certified CPA with her own business. Mrs. Wise has extensive experience in compliance and tax issues and has a Masters degree in Accounting. She brings her financial expertise, her knowledge of the school's mission and vision and her experience as a parent to the Board.
Judd Starling, Board Member
Dr Starling is a lifelong educator who has held many leadership positions in education. He spent many years as a high school administrator and has a successful track record for improving academic performance. Dr Starling's experience with curriculum, high academic achievement and development of high schools will be instrumental in growing this next phase of UDS.