Board of Directors

Dr. Don Herring is the retired Division Chair for Student Services at Coastal Carolina Community College and has twenty-five years of educational leadership experience. Named North Carolina Community College's Staff Person of the Year, Dr. Herring is very engaged in the Jacksonville community and believes Sturgeon City is a wonderful organization that will instill civic involvement in the area's youth.

Mary Anne first moved to Jacksonville in 1973 and followed the progress Sturgeon City has made in promoting environmental stewardship and civic involvement. She has a background in Juvenile Probation Services and Business Management. Mary Anne is dedicated to seeing the program succeed because she feels that it is vital for both Jacksonville’s economic development and for its quality of life initiatives.

Mr. Efird grew up in Eastern North Carolina and is owner of Modern Exterminating in Jacksonville. He became involved with Sturgeon City in 2005 and feels that the nonprofit has touched many young peoples' lives in the community. He wants to get the word out about the wonderful programs Sturgeon City offers and the story of how Sturgeon City was founded.

Dr. Levine is a faculty member at North Carolina State University and specializes in Veterinarian Services. Dr. Levine has been involved in the Sturgeon City project from its conception and believes the nonprofit is a vital component to promoting environmental stewardship and civic involvement in the community’s youth.

Mr. Rouse is originally from Kinston, NC and is retired from Wachovia/Wells Fargo after a 32 year career. John has always enjoyed the outdoors and loves to fish, hunt and travel. While Mr. Rouse is a retired banker, he has a teaching degree from East Carolina University and has always been a supporter of education. His love for our coastal waters and his continued desire to support education has made his placement on the board an ideal fit. Mr. Rouse was active in the acquisition and placement of the artificial reef in New River and has participated in studies pertaining to the movement of fish in our local waters.