Our Board Of Directors
Our board of directors at Sister Cities of Durham consists of people who are from diverse backgrounds and skill sets, and are passionate about about cultural exchange.
At Large Members are nominated to serve 3 year terms.
City Committee Chairs are Board Members.
Board Of Directors* and
City Committee Chairs
Oct. 2026 - Oct. 2027
Mike Rooney*
At Large, Presiden
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Nancy Cox*
At Large, Treasurer
She is a member of the Sister Cities of Durham executive committee and Board Secretary. She most recently worked at Bike Durham as Director if Development and Communication and has a career in K-12 Public Education.
Violet Evans
Co-Chair, Kunshan
Her background in biostatistics, she is interested in applying quantitative methods to issues at the intersection of China, demographics, and culture. She is specifically interested in understanding China’s growing global influence and emerging economic growth through a public health lens.
Katie Vanhoy*
At Large and Co-Chair Kavala
is the Associate Director of the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum. She has served on the Kavala, Greece City Committee since 2018 and was part of SCD's initial delegation to Kavala in 2028 to partner with Kavala's Tobacco Museum.
Leslie Fischer
Co-Chair, Durham, UK
She is a nutritionist. she has traveled extensively including in Turkey. Leslie is also serving as the Interim Office Manager through January 2025.
Chris Boyer*
Chair of Toyama
She retired from a career with Durham City administration. She led the committee in developing an annual exchange between Toyama and Durham Tech.
Susanna Ochala*
At Large and Chair, New Cities Committees
She is an at Large director at Sister Cities of Durham and Executive Staff, Event Planning, and Community Engagement at Self Help.
Dot Borden
LifeTime Director
She is the founder of Sister Cities of Durham.
Gwenn Bookman*
At Large, and Co-Chair, Arusha
She is a Associate Professor of Poltical Science at Bennett College and has a focus on Global Studies.
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John Felheim*
At Large, Secretary
He is interested in blending media and culture into engaging content that stands out from the conventional. Most recently, John held a professional position coordinating Internal Events and Communications for a faith community in Durham. John has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a Japanese Culture minor from the University of South Carolina and he studied at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. He has also joined the Toyama committee.
Mark Goodwille*
At Large, Vice President, Co-Chair, Zhuzhou and Zhuzhou Board Representative
He had a career in education and video production. He developed our ties with Zhuzhou, China as a sister city with Durham.
Lusia Li
Co-Chair, Zhuzhou
She ls a Senior Programmer Analyst with Duke University
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Dr. Carolina Vera Reséndiz*
Chair, Celaya
She is a prosthodontist from Mexico City, earned her DDS from UNAM in2000 and completed her MS and specialty training in Prosthodontics and Oral Implantology at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Eve Marion
Co-Chair, Durham, UK
She is a past President and works at Duke University's Clinical Research institute.
Di Qin*
At Large, Vice President
He is an accomplished MD, PhD, and MBA candidate at Duke University, where he is the President of the Duke Chinese Students and Scholars Association (DCSSA). With a strong background in global healthcare leadership, strategic partnerships, and non-profit management, Dr. Qin is passionate about fostering international relations and cultural exchanges, particularly between Durham and its sister cities.
Mitch Scurtu
Chair, Sibiu
He has close ties to Ramona and a 30+ career in major Pharma and CRO companies.
Ronda Pierce*
Co-Chair, Arusha and Arusha Board Representative
She is a board memeber with Sister Cities International (SCI), serving as the SCI country Representation to Tanzania.
James Long*
Co-Chair, Kunshan, Kunshan Board Representative and Chair Economic Development
His background in international business and venture development, he focuses on strengthening economic and cultural ties between Durham and Kunshan through business, innovation, and educational exchanges. As an entrepreneur with active projects in China, James is determined to build a bridge for others hoping to follow the same path. He believes that mutual understanding is key to unlocking opportunities. Drawing on his experience in China’s startup and investment ecosystem, he is particularly interested in how cross-border collaboration can foster sustainable growth and mutually beneficial technological exchange between the U.S. and China.
Alma Reynaga*
At Large
She is the Director, CSP Operations ISG - Global Supply Chain at Lenovo US. Alma graduated with Honors as Engineer in Computer Sciences, and a Master in Innovation for the Entrepreneurial Development degree by the ITESM University. Alma lived and worked in the Triangle from 2010 to 2012 and was happy to return from her hometown in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2019 to assume her current position with Lenovo. Alma has been an active member of the Celaya, Mexico City committee and also volunteers with Raleigh Sister Cities. She is very passionate about connecting with different cultures, and sharing her Mexican heritage
Brady Surles*
Co-Chair, Kavala and Kavala Board Representative
He is a past SCD President and served the organization through many initiatives.