Leadership Team

Meet Our Team

Executive Director

Jessica Trosch

Executive Director
With more than a decade of nonprofit and educational leadership experience, Jessica Trosch brings a remarkable combination of strategic insight, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to community impact. Her career spans teaching, international service work, and executive leadership in organizations focused on child and family well-being. A Maxwell Scholar and summa cum laude graduate of Syracuse University with a Master of Public Administration, Jessica's leadership style is rooted in collaboration, compassion, and a drive for measurable change.

As Lift Up Carolinas continues to grow as an independent nonprofit, Jessica's leadership marks an exciting new chapter in advancing our mission to feed, clothe, mentor, and educate children and families across the Charlotte region.
Lauren Bowley

Lauren Bowley

Mecklenburg County Teen Court Director
Elizabeth Ouzts

Elizabeth Ouzts

Administrator
Board of Directors ```

Board of Directors

Linda Nash
President
Jeri Casey
President-Elect
Melissa Manning
Secretary
Diana Gibbs
Treasurer
Jack Ternes
VP Fund Development
Natalie Norman
VP Philanthropic Programs
Clare Dykeman
VP Marketing & Communications
Mary Lou Grgurich
VP Education
Ann Villier
VP Operations & Technology
Kim Aquila
VP Member & Volunteer Services
Herb Peck
VP Strategic Planning
Dolores Jones
Parliamentarian
Advisory Council

Advisory Council

Jeffrey D. Schroeder
Executive Vice President
US Bank Wealth Management
Denis Tontodonato
Retired VP CFO
Colfax Corporation-Fluid Handling Division
Steve Santee
Vice President
Lowry & Associates, Inc.
Randy Russell
President
Sports Med Properties
Ramona Holloway
Community Relations and Civic Engagement Director
The Mint Museum
Sharon Davis, PHR
Chief Human Resources Officer
Ascend Nonprofit Solutions
Elsa Gillis
News Reporter
WSOC-TV
Dr. Nicole Campbell
Chief Impact Officer
Smart Start of Mecklenburg County
Floyd R. Davis, Jr.
Retired nonprofit executive, President & CEO
Community Link
Stephanie Briggs Evans
Partner
McGuireWoods LLP
Kim Brattain
CEO, Media production company
Kim Brattain Media