RALEIGH, N.C.—WakeEd Partnership today announced Don Esposito, General Counsel at UNC REX Healthcare, as chair of the Board of Directors for the 2016 – 2017 fiscal year.

Esposito earned his bachelor's degree from UNC Chapel Hill and his law degree from Harvard Law School. Since 2006, he has worked to manage the legal affairs of one of the largest companies in Wake County, UNC REX Healthcare. With more than 5,400 staff members, Esposito knows the value of a highly trained workforce. This is why he works to support activities and organizations that inspire excellence in education.

Esposito has been a part of WakeEd for several years. His vast experience in business will aid the partnership in every area. Esposito will be able to offer particular insight on the field of healthcare as WakeEd continues to focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. In the past, Esposito served on the Board Development Committee, helping WakeEd find new business leaders that could push the organization forward. Esposito picks up the torch from Doug Sprecher, ‎Senior Vice President - Branch and Consumer Sales Strategy at First Citizens Bank, who officially finished his term as Board Chair at the end of June.

Esposito’s leadership team on WakeEd’s Executive Committee will include:

Chair-Elect of the Board Scot McAlexander (Xenith Bank)

Vice Chair – Finance (Treasurer) Scott Duda (Cherry Bekaert LLP)

Vice Chair – Board Development Gordon Brown (Alfred Williams & Co.)

Vice Chair – Fund Development Rob Burlington (SteelFab of VA, Inc.)

Vice Chair – Programs John Hummel (Sinclair Broadcasting)

Past Chairs of the Board Doug Sprecher (First Citizens)

Gary Greene (Greene Resources)

Secretary Steve Parrott (Wake Education Partnership)

Counselor at Large Walt Tippett (Brooks Pierce)

Member-at-Large Cara Greening (Clancy & Theys)

Member-at-Large Marion Robinson (SECU)

"The business community depends on a strong public school system and taking this leadership role will allow me to be a voice for the business community on education issues," Esposito said. “I look forward to continuing WakeEd’s strong tradition of determined advocacy for educational excellence and support for the educators that form the backbone of our public school system."

About WakeEd Partnership

WakeEd Partnership is an independent, non-profit organization comprised of business and community leaders committed to improving public education. Since 1983, the Partnership has advocated for excellent educational opportunities for all students in the Wake County Public School System. For more information, please visit www.wakeed.org.

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