James Secunda
Board Chair
Investor/Business owner
Mr. James (Jim) Secunda graduated from Farleigh Dickinson University in 1975 with a degree in business and marketing. He then received his Master’s degree in 1976 from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) in 1976. He began working for the INA Corporation in Philadelphia in 1977. In 1979 he started his first company, American Rehabilitation Inc., which he later sold in 2008. Jim then co-founded two additional companies, CompSource Inc. in 1993 and Synergy Coverage Solutions Inc. in 2005. In addition to his extensive business experience, Jim also generously gives of his time serving as a board member for both schools and non-profit organizations. Jim has served on the boards of: Stony Brook Prep School, Charlotte Pregnancy Center, Community Health Services, Boy Scouts of America (Special Needs Board Member) and The Epiphany School of Charlotte. In addition, he currently serves on the board of Charlotte Christian School.
Dale Halton (1937-2023)
Vice Chair emeritus
Retiree of Pepsi Cola Franchise
Ms. Dale Halton graduated from Myers Park High School and attended Agnes Scott College in Georgia. After two years she returned home to marry and start her family. In 1970 she began working for the family business, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Charlotte, managing the company’s advertising. Although many good people worked at the company the business was struggling, and in 1981 she was made President of the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Charlotte. She began successfully running the company and gradually turned it around to again become profitable. She created a charitable foundation that gave 10% of the company’s profits to charity each year. Notable recipients include UNCC Charlotte and the NC Dance Theatre. “The more you have, the more responsibility you have to give to others,” Halton said. “I think it’s important to help folks who don’t have what I have. I wish I could do more. It’s fun.” Because Dale successfully faced many obstacles working in business at a time when it was difficult for women to do so, she continued to always root for those that face challenges. She was a strong supporter of children with learning differences and Asperger’s/autism spectrum disorder, and was thrilled to be able to support schools that help the students reach their potential.
Details coming soon!
Treasurer
Derek L. Partee, MPA
Secretary
Private Investigator
Derek L.Partee served two years on the Town of Huntersville Board of Commissioners. He was elected on November 2, 2021, to a two-year term serving the citizens as liaison to the Huntersville Police Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and Greenways Committee. Mr. Partee retired in October 2007, as a Criminal Investigator with the Nassau County Police Department, NY after serving 25 years. His early retirement was due to health issues from responding to the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center. Mr. Partee was assigned to the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force as a U. S. Deputy Marshall in the Manhattan Office from 1999-2003. Derek has been trained and certified in investigating major auto crimes, dignitary protection, gang violence, homicides, narcotics, sexual offenses, and special weapons tactical response situations. Mr. Partee retired after 24 years from the Nassau County PD Homicide Squad in 2007, where he had a 100% solvability and conviction rate. Upon moving to North Carolina in 2010, he obtained his private investigator’s license and consulted on homicide cold cases for Carolina Fingerprinting /Citywide Investigations. From 2010 to 2013 Mr. Partee served as a board member for Family Support, Inc., serving on the finance committee, and as security consultant for group homes managing troubled and emotional youths. Mr. Partee has served in many community organizations, he is a life member of the NAACP and a 43-year Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Derek Partee is a graduate of Southern University (1975) and holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Long Island University CW Post College (1982). He also attended NY Institute of Technology and took courses in Industrial Labor Relations (1980).