UA Board of Directors

Appointed in 2022

Jeremiah earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Gardner Webb University. In addition, he serves as a Deacon at Sardis Baptist Church in Indian Trail.

“Serving on the Board of Directors is a true honor for me. I am excited to be a part of the Union Academy team. I will always keep the children of Union Academy first in each decision I make. The only way to continue to be such a great school is through families working with the staff to ensure every student is successful. The safety and wellness of each staff member will also be a focus of my work.”

Tanisha ia a Human Resources Director at Wingate University, and Zumba Instructor.  She is married to Bo, and has 1 son and 1 daughter.  She attended Michigan State University -Eli Broad College of Business, Hospitality Business, and Wingate University – Dec 2022, Master of Business Administration (MBA).  She has obtained her SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), and American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certification. 

Born into a family of advocates of education, Tanisha has worked with students for years through volunteering to read to third graders, mock interviews and resume assistance for high school students.  As parents who are heavily involved with their own children’s education, Tanisha and her husband have volunteered in her children’s classrooms over the past 12 years and have researched and gotten their children into the best schools and programs based on their needs and goals.   Tanisha is excited and eager to continue her passion for education as a part of the Union Academy Board of Directors.

Dawn Brooks, a Union County native. I am married to Chris with 3 children who all are ‘UA Lifers”. I am the Executive Director with Atrium Health at Home – University City and Stanly. I have been in healthcare for 30 years serving Union, Anson, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Stanly, and Montgomery counties.  I am active in my church, Midway Baptist Church, Wingate, serving as Clerk, Nominating committee member, and VBS assistant director.

“I have seen Union Academy’s foundation strengthen and grow since 2006, when my son began kindergarten. Now as my children are finishing up their years at Union Academy, I am excited to be able to continue to be an active role in helping to uphold the mission and vision of Union Academy by serving on the Board of Directors.”

Appointed in 2020

schoolboard@unionacademy.org

Todd moved from New Hampshire to Union County, North Carolina with his wife Carolyn in 2005.  Carolyn and Todd have two children who attend Union Academy.

Todd is a CPA with more than 18 years of experience in the manufacturing industry.  He currently is the Director of Finance for an Architectural Accessories Division of Assa Abloy, a global leader in opening solutions.

“I believe the philosophy of Union Academy is to develop students academically, but equally as important, is the development of student’s values.  I want to ensure Union Academy continues to maintain these focuses.”

Appointed: 2023

Watinia Goforth (T.J.) is a Captain with the City of Monroe Police Department and has been there for 26 years.  She is married to Tommy and they have 3 sons.  She has a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice and a Master in Business Administration (MBA), both from Pfeiffer University.  She is a small business owner, Lucky Ducks Kids Consignment located in Monroe.

The strong character foundation and the family atmosphere that Union Academy offers is enlightening and much needed.

Being able to give back to my community by volunteering is more than just an opportunity, it is a reward. 

schoolboard@unionacademy.org

Appointed in 2019

Ed has more than 40 years of national and international experience in the water industry having served in executive positions in both the public and private sector for the past 30 years. From 2009 until his retirement in June 2018, Ed served as the Executive Director of Public Works for Union County, NC .

Ed holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the City College of New York and a Master in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University

Ed is married with two grown children and five grandchildren, one of whom attends Union Academy.

Casey Kriutzfield (krits-field) moved to Wesley Chapel in 2016 with his wife Brandee and two boys, both of whom attend Union Academy.

Casey is a software engineering consultant with Microsoft, focused on Federal, State, and Local government organizations, as well as the FinTech industry.  Casey holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, as well as an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a focus on Finance. He became a board member so he can help continue making Union Academy a place where students like to attend class, parents like to take their children to, and teachers want to teach at. 

“I want to help Union Academy continue to be a place where all students feel welcome and excited to learn every day, where parents feel good about their child’s education and know they are in good hands, and where teachers and staff feel appreciated and excited to come teach every day. Character education was one of the things about UA that brought us here but that feeling of family is what’s kept us here.”

Appointed: 2023

Lizzie Lee has lived in Union County for more than 30 years. She and her husband have been part of the Union Academy community since 2013 and have 2 sons currently attending. 

Lizzie graduated from Wingate University with a degree in Environmental Biology. She worked for Union County Environmental Health before having children. She and her family own a hobby farm, raising sheep, turkeys, and chickens. They also own a small business in Monroe that specializes in selling equipment for manufacturing. 

“We have been a part of the UA community for many years and I am excited to have the opportunity to be on the Board of Directors. My boys have flourished here and love coming to school everyday. We have experienced wonderful relationships with teachers and staff, parents and friends, and appreciate the community UA creates and positive learning environment for children. I look forward to this role and continuing to make UA a great school.”  

Partner at Mako Medical

Wife, Ashley (UA ’09 Graduate), daughter, Merritt

Monroe High School, Campbell University B.S., Meredith College Post-Bac Cytogenetic Oncology

 “I have seen firsthand how Union Academy is making a differing in the community, and I want to be a part of that.  I know many individuals who had the privilege to go to Union Academy, and they are all hard-working and upstanding people. My wife had the honor to be a part of the first ever graduating class at Union Academy, so I am able to witness every day the product of the values and character that Union Academy instills into its students. These values are vital to growing a stronger school and surrounding community, and I so want to be a part of that.”

Tyler Mills is a lifelong resident of Union County. Tyler and his wife, Emily, have three children with two boys attending Union Academy. Tyler works within the Legal Department at Bank of America. Prior to Bank of America, Tyler worked as Detective with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and a Deputy Sheriff with Union County Sheriff’s Office.  

“I believe UA provides an exceptional education for all students. As parents and community leaders it’s our responsibility to set high standards for our students and give them guidance and support to achieve their goals. Being involved with UA provides a better understanding about the daily activities and challenges that our children experience. I believe involvement can facilitate and expand relationships with educators so together we can provide the best opportunities for our students.” 

Brandon Reeves has lived in Union County with his wife Lisa for 23 years. He attended Mt. Calvary Christian School and currently has 2 young sons who attend UA. He is the owner of Brandon Reeves Auto World in Monroe where he has operated for over 16 years.

“My desire to serve on the UA board is one I consider the highest opportunity as serving within my community is of extreme personal importance to me. After seeing the school's growth and impact over the years, I knew this is a board I wanted to be a part of. Service is never a job or a chore in life, but rather a chance to give and show appreciation for what the community has given to my family for over 23 years of living here. It’s nothing short of a privilege to serve.

Assistant District Attorney, Union County District Attorney’s Office

Wife (Kendal) 

 UA Class of 2012, High Point University (B.A.), North Carolina Central University School of Law (J.D.) 

“As someone who has walked these halls and sat in these classrooms, I’ve learned firsthand what UA is about. From first grade when the doors opened in 2000, to graduation in 2012, I know the principles UA was founded on and have carried those with me since graduating. I’m proud of my alma mater, my home, and I’m excited to serve on the board to give back to my school.”