NCPTA Has New Executive Leadership!

For Immediate Release

NCPTA Has New Executive Leadership!

President and Executive Director Have Wealth of PTA Experience

Raleigh, NC, August 21, 2019:  The Board of Directors of the North Carolina Parent Teacher Congress (NCPTA) is pleased to announce two new leaders at the helm – President Harold Dixon, and Executive Director Mari Urness. Harold and Mari each have a long tradition of working with PTAs and schools in a variety of ways.

Harold has been with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district for 32 years and currently serves as a Family Engagement Specialist.  His PTA experience includes serving as the first African American male president of the Mecklenburg PTA Council, and instituting many trainings, programs, and leadership development opportunities there. The council’s membership and budget tripled under him, and he received the NCPTA Oak Leaf Award for creating the male engagement initiative, “Be There Dad.” For National PTA, Harold has served as the Host/Ambassador for the 2015 National PTA Convention held in Charlotte, and served on the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee.

Mari has served as Minnesota State President as well as Federal and State Legislative Chair, and National Vice Chair of the Committee for Diversity and Equity of National PTA. In her work with PTA, she reorganized grassroots efforts to better empower local units, was an advocacy trainer, and served on the boards of many organizations that directly influence child wellness, including the Minnesota Department of Education Assessment and Accountability Board. Mari has also taught theatre, arts, and communications to special ed, gifted, and at-risk students as well as having been a high school speech and athletic coach.

Harold had this to say about taking on his new role: “It is an honor to be at the helm of this organization as we celebrate 100 years. North Carolina PTA has a long tradition of advocating for the children of North Carolina, and I am passionate about the mission of ‘Every Child. One Voice.’ All children deserve to have someone fighting for them, and I look forward to being one of many continuing and expanding on our mission over the next two years.”

Mari said: “I am thrilled by the opportunity to further empower those working in North Carolina on behalf of our children. The ability to advocate effectively is critical, as there are so many things impacting children today. We have the infrastructure in place to bring issues from even the smallest communities to the governor’s office, and I am excited to do my part to improve the lives of children all across the state. It is an honor to be part of this organization.”

About NCPTA

North Carolina PTA is the state’s oldest and largest volunteer organization advocating for every child to reach their full potential. Founded in 1919 and affiliated with National PTA, there are more than 960 Parent Teacher Associations in schools across the state with more than 110,000 members. PTAs provide advocacy, vital volunteers, and material resources to their schools. NCPTA supports PTA units and provides programs, training, and advocacy on behalf of North Carolina’s children.

Contact: Mari Urness, Executive Director
North Carolina PTA
Phone (919) 787-0534
Fax (919) 787-0569
office@ncpta.org
3501 Glenwood Ave
Raleigh, NC 27612