Meet Our Board
Our Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, community connection, and long-term vision for Cognition.
Front Row: Johnsie Strand, Kim Crawford, Barbie Helton, Krysta Scott Gary, Candy Poplin | Back Row: Wendy Horne, Rex Allen, Dottie Graham, Will Munster, Grady McClamrock Jr. | Not Pictured: Whitney Phillips
Our board is made up of professionals from across industries who are deeply invested in expanding opportunities for children and families in our community.
Their leadership helps ensure that Cognition continues to grow, evolve, and deliver high-quality programs that make a lasting impact.
Our board actively supports fundraising, partnerships, and strategic growth to ensure Cognition continues to serve and inspire our community.
BOARD OFFICERS
Candy Poplin – President
Retired educator and administrator with 32 years in Davie County Schools, serving as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent of human resources; experienced community leader with service across multiple local and professional organizations
Rex Allen – Vice President
Retired educator with 33 years in Davie County Schools, serving as a teacher, coach, and principal
Johnsie Strand – Secretary
Community leader and active volunteer with a focus on event planning and creating meaningful, engaging experiences; serves as Chair of the Events Committee and brings large-scale ideas to life
Barbie Helton – Treasurer
Owner of Blaton, LLC since 2013, providing bookkeeping and payroll support for businesses and nonprofit organizations. Barbie has been an active volunteer in the school system for several years, including serving as a Wildlife Leader, and generously dedicated countless hours supporting Cognition’s financial operations and bookkeeping efforts.
BOARD MEMBERS
Dottie Graham
Vice President and Branch Manager at Skyline National Bank with 25 years in banking and a strong supporter of youth and community programs
Grady McClamrock Jr.
Attorney with decades of legal experience in Davie County and long-standing involvement in local business, community, and charitable organizations
William Munster
CFO and Co-Owner of AM Erectors with over 30 years of financial and construction leadership experience; trained civil engineer with an MBA and active supporter of the arts and local choral organizations
Wendy Horne
Founder and President of Sum5 Communications and publisher of DavieLiFE magazine, Wendy brings extensive experience in strategic marketing and community engagement. She served four terms on the Davie County Board of Education, including two years as Chair, and has held leadership roles across multiple local organizations. She was also selected as a Hunt State Policy Fellow, contributing to education policy development at the state level.
Krysta Scott Gary
School counselor with 20+ years of experience supporting middle and high school students in academic planning and college readiness
Whitney Phillips
Advisor: Kim Crawford
Brings experience in nonprofit restructuring that supported the creation of Cognition and served as founding Board President in 2018. Played a key role in guiding the organization through its early development, including challenges surrounding the 2020 opening. Returned in 2024 to support board and staff development and currently serves as an advisor to the Board of Directors.