Board Candidates

Three candidates are vying for two open seats.  The board elections take place May 9 - May 11th (be on the lookout for an email the morning of May 9th).   The profiles of the three candidates can be found below:

Rebekah Contri Sr Business Operations Analyst at Duke Energy Rock Hill, South Carolina beckycontri@gmail.com 

Check all that apply:

  • Experience with Business
  • Parent/Legal Guardian of Riverwalk Academy Student(s)
  • Resident of South Carolina

College and Training: Indiana State University, BA Sciences - Criminology Indiana State University, MBA Elective boards/programs through work

Board Experience:

  • Leadership Development Network Chair 2019-2021,
  • Leadership Development Network Co-Chair 2017- 2018
  • Leadership Development Network Programs Chair 2016-2017
  • Leadership Development Network Membership Chair 2013-2015

Why do you want to serve on the Riverwalk Academy Board of Directors?

I would like to serve on the board as I want to be more active in our youth's education. I have background in understanding data and using it to balance the needs of the customer with the needs of the company. I feel this would be valuable in transitioning it to the needs of students vs the school.

How do you hope to advance the mission of Riverwalk Academy by serving on the board?

I hope to advance the mission of Riverwalk Academy by adding my skills (data analysis) to find the best policies and outcomes for our students and the school.

What do you see as your greatest strengths, and what positive additions can you bring to this board? My greatest strength is to find the big, wholistic picture and use it to find the best overall outcomes. I aim to ensure we look at this big picture to plan for the future and not get sucked into the immediate fixes. 

 Please provide one example of something you feel Riverwalk Academy is doing well. Also, what do you consider to be the most important issue for the school to focus on in the immediate future? One thing Riverwalk Academy does well is how they treat their teachers and staff. The retention rate is quite compared to many other schools.I believe the most important issue to focus on is making sure the students are prepared for life after school.

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Bridget Thomas Payroll/HR Assistant at Turner Murphy Company Inc. Rock Hill, South Carolina bridget.ervine@gmail.com

Check all that apply:

  • Experience with Business
  • Parent/Legal Guardian of Riverwalk Academy Student(s)
  • Resident of South Carolina

College and Training: York Technical College, Associates Degree- Accounting major

Board Experience:

N/A

Why do you want to serve on the Riverwalk Academy Board of Directors?

I believe this would be a wonderful and enlightening experience. I have never served on a board of directors, but I do have a child attending Riverwalk Academy and I am fully invested in the success for the school. I think it would be a great way to support the school especially with all the growth in the works over the next few years.

How do you hope to advance the mission of Riverwalk Academy by serving on the board?

I hope to make sure the parents have a voice in the growth of the school. A board of directors needs to have parents who are willing to speak up for what they feel is the best for the school and the families.

 What do you see as your greatest strengths, and what positive additions can you bring to this board? My greatest strength is being able to listen. Listen to really hear not to respond. Communication is key in every situation. I have an upbeat and fun loving personality and I think that helps me in my communication. 

 Please provide one example of something you feel Riverwalk Academy is doing well. Also, what do you consider to be the most important issue for the school to focus on in the immediate future? I think Riverwalk is doing a great job at planning for the future. This was our first year attending at Riverwalk and we couldn't be happier with the goals the school has for itself. The communication with the schools has been great. I know what is going on at all times due to the use of technology that the school has chosen to pursue.

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Mike Wallace Association Mission Strategist at York Baptist Association Rock hill, South Carolina mikew@yorkbaptists.org

Check all that apply:

  • Experience with Business
  • Resident of South Carolina

College and Training: Charleston Southern university, B.A., MDIV Southwestern Theological Seminary, MDiv Non profit board management course

Board Experience:

  • Vice chair of Renew Our Community Board
  • Pathways Community Center Board
  • York county Free Clinic Board

Why do you want to serve on the Riverwalk Academy Board of Directors?

To continue the great work that we have started in the last two years.

How do you hope to advance the mission of Riverwalk Academy by serving on the board?

Be a part of a team that sets sets a standard for excellence at Riverwalk

What do you see as your greatest strengths, and what positive additions can you bring to this board? Seeing the big picture. Visionary,  good with organization and structure 

 Please provide one example of something you feel Riverwalk Academy is doing well. Also, what do you consider to be the most important issue for the school to focus on in the immediate future? Caring for students and staff