NSA Carolinas - NSA Carolinas 2025-2026 Board

Dr. Sarah Glova: President

An educator and tech journalist turned TEDx speaker, Sarah leads with vision, clarity, and contagious energy. She’s passionate about making board service joyful and impactful, and you’ll often find her cheering others on or quoting Taylor Swift mid-sentence. As a dynamic speaker, writer, and tech expert, Sarah is known for making complex topics relatable and energizing. As the incoming President, she brings a deep commitment to innovation, meaningful member connection, and future-focused programming that reflects the heart of the NSA Carolinas community.

John Edwards: President-elect

John is a powerhouse in leadership development, combining neuroscience, strategy, storytelling, and a healthy dose of humor to drive real impact. A masterful speaker and coach, he’s known for helping teams accelerate performance through brain-based insights and heart-centered leadership. As President-Elect, John is already laying the groundwork for a strong and visionary future for our chapter. And yes, he proudly holds the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional™) designation, a mark of excellence in the speaking profession.

Larry Long Jr. – Immediate Past President

Larry’s energy is unmatched and so is his dedication to NSA Carolinas. As our 2024–2025 President, he piloted a rocket-fueled year of growth, connection, and momentum. Now, as Immediate Past President, he serves as a vital bridge to NSA National and a passionate advocate for member engagement. If there’s a mic, Larry’s ready. If there’s a win, he’s cheering the loudest. His leadership leaves a lasting legacy of enthusiasm, inclusivity, and unstoppable spirit.

Michelle Edelen – VP of Finance

Michelle empowers teams to speak up, lead boldly, and spark innovation that drives real business growth. Her signature approach, rooted in faith, leverage, opportunity, and wisdom, builds confident, high-performing cultures. As VP of Finance, Michelle brings clarity, strategic foresight, and unwavering excellence to every decision. With her at the financial helm, expect sharp focus, steady guidance, and a whole lot of grace.

Chris Vasami – Co-Chair, VP of Programs

Chris brings a major league mindset to the speaking world, literally. A former pro baseball player and championship college athlete turned high-performance coach, he knows what it takes to build momentum, master the moment, and deliver results under pressure. As VP of Programs, Chris is committed to curating dynamic, top-tier experiences that move our chapter forward. He’s an early riser, a devoted girl dad, and the kind of leader who follows through; if Chris says it’ll get done, consider it done.

Ruby Brown-Herring – Co-Chair, VP of Programs

Ruby is a powerhouse speaker and leadership expert who leads with authenticity, purpose, and heart. Her programs are not only engaging and inclusive, but they’re also grounded in research and driven by her mission. A sought-after board leader, Ruby brings deep insight, rich experience, and a collaborative spirit to every table she joins. Just ask the Raleigh-Metro SHRM board, one of many lucky enough to have her in their corner. At NSA Carolinas, she’s the kind of member champion every chapter dreams of and we’re thrilled she’s ours.

Sharon Delaney McCloud – VP of Marketing

An Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and seasoned communication strategist, Sharon knows how to craft a message that captivates and sticks. As VP of Marketing, she’ll be the driving force behind our storytelling, amplifying members, events, and the impact of NSA Carolinas with clarity and charisma. A global traveler with roots in Kenya and Tanzania, Sharon brings a rich, worldly perspective and a deep curiosity about people and places. We’re lucky to have her bringing her talents and some of her in-town time to our chapter.

Dr. Holly Sullenger – Co-Chair, VP of Membership

With a PhD in Adult Education and decades of experience in executive learning, Holly brings both deep expertise and heartfelt passion to everything she does. A true pillar in the speaker community, she’s spent her career creating meaningful connections and impactful learning experiences. As VP of Member Engagement, Holly is perfectly positioned to help us transform new member connections into lasting involvement. Her thoughtful leadership and genuine commitment to community make her an invaluable part of our team.

Dr. Erika Brown – Co-Chair, VP of Membership

Dr. Erika Brown helps high-achieving women break free from burnout and step into lives of purpose, fulfillment, and lasting impact. A dynamic speaker, coach, and retreat leader, she brings a rare blend of empathy, insight, and energy to every room she enters. She’s also a talented voiceover artist and a proud cosplayer, proof that you can be both powerful and playful. With her signature mix of warmth and wisdom, Erika is helping turn member engagement from a good idea into a meaningful movement.

Cynthia Barnes – Member-at-Large

Cynthia Barnes is the go-to expert for high-achieving women navigating bold career moves and high-stakes growth. A powerhouse speaker and advocate, she leads a movement rooted in one core truth: confidence may not pay the bills, but asking with confidence can. As Member-at-Large, Cynthia brings her signature focus and fierce commitment to excellence, elevating our member experience through masterminds, member spotlights, and special initiatives. Her leadership is bold, strategic, and always in service of lifting others higher.

2025-2026 NSA Carolinas Board Members