Who We Are

North Carolinians Against Gun Violence is made up of supporters across the state. Below are our board of directors, staff, and consultants.

Board of Directors

David Beck, born and raised in Winston-Salem, is the Director of Public Policy and Media Relations at Self-Help Credit Union in Durham since 1998. 

Beth Berngartt is currently retired after a career as a paralegal followed by over 20 years working in the non-profit management field in Raleigh.  She has been an active advocate against gun violence since moving to North Carolina from Georgia in 1989.

Kathleen Clarke-Pearson is one of our newest NCGV Board members.  She is a pediatrician and a long time supporter of NCGV.  Dr. Clarke-Pearson grew up in Queens, NY and has lived in NC for several decades raising 4 children.  Her older brother is a victim of gun violence and a survivor.   

Kris Evans holds an MBA and while she has spent the last decade out of the workforce to raise her kids, she has been an active volunteer with a number of non profits in the Charlotte area.

Gerald Givens, Jr. is the President of the Raleigh Apex Chapter of the NAACP and has lost 5 family members to gun violence. He is a retired member of the air force. 

Zoe Nichols is a college student. She’s survived a code red drill, knows how to fire a gun, and believes that gun safety and personal freedom go hand in hand.

Renuka Soll has volunteered in her community while raising her children. She has been residing in North Carolina for about 15 years.

Jeremy Sugg is a husband, father and attorney in Charlotte who advocates for responsible gun ownership, and common-sense gun regulations.

Brandy Bynum Dawson is a native northeastern North Carolinian who has been active in the nonprofit community for more than 15 years as a professional, volunteer, and board member. She is a dedicated social justice advocate with deep roots in rural communities across the state. Her favorite roles are being a loving wife, and proud boy mom. 

Karen Stegman is the Mayor Pro Tem of Chapel Hill as well as a non-profit professional who brings over 20 years of experience in public health, community development, and education to the Board. A Chapel Hill native, she is now raising her two kids there, as well.

Greg Jacobs relocated to the Durham area following his retirement as Canon to the Ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark (New Jersey) where he worked with the Diocesan Bishop on gun violence programs. He has served as a priest for 27 years after practicing labor and employment discrimination law for 18 years in Cleveland, Ohio.

Staff and Consultants

Rebecca Ceartas, Executive Director, has been leading NCGV since 2014 and has 20 years of experience with non profits.

Sara Smith, Statewide Community Organizer, has a background in public health and organizing, and brings 19 years of experience with non-profits and universities to NCGV.