Meet the Staff

The Association has a small staff dedicated to serving member needs. With most staff having a background in public service, they are in a unique position to understand members’ desire for a happy, healthy, and secure retirement. It is truly an honor to serve our NCRGEA “family” members.

Tim O'Connell

Executive Director

Tim O'Connell

Executive Director

Tim's path to the NCRGEA Executive Director came after working 21 years at the YMCA, eight years at North Carolina State University, and two years at the North Carolina Museum of Art. He joined NCRGEA in June 2022 and hit the ground running when it came to his work with the organization. What he enjoys most about serving NCRGEA members is hearing their stories about the impact they made through public service at all levels to make North Carolina what it is today. Something interesting to know about Tim? He's a NC Certified Beekeeper.

Phone:+1 (919) 980-6687
Email:tim@ncrgea.com

Josephine D. Lanier

Director of Insurance Services

Josephine D. Lanier

Director of Insurance Services

As a fellow state retiree, Josephine is completely in tune with NCRGEA members’ needs. She has a degree in Human Resources Management from Baruch College NYC and has worked as a Certified Dietary Manager in a rehabilitation center and as a broker assistant to two Million Dollar producers. In 2020, she retired after working 13 years in the Department of the State Treasurer. Josephine likes helping members understand their memberships and discounts with NCRGEA and is always available to answer members’ questions. In her “other” life, she is Chef Josephine with Brown Bag Ministry out of St. Andrews Church in Apex, NC. She has been feeding those in need in the Raleigh area for over 15 years and has cooked over 70,000 home-cooked meals.

Phone:+1 (919) 834-4652
Email:josephine@ncrgea.com

Tom McCollum

Director of Communications and Engagements

Tom McCollum

Director of Communications and Engagements

After retiring from a 24-year career in the U.S. military and 16 years as the Public Affairs Officer for Fort Bragg Garrison, Tom discovered he cannot remain retired. That discovery led him here in September 2022, and he's since found a new mission serving members. He takes pride in helping them stay informed on what NCRGEA offers, how the organizaton fights for member benefits, and how NCRGEA wants to make member's lives as fulfilling as possible. Tom also worked on eight major motion pictures while he was in the Army, from Pauly Shores, In the Army Now, to Blackhawk Down.

Phone:+1 (919) 834-4652
Email:tom@ncrgea.com

Deryl Davis Fulmer, PhD

Community Liaison

Deryl Davis Fulmer, PhD

Community Liaison

Deryl spent 30+ years at colleges and universities in Wisconsin and North Carolina, primarily as an administrator and adjunct faculty. While at the University of Wisconsin, she even wrote a book chapter with her University of Wisconsin colleagues on prison education. Deryl joined NCRGEA in July 2019 after retiring from NC Community Colleges. What she enjoys most is hearing about the experiences of state and local government retirees who dedicated their lives to service. The best part, she says, is how NC retirees continue to be active and engaged, leaving legacies of care and greatness across the state. Despite her many achievements, Deryl rarely uses her hard-earned title of "Dr." We decided to add it for her.

Phone: 919-980-6681
Email:deryl@ncrgea.com

Christine Whitten

Director of Business and Operations

Christine Whitten

Director of Business and Operations

As the "glue" holding the NCRGEA office together as Office Manager, Chris has worked for various corporations and organizations as both an accountant and office manager throughout her career. She relocated from Michigan's Upper Peninsula (200 inches of snow each year) and has never regretted moving. As Chris says about living in North Carolina, there's no need for snow blowers, parkas, or ear muffs, except in the Hurricane's ice arena. Her closest confidants are of the four-legged variety.

Phone:+1 (919) 834-4652
Email:chris@ncrgea.com

Cathy Spruill

Office Assistant

Cathy Spruill

Office Assistant

Working with retirees must be in Cathy's DNA. She retired in 2013 from the NC Department of State Treasurer as a retirement benefits counselor and headed straight to NCRGEA. However, she got a head start in her 20s when she volunteered at a senior citizen center where she learned much from the seniors and their life experiences. At one point, she even appeared on a local television show to discuss the center. Cathy takes great pleasure in talking to people who've retired from the NC Retirement System because they are so appreciative of being able to speak to a "live" person when it comes to their questions.

Phone:+1 (919) 834-4652
Email:cathys@ncrgea.com

Margaret Burrell

Office Assistant

Margaret Burrell

Office Assistant

Margaret has been serving state employees and retirees for more than 30 years, first with the NC Employment Security Commission followed by the NC Retirement Systems. Following her career with the State, Margaret worked for NC Quadel Consulting and the Mt. Peace Baptist Church. She joined NCRGEA in March 2020 to continue her service to state and local government retirees. The satisfaction Margaret gets from knowing she’s helping state and local government retirees is what drives her work each day!

Phone:+1 (919) 834-4652
Email:margaret@ncrgea.com

Carol Clark

Membership and Data Specialist

Carol Clark

Membership and Data Specialist

Carol sings the praises, not only in church, but about NCRGEA when members call for information on their NCRGEA membership. Carol is your person to reach for joining the Association~ if you haven't already joined, we hope you'll give her a call!

Phone:+1 (919) 834-4652
Email:membership@ncrgea.com

Patti Dukes

Digital Content Manager

Patti Dukes

Digital Content Manager

Patti enjoys technology and all things geek! Public service for her began as a Girl Scout, continued as graphic staff in the NC Department of Commerce, and currently is on Parks and Rec Board for her hometown. As a small farmer, she continues to support our agricultural heritage. Reach out to her if you have any technology suggestions or need assistance!

Phone:(919) 834-4652
Email:digitalcontentmgr@ncrgea.com

Sara Langan

Administrative Coordinator

Sara Langan

Administrative Coordinator

Sara is a former Social Worker from Virginia, who has been working in the nonprofit sector the majority of her career. She has been supporting the local Boy Scouts of America council for the last five years in development. She joined us May 2023 as the new Administrative Coordinator. She enjoys helping people and supporting organizations dedicated to making her community stronger. Sara supports our Board and Executive Director in any and all administrative needs.

Phone:+1 (919) 834-4652

We Want To Stay In Touch!

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First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

State

Member Status

Member ID

Tim O'Connell

Josephine D. Lanier

Tom McCollum

Deryl Davis Fulmer, PhD

Christine Whitten

Cathy Spruill

Margaret Burrell

Carol Clark

Patti Dukes

Sara Langan

We Want To Stay In Touch!

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