• BOARD ELECTIONS

    Board elections will be held March 25 - 28, 2025.  All stakeholders will receive a ballot via email. Each full-time faculty/staff member receives a vote as well as each parent receiving one vote per child enrolled at GTCHS. This year there are five (5) open positions on the GTCHS Board of Directors for the 2025-2027 term.  Below are the biographies of the people running for these seats. They are posted in the order that their applications were received.

    Received January 31, 2025

    Terrie McGill - Parent 

    With over 16 years of experience serving on boards across the Upstate and working with nonprofits to address immediate community needs, I am deeply committed to making a meaningful impact. My background has provided me with a strong understanding of organizational governance, strategic planning, and community engagement.

    I believe that a Board should truly represent the organization or school it serves, ensuring alignment with its mission and values. As someone who understands the importance of being present—not just for my student, but for the community as a whole—I am dedicated to fostering collaboration, advocating for resources, and driving positive change.

    I am confident that my experience and passion make me a great fit for the GTCHS Board of Directors, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to its continued success.

    Received February 3, 2025

    Uta Samuel - Current Board Member and Former Parent

    I am currently serving my fifth term as Secretary on the Greenville Technical Charter High School (GTCHS) Board of Directors. I am involved in several committees, including executive, financial, appeals, and academic excellence. Both my daughters graduated from GTCHS and are now pursuing graduate studies. I have been actively involved in my children's education, previously serving in PTA roles at their elementary and middle schools. Additionally, I have been a member of the Rotary Club for 21 years, currently with the Rotary Club of the Reedy River, Greenville.

    My educational background includes a Master's in Food Chemistry from the University of Hamburg and a Master's in Chemistry from Texas Christian University. I am a German State licensed Food Chemist and have worked as a Biopharmaceutical Chemist at Eli Lilly & Co. and am currently a small business owner.

    GTCHS, the first charter school in South Carolina, serves as a model for the middle college system nationwide. I am proud of the board's achievements, such as opening The Student Learning Center, which features the state's only AOPA STEM program, a gym, new computer labs, and a full fine arts program with a Black Box theater. My goal is to provide young people with the best educational opportunities, and believe that GTCHS offers more than a traditional high school experience.

    Received February 11, 2025

    Kelly Baird - Parent

    Kelly Baird, Senior Program Manager at the SC Council on Competitiveness, brings over 25 years of entrepreneurial expertise and community leadership in Upstate South Carolina. With experience launching eight businesses and training with multiple Fortune 500 companies, she focuses on industry, education, and workforce development. Previously, as Managing Director of The Hill Institute at Furman University, Kelly led strategic planning, funding, and program execution, mentoring students and community members while strengthening South Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    Her leadership extends to organizations like Gratefull Greenville, The City of Greenville Design Review Board, Christ Church Episcopal School, and The Upstate Children's Museum. She also founded The Downtown Business Association and The Downtown Holiday Committee in Greenville, SC.

    Outside of work, Kelly cherishes time with her children, traveling, live music, yoga, and laughter with loved ones, embodying her passion for both professional success and personal joy.
     

    Received March 8, 2025

    Chris Jonker - Former Parent

    My name is Chris Jonker. For the last two years, I have served on the GTCHS Board of Directors as the Facility Committee Chair. I started volunteering for the Facility Committee during the construction of the SLC. At that time, both of my children attended GTCHS. I appreciated the commitment of the faculty to my kids, and this is an opportunity to give back.

    I am currently engaged with the constructor and architect for the design and modifications to Building 120. Continuing this project, as a Board Member, and seeing it to completion would be very gratifying. My degree is in mechanical engineering, and I work at Fluor Corporation as a lead engineer. Outside of work, I am very involved with our church and enjoy all things outdoors with my wife of 25 years and our adult children. 

    Received March 9, 2025

    Chandra Snyder - Community Business Person

    I am employed by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System as a Sr. Compliance Specialist. My career has been in Healthcare Compliance and Education. I earned a BS/BA from Xavier University and taught elementary school in Cincinnati, Ohio, prior to obtaining a Master's degree in Education from Clemson University. 

    I currently serve on the GTCHS Board as well as the AnMed Federal Credit Union Board. I am fully involved in Greenville's Euphoria, a food and wine festival, and serve as a team lead for events.