The Queens University of Charlotte Board of Trustees will welcome four new members on July 1. This talented group of leaders represents a diverse mix of industries from across Charlotte and beyond, and they will continue a strong legacy of giving back to their communities by joining the Queens University trustees.

AlumnaPaige Ferguson Burgess ‘85has been president of family-owned Ferguson Box Company since 1994. She has served on the boards of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, First Citizens Bank, the Employers Association, and the Harris YMCA. Burgess has long been a volunteer for her alma mater, previously serving on the Queens Alumni Board, as class president, and a member of her class reunion committee for many years.

One of the highest-ranking women in the NFL,Kristi Colemanwas appointed team president of the Carolina Panthers in 2022 and is in her tenth season after serving as chief financial officer of Tepper Sports and Entertainment (TSE). Coleman began her professional career as an audit manager with Deloitte. She is a board member for the Charlotte Sports Foundation, CPCC Foundation, Charlotte Executive Leadership Council, Center City Partners, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and serves on the Finance Committee for Girls on the Run.

Dr. Saad Ehtishamhas been with Novant Health since 2019 and serves as president of Novant Health’s Greater Charlotte Market and president of Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Prior to joining Novant, Ehtisham was the senior vice president/chief operating officer at Central Florida Health and CEO of University Medical Center in Tennessee. He serves as a board member of the Charlotte Business Alliance, the Charlotte Sports Foundation, World Affairs Council of Charlotte, and Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation.

A graduate of Queens’ McColl School of Business,Sean Leary MBA ‘12will expand his service to Queens, which began as a member of the McColl School Board of Advisors. Leary, who has been with Ally Financial (NYSE: ALLY) since 2008, was named executive director of financial planning and analysis and investor relations in 2022. Leary is also a member of the firm’s Executive Council and serves as the executive sponsor of Ally’s Diverse Abilities Employee Resource Group. Prior to joining Ally, he worked at Cerberus Capital Management and GE Capital.

“We are pleased to welcome such a talented group to our board,” said board chair Jeff Brown MBA ’03. “The diverse backgrounds and experiences these new trustees bring will no doubt make them important contributors to our work. Queens continues to pursue a number of strategic initiatives designed to elevate its position as a leader in higher education. As we strive to continue expanding and enhancing the university’s reputation through academic excellence, phenomenal student experiences, and community impact, adding these committed corporate, civic, and community leaders to our board will only provide more momentum to our efforts.”

Additionally, Elizabeth Persson ‘00, a former HR executive with Red Ventures, rejoins the Queens board after a one-year hiatus. Persson originally served two four-year terms from 2014-2022. As a trustee, she chaired the Compensation Committee and served as a member of the Executive, Advancement, and Admissions & Marketing Committees.

Four other trustees will return for a second term. Elected to continue service wereTanya Blackmon MBA ’00, president of Auspen Consulting; Elizabeth Martin, principal of Elizabeth Martin Consulting; Susan McConnell ’03, ’13, director of higher education and human resources for The Duke Endowment; and Bob Salvin, founder and CEO of Salvin Dental Specialties.

Made up of 37 members, the Queens Board of Trustees serves as the governing body of the university and the trustees oversee Queens’ fiscal and physical resources and ensure the university achieves its mission and vision. Each trustee serves a four-year term.