James Martin, Board President

• Jim is a right/left brain designer and builder. He is a Professor of Chemistry at NC State University (since 1994) where his research involves designing and building with atoms and molecules and understanding complex interactions between them. Outside the classroom and lab, you will find him designing and building everything from toys to houses to theater sets, including at BCTC. Jim enjoys the artistic and technical challenges of scenic design and construction and finds it particularly rewarding to work with student designers to transform their ideas into reality on stage. Jim joined the Burning Coal Theater Board in 2025 and is currently serving as Board President. Jim has provided leadership in a range of public service capacities including at National Labs, at NC State University and the UNC system, and previously on the Wake County Board of Education.  

Jerome Davis, Artistic Director

• Jerry founded Burning Coal Theatre in 1995 with his wife, Simmie Kastner.  They moved to Raleigh in 1996 and did their first production here in 1997.  Since then, Jerry and Simmie have grown the company from a $30,000 annual budget to a budget of approximately $900,000, moved the company into the historic Murphey School auditorium, which was renovated in 2008 after a fundraising campaign that raised more than $1.5 million, and managed to get through its first 29 years entirely debt free.  Burning Coal has also performed in New York City, London, England, at the Piccolo Spoletto Festival, in Cleveland, Ohio and at the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, DC.

Brandi Gerew

• I am a Senior Vice President at Pinnacle, where I provide exceptional banking services to nonprofit entities. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, I truly understand the needs and challenges of nonprofits. I am passionate about helping them achieve their goals through strategic financial planning and management.

  I have been recognized with multiple awards and honors for my service and dedication to the community. I serve on the board of directors of eight nonprofit organizations, where I contribute my expertise and leadership.

  Recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina’s first ever Women’s Innovation Award. I received this award in recognition of my service and dedication to the community and residents of North Carolina. I also received a flag of North Carolina that was flown over the General Assembly in recognition of this award. – July 2023.

  Recipient of Made4Me’s “Community Hero” award. “In recognition of your unwavering dedication, leadership, and commitment to creating a more inclusive community. Your passion and advocacy have made a lasting impact, ensuring that individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to thrive.” – April 2025.

  Recipient of The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford – Dan Rice Orphan’s Friend Award – “to recognize all I have done and continue to do to help children succeed and promote the mission.

  3rd Place Fundraiser award as a “Star” – Red, White and Blue Party – American Cancer Society GenNow Network Triad. 

  Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential – June 2016.

  Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential – November 2018.

  Recipient of the Association Executives of North Carolina Young Professionals – FUEL Award – July 2020.

  Recipient of the Association Forum and USAE Forty Under 40® Award – August 2017.

  Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership and Management in 2016 from Michigan State University

Christopher Glover

• Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I am a born-again Christian, devoted husband, and proud father of three adult children. I have been blessed to share 28 years of marriage with my Jamaican Queen, whose love and support have been a constant source of strength and inspiration. My passion for storytelling and the arts has led me to write 35 original stage plays, with 12 productions performed locally, engaging audiences through powerful and thought-provoking narratives. Since 2024, I have proudly served as a board member of Burning Coal Theatre Company, supporting its mission to enrich lives through the transformative power of theater. I am also currently completing my independent film, LETTERS, a project dedicated to raising greater awareness of domestic violence and encouraging meaningful dialogue. Through faith, creativity, and service, I strive to inspire, educate, and make a positive impact in my community.

Seoyoung Hu

• Seoyoung Hu is a mathematics PhD student as well as an actor in Raleigh. She is originally from Korea, but has also lived in a diverse number of other countries throughout her life. She has passion for the Lord, teaching, mathematics, and acting.

Simmie Kastner, Managing Director

• Simmie was born in Cleveland Heights, moved to Chicago, went to high school and college in Washington, DC and has worked for Intel, Oracle and most recently retired after 17 years from Fidelity Investments in RTP, as a Vice President in product development.

Paul Leone, Secretary/Treasurer

• Paul Leone’s love for theatre began in the eighth grade when his English teacher handed him a copy of “Dial M for Murder” to read.  He was hooked!  In 1977 he saw his first Broadway production, The King and I, starring Yul Brynner.  Since moving to Raleigh in 1984, Paul has volunteered with several local theatres working backstage and front-of-house roles.  Paul learned of Burning Coal Theatre during their first season’s production of Pentecost (1998).  He has been a volunteer for Burning Coal ever since and joined the Board of Directors in July 2020, chairs the Technology Committee, and serves as Board Secretary since Jan 2022.

  
  

  Paul had been employed by IBM Corporation as a Software Architect and Product Manager since graduating college in 1982 until his retirement in 2024.  Paul’s other hobbies and interests include photography, yoga, travel, enjoying craft beer, being a foodie, playing with his dog, going to concerts, experiencing live theatre locally and on Broadway and beyond.

Sarah Ford Neorr

• Sarah Ford Neorr brings a distinguished career in law, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership to the board. A graduate of Miami University, Sarah began her professional life with Teach For America before earning a J.D. from New York University School of Law. She went on to build a respected career as both a lawyer and a sought-after speaker, known for translating complex issues into clear, compelling narratives.  Sarah also brings substantial governance experience, having served on the Boards of Directors for The Monti, Equality NC, Ascend Athletics, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh. She is a committed supporter of Burning Coal Theatre and its role in the Triangle’s vibrant arts scene.    

Greg Paul

• Greg began his career as a welder and journeyman carpenter before founding Greg Paul Builders in 1985, where he continues to contribute as a consultant. An active community member, he has served on multiple nonprofit boards, chaired significant projects, and led pro-bono renovations for schools and historic sites. He previously served as Board Chair for Burning Coal Theatre from 2004-2007, and oversaw the renovation of the Murphey School Auditorium in 2007. His work has earned numerous awards, including the 2006 Small Business Supporter of the Arts from the United Arts Council and several Sir Walter Raleigh Appearance Commission Awards for historic restorations. A passionate actor, musician, and avid traveler, Greg has performed in over 50 theater productions, played guitar in old-time string bands, and explored cities across North America and Europe.

Kim Schneider

• Kim grew up in Raleigh, and is a long-time resident of the Chapel Hill area.  She earned her business degree and master’s in public health from UNC, and enjoyed a challenging and gratifying career as a health care executive with the UNC and University of Pennsylvania health systems.  Just prior to retiring in 2026, Kim served as Executive Director for a nonprofit organization that supports healthy aging in a local community.  Kim first became involved with Burning Coal in its early seasons at the Murphey School, when her son performed in Inherit the Wind and The Prisoner’s Dilemma.  She is an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, and a recovering stage mom.

Zac Walls

• Zac Walls is a scientist by training and an avid supporter of the arts in his spare time. Zac earned his PhD in Pharmacology at UCLA and was a Professor at East Tennessee State University before relocating to Raleigh with his family nearly a decade ago. He currently works in the pharmaceutical industry as a regulatory scientist, leveraging his diverse scientific expertise to help sponsors find creative and efficient clinical development solutions. Zac is also the proud dad of three exceptional kids and is heavily involved in their passions, volunteering as a coach, teacher, and cheerleader as often as possible.

Andy Whiteman

• Joined the Burning Coal Theatre board in August 2026. He loves the artistic vision and mission of Burning Coal Theatre and being challenged to find deeper meanings and emotional connection in an intimate, local space.

  Andy graduated from Miami University in 1977 with a degree in economics and received a law degree from Ohio State University in 1980. After law school, he and his wife moved to move to North Carolina for their careers. He worked in private law practice with four law firms from1980 until he called it quits in 2023. In his early years, he  did everything from real estate closings to post-conviction death penalty cases. Later, he  specialized in civil lawsuits, where he represented individuals in disputes with insurers, brokerage firms, and employers.  

  His days are filled with sports, yoga, hiking, gardening, reading, traveling, and best of all spending time with our five-year old granddaughter. This year, his wife, Gwen, and he are enjoying celebrating 50 years together. 

Cecilia Zuvic

• Cecilia Zuvic is a real estate broker with Monarch Realty in Downtown Raleigh. Most recently she led sales of the Fairweather in Downtown Raleigh, the first urban condominium developed in Downtown Raleigh since before the great recession. She is also the VP of Sales and Alliances at a Cyber Security Company.  Originally from Santa Cruz, (Southern Patagonia) Argentina, she has been involved in International Trade and IT consulting for 15+ years. Her main tasks have always been to put people together and to find people that would be the right fit to work with each other. She attended school in Argentina, and majored in International Trade at Universidad de Belgrano – Buenos Aires, after living in Australia at age 17 studying Multiculturalism. Locally, she serves on the board for Visual Art Exchange (VAE) downtown and is part of the leadership group for the new Chavis Park master plan.