Davidson, NC (January 13, 2026) – Davidson Community Foundation (DCF) has named five local residents to serve three-year terms on its board of directors. They include: Nora Barger, Whitney Feld, Susan Manning, Chris Marsciano and Vanessa Victor.

“These new board members bring a great deal of experience in local civic issues as well as in strategic planning and leadership,” says DCF Board Chair, Jim Merrifield. “We have been fortunate to have board members, past and present, who are dedicated to ensuring and enhancing the quality of life for all residents in Davidson, especially as it relates to affordable housing, early childcare, and issues affecting seniors.”

Nora Barger, a leader in driving renewable energy, community solar and sustainability initiatives, brings experience in project development, policy analysis, community engagement and organizational strategy. She has held advisory roles for the Town of Davidson’s climate and planning initiatives and has served on the DCF Grants committee since 2020.

Whitney Feld is president of the $180 million Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation, a private family foundation dedicated to long-term community impact through strategic philanthropy. She spent six years at the Foundation For The Carolinas where she advanced to Vice President of Philanthropic Advancement.

Susan Manning served as Human Resource Director for four departments within the North Carolina State Government. She served as director of HR for Mecklenburg County government for 13 years and has worked as a consultant for numerous local governments and nonprofits throughout the region.

Chris Marsicano is Associate Professor of Educational Studies at Davidson College and Director of the Institute for Public Good. Marsicano earned his undergraduate degree at Davidson, a master’s in public policy at Duke and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt. He currently serves on the board of the Davidson-Cornelius Child Development Center.

Vanessa Victor, recently retired from Davidson College where she served as a coordinator supporting multiple academic departments. She brings extensive experience in community service including voter registration campaigns, advocacy for underrepresented populations and outreach ministry leadership. She currently serves on the board of Davidson Housing Coalition.

Founded in 2020, DCF was established to bolster local nonprofit organizations. Guided by a diverse board of directors, DCF expands philanthropic efforts in the community and directs funding where and when it’s needed most. Since its inception, DCF has raised more than $1.4 million to provide assistance for projects designed to enhance the lives of residents. The organization’s flexibility allows DCF to respond quickly to challenges such as the disruption of SNAP benefits. DCF recently awarded Ada Jenkins Center a $10,000 grant to help provide food to those whose benefits were stopped during the governmental shutdown.

To learn more about Davidson Community Foundation or to donate, visit www.davidsoncommunityfoundation.org