Leadership

Charles Hall is the Communications Manager for Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering at NC State University, with a mission to translate engineering into words, images, and engaging content that accelerates the next generation of innovators.
He has previously operated in communication roles at Vanier College, Montreal, and served as Deputy Director of Leaders International in Washington, DC, working to provide leadership training and opportunities with high school students around the world. He is the Staff Senate Chair representing the over 7,100 staff at NC State, after serving as the Chair of the Communications Committee.

Dr. Jameco McKenzie is a distinguished higher education professional with extensive experience in student affairs, student success, and belonging. Currently serving as the Director of Multicultural Student Affairs at NC State University, he oversees a student success center focusing on leadership development, academic enrichment, education, mentorship, and student support. 

Dr. McKenzie has a strong background in creating and implementing culturally relevant activities that enhance student retention and success; particularly for underrepresented and marginalized groups. With a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, graduate certificates focused on anti-racism and counselor education, and a master’s in higher education student affairs, Dr. McKenzie has demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering inclusive environments and supporting student development for all students through various leadership roles, teaching, and mentorship initiatives.

Dr. McKenzie has served in the NC State Staff Senate since 2020.
He is currently an officer of the Staff Senate, serving as the current chair-elect, a 2023-24 parliamentarian, past chair of the NC State Staff Senate Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and previously served as a senator representing the academic and student affairs division.

Kenny Ferguson, IT Director at NC State University’s Friday Institute, brings a wealth of experience in Information Technology and Business. He holds an MBA and a B.S. in Information Technology from The University of Arizona Global Campus, and was featured on the cover of Forbes in April/May 2022. At the Friday Institute, he excels in IT budgeting, procurement, and fostering interdepartmental collaboration.

A passionate child welfare advocate, Kenny mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle and supports Path Changers, a transitional housing program for teens aging out of foster care in NC. He also serves as Director of Security for the Special Olympics of North Carolina summer games, sits on the board of Wake Monarch Academy, and is a Senior Advisory board member to Apex Assembly out of Manhattan NYC.
Kenny also coaches youth and high school sports here in Wake County.

James has spent nearly all of his career in Operational Leadership roles, where he learned that you can never succeed, unless your subordinates feel successful. Lao Tsu once said “To lead people, walk beside them”. With this as James’ professional Ethos, he has always taken pride in his ability to empower his employees to pull out their full potential and ability. “The fastest way to do this is to see the job through their eyes and understand their reality. You can’t have expectations and teach a job or skill that you haven’t mastered yourself.”

James attended Colorado State University for undergrad in Business Management with a minor concentration in Aerospace.  From launching satellites and spacecraft to physically moving houses, his career has spanned a variety of occupations.  He has spent nearly 20 years in leadership roles managing individuals and teams across multiple disciplines. James has seen one of the biggest challenges for many employees over the years has been integrating technology into their personal and professional lives. James has always enjoyed helping his staff and peers bridge that gap. In his current role here at NC State, James manages his divisions technology hardware and software resources. He always tries to make our technology operationally efficient as well as accessible to all employees.

Alan Porch is the Business Manager of the Department of Mathematics in the College of Sciences. Prior to his time in mathematics, Alan was the Business Officer for University Communications at NC State and has been a member of the NC State Community for over 18 years. A North Carolina native, Alan spent time working as an Equity Stage Manager at West Virginia’s State Professional Theatre, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, where he also worked as the Business Manager in addition to his production responsibilities. Alan is lucky to have done all the jobs he said he wanted as he grew up, from being an ice cream man, to being on the radio, to working at Tweetsie. Alan uses his varied background to represent all NC State Staff whether they are in Raleigh, or anywhere in North Carolina, working to build the community we want to be for a better NC State.