Durham Tech Foundation welcomes 2027 Board of Directors members, announces Board leadership update
The Durham Tech Foundation has welcomed Diane Evia-Lanevi and Amy Taylor to its Board of Directors as part of its 2027 cohort of new board members. The Foundation also announced a leadership transition involving Board Chair Ellen Shannon, who has been appointed to the Durham Technical Community College Board of Trustees.
The new members bring significant experience in community leadership, education, philanthropy, and the life sciences industry to the Foundation Board as it works to expand philanthropic support for Durham Tech students and advance the College’s strategic priorities.
“Amy and Diane bring tremendous professional expertise as well as a deep commitment to education and our community,” said Roxanne Miller, Vice President and Chief Institutional Advancement Officer at Durham Tech and Executive Director of the Durham Tech Foundation. “Their perspectives will strengthen our Board as we work to connect philanthropy and community partnership with Durham Tech’s vision for expanding opportunity, supporting student success, and meeting the evolving workforce needs of our region. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and excited to welcome them to the Foundation.”
New Board members
Diane Evia-Lanevi is a civic and philanthropic leader, writer, and advocate whose work has centered on expanding opportunities for children, students, Latino communities, and immigrants. A former journalist and freelance writer, she has devoted much of her community service to organizations focused on education and opportunity. Her extensive leadership includes service on the boards of the Emily K Center, NC Child, American Immigration Council, Code the Dream, Triangle Community Foundation, Durham Nativity School, and other organizations.
Evia-Lanevi also brings a longstanding connection to Durham Tech. She served on the executive search committee for the College president in 2019 and on the Durham Tech Board of Trustees’ Student Success Committee from 2020 to 2025. She founded and chaired The Tomorrow Fund for Hispanic Students, a Triangle Community Foundation scholarship fund that was recognized by the White House in 2015 as a Bright Spot in Hispanic Education.
“I am honored to join the Durham Tech Foundation Board and support its mission of expanding access to education," Evia-Lanevi said. "Durham Tech is an invaluable resource for our region, and I look forward to supporting its continued impact in our community.”
Amy Taylor is Director of Quality Assurance at Novo Nordisk in Durham and brings more than 28 years of experience across pharmaceutical manufacturing, analytical development, and quality control. Throughout her career, she has led global quality initiatives, strengthened compliance frameworks, driven continuous improvement, and built high-performing teams in complex, highly regulated environments.
Taylor is passionate about developing people and fostering strong culture of collaboration and quality. Her leadership and industry experience will provide an important perspective as Durham Tech continues to strengthen education and workforce pathways supporting the Triangle’s growing life sciences sector.
“I am honored and excited to join the Durham Tech Foundation Board and support an institution that creates life-changing opportunities for students while helping meet the workforce needs of our region,” Taylor said. “Durham Tech is instrumental in developing highly skilled talent that benefits both individuals and the companies that drive growth across the Triangle. I look forward to working with fellow board members to advance the Foundation’s mission and expand opportunities for student success.”
Shannon appointed to Durham Tech Board of Trustees
The Foundation also announced that Ellen Shannon, Chair of the Durham Tech Foundation Board of Directors, has been appointed by the North Carolina Senate to her first term on the Durham Technical Community College Board of Trustees. Shannon was sworn in during the Board of Trustees’ August meeting.
Shannon will continue serving as Chair for the remainder of her term and will then transition to serving as the Trustee Representative on the Durham Tech Foundation Board, strengthening the connection between the College’s governing board and the Foundation.
Shannon is an entrepreneur and lifelong media builder who has spent more than five decades launching and growing magazines, digital platforms, events, and information-based businesses. Twenty years ago, she co-founded Triangle Media Partners with her late husband, Dan, building a company that serves communities across the Triangle through publications including Durham Magazine and Chapel Hill Magazine. In 2025, she fulfilled a succession plan by selling the business to Rory Gillis, a longtime employee and minority business partner.
Driven by a commitment to helping others step into leadership and pursue their aspirations, particularly those without traditional access to privilege or professional connections, Shannon has championed generosity, resilience, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others.
“Serving Durham Tech Community College is an honor, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting the College in my new role as a Trustee,” Shannon said. “Durham Tech is recognized as one of the most innovative community colleges in the country, and its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students, our community, and area businesses is truly exceptional. I look forward to continuing to support the College’s continued growth and success and helping advance its important mission.”
Durham Tech Foundation Board of Directors
Additional Durham Tech Foundation Board of Directors members include Andre Blackman, True Search; Mary Bus, Vice Chair, UNC Health System; J.B. Buxton, Secretary, Durham Technical Community College; Kelly Calabria, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina; Kenneth Gibbs, McConnell Jones; Ryan Hampton, Priovant Therapeutics; Tai Huynh, Acta Solutions; Andrew Kleitsch, Treasurer, Durham Technical Community College; Terry McDonnell, Duke University Health System; Brendan Moylan, Sports Endeavors; Venus Myles, PNC Bank; Brandt Smith, SGS Contracting; and Bill Stokes, retired from Morgan Stanley.
About the Durham Tech Foundation
The Durham Tech Foundation supports Durham Technical Community College by building philanthropic partnerships and securing private resources that advance student success and the College’s strategic priorities. Through scholarships, emergency assistance, program and faculty support, capital investments, and partnerships with individuals, foundations, and businesses, the Foundation helps expand educational opportunity and strengthen Durham Tech’s impact throughout Durham and Orange counties.