BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Debra currently serves as Cary Players’ President and Chief Executive Officer. Her zest for theatre started at Cary High School. She later studied Drama at ECU, took marketing classes at NYU, and finalized a degree in Cultural and Community Relations from NCSU.  Debra retired from the Town of Cary after a 31-year career in Planning and Development.  She has performed in, produced, and directed multiple shows for Cary Players and performed with Raleigh Little Theatre, Theatre in the Park, The Justice Theatre and Southern Wake Players. She was also the Assistant Scout Master for Cary's Boy Scout Troop 213 for 10 years. Debra currently teaches drama classes through Cary's PRCR Department and directs a readers theatre program with the Templeton Cary Senior Living.

Joey DeSena has been involved with Cary Players since 2017 when he played the role of the Narrator in A Christmas Story. Since then, he joined the Board of Directors in 2018 and became Chief Operating Officer in 2021. He has worked with a dozen community and professional theatres throughout the Research Triangle and spends his free time on jogging, trivia, and travel with his wife, Kirsten - who serves as the Performing Arts Specialist for the Town of Cary.

Bob has been a board member since 2005. He has served Cary Players as Chief Financial Officer, set designer, master carpenter, and scene shop manager.  Bob has 50+ years of experience in senior marketing and financial leadership roles.  A graduate of the University of Southern Indiana, he was the co-captain on the varsity basketball team, and enjoys spending time outdoors and with family and friends.  He is also a classic car enthusiast. 

Jaret has been involved with community theatre since childhood in Peoria, Illinois. As a director, actor, producer, and more, he engages with multiple institutions across the local communities to support the arts. In addition to the arts, Jaret participates in the running community with many marathons under his belt, and is a Cybersecurity professional. 

Adam is an attorney at the NC School Boards Association, where he advocates and provides policy analysis for local boards of education throughout North Carolina.  After volunteering with Cary Players on and off the stage, he joined its Board of Directors in 2024.  Passionate about serving others, Adam has previously offered pro bono estate planning services to oncology patients at the NC Cancer Hospital and has served on the NC Bar Association’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.  He lives in the Cary community with his wife, Madeline, and their two dogs, Molly and Buggy.

Leveraging 25 years in Human Resources Consulting, Jeri’s roles with Cary Players as a board member, associate producer, and volunteer coordinator have emphasized community engagement, inclusivity, and belonging since 2016.  A veteran performer, director, and arts educator from New York to California, her non-profit experience includes the USC Shoah Foundation, founded by Steven Spielberg.  In addition, Jeri and her husband, David, support Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and German Shepherd Rescue.

With 20 years of experience in commercial real estate marketing, Paula joined the Board of Directors as its Executive Secretary in 2022. In addition to performing in musicals, Paula has recently taken on prop design and other backstage duties.

Lori join Cary Players’ Board of Directors in 2025 and is a long-time volunteer and employee with a variety of nonprofits in Wake County.  Lori supports Cary Players due to its commitment to providing quality arts opportunities.  In addition to live theatre, her other interests include gardening, travel, music, and reading.

Nicole works in arts administration, while also serving as co-editor of Culture Cabinet, a site that explores the arts. She holds Master’s degrees in Public History and arts administration. After working in theatre in New York and London, she is delighted to be back in her hometown, exploring the role of board member. Nicole also volunteers with Raleigh Reads at Wiley Elementary School and supports the LGBT Center of Raleigh.

Christine joined the Cary Players Board of Directors in May 2024. She has assisted behind the scenes as a member of the stage and tech crew and has provided audition support. Christine brings 20+ years of community theatre experience in acting, dancing, and singing.  Her professional work over the last 25 years has included work in sales strategy, operations, training, HR, and leading teams. She holds an MBA and an MS in Human Resources, and currently serves as a weekly adult volunteer for the Teen Challenge Program at St. Michael Church in Cary. She enjoys traveling, dancing, and spending time with family.

Chris has been involved with Cary Players since 2013, appearing in six shows and serving in multiple backstage roles including set construction and stage management. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2017. Chris is particularly drawn to the community focus of Cary Players, as well as their emphasis on the co-equal importance of audience and performer experiences. He currently serves on his HOA board and recently completed a term as a governor-appointed member of the North Carolina Building Code Council. In his spare time, he also enjoys music, hockey, reading, and model building.

Sareek joined the Cary Players’ Board of Directors in 2024 after stage managing and volunteering for the company. With over 10 years of theatre and stage management experience across the country, Sareek is glad to support and contribute to the impact, community building, and high-quality theatre produced by Cary Players.

Having worked with Cary Players in numerous roles, both onstage and backstage since 2004, Nicola joined Cary Players’ Board of Directors in 2020. When not working on a production, she enjoys reading historical fiction and sci-fi/fantasy books, traveling, and socializing with friends.

Toni has been involved with Cary Players since 2022, joining its Board of Directors in 2024. They have previously served as president of the Tempelhof American Theatre group in Berlin, Germany. With Cary Players, Toni has worked in various roles on nearly every production since the organization’s founding. Outside of their passion for theatre, Toni is a veteran of the United States Air Force and is a retired volunteer firefighter. They enjoy sunny days and riding their Harley-Davidson.