BRCS Board Of Directors
The mission of the BRCS Board of Directors is “To establish, protect, promote and pursue the school’s foundational documents and ensure that the school exemplifies them in all that is done through God’s guidance, provision and power.” Board members are elected for three-year terms by parents and staff at the annual corporation meeting in May of each year. The Head of School serves as an ex officio member of the board. The board focuses on the school’s long-term strategic planning, fiscal stewardship and facilities development through committees staffed by board members, BRCS staff and parent volunteers. The board delegates operational oversight of BRCS to the Head of School.
Susan Ricks Byerly (Board Term: 2023 – 2025) Susan is an Associate Director of Quality Assurance at Partner Therapeutics, where she supports the commercialization and clinical trials of oncology and bio defense biologics. With over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Susan has held various roles supporting external manufacturing, engineering, operations, and finance. Susan is a member of the Moscow Covenant Brethren Church, and she lives on the family farm in Mount Solon with her husband, Travis, and their two children, Caroline and Corbin. Susan’s belief in strong Christian education led her to BRCS. She believes that God’s Holy Word is the absolute truth, and she is committed to creating disciples of her children and being a servant leader for God’s glory.
Jennie Carr, Secretary (Board Term: 2021 – 2024) Jennie Carr is an Associate Professor of Education at Bridgewater College, where she teaches methodology coursework to teacher candidates pursuing elementary licensure. With over 15 years of educational experience, Jennie has taught all ages from elementary to doctoral students. She has published three book chapters and multiple research articles in the areas of instructional technology, attitudes and perceptions of mathematics, mentorship, and pedagogy. Jennie is a partner in ministry at New Beginnings Church where she serves as a Lifestage Ministry Leader, Core Group Leader, and in children’s ministry alongside her husband, Sam. They live in Dayton with their two children, Jonah and Grace and chocolate lab, Kimber. Jennie loves to be active, you can usually find her on the soccer pitch coaching or pounding the pavement preparing for her next race.
Phil Figura (Board Term 2021-2024) Phil is Chief Prosecutor for the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and regularly prosecutes cold case homicides and complex organized crime cases. He lives in Bridgewater with his wife Rachel and their two children, Brady (sophomore) and Eva (eighth). He is a youth leader at Crosslink Community Church and is passionate about supporting and participating in international mission opportunities.
Charles Franklin (Board Term 2022-2025) Charles and his wife Ellen are former owners of Water Works and Specialties Inc. of Harrisonburg Va. Charles and Ellen are founding parents of BRCS and their son Travis Franklin and daughter Amanda are former students. They are the proud grandparents of Senior Mattox Purdham, Junior Avery Purdham and Sophomore Alex Franklin. Charlie and Ellen are excited about the growth of BRCS and the Christian impact that the past, present and future graduates are having and will have on the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. Charlie and Ellen live in Linville Va. and are Ministry Partners at New Beginnings Church.
Sherri Kondash, Vice President (Board Term 2021 – 2024) Sherri Kondash has spent most of her professional life in health care as a geriatric Physical Therapist and as a Director of Quality and Safety for a large health system. Most recently, she has acquired her Real Estate license and is a Realtor with Kline May Realty. Sherri and her husband, Rick have been married for 19 years and love serving Jesus and others together. They have a grown son, Brad, who lives and works in Northern Virginia. Their daughter, Tatiana is a junior at BRCS. The family loves tending their animals and gardening on their farm in Singers Glen. They love serving on the Connect Team and Hospitality Team at Grace Covenant Church, where Sherri also serves in the Mentoring Ministry. In her free time, Sherri loves to quilt, connect with friends over coffee and spend time outdoors enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.
Meredith Read (Board Term: 2023 – 2026) Meredith Read worked for nine years as a maternity nurse before stepping away to stay home with her children. Currently, Meredith serves as a Bible Teaching Leader for our local Bible Study Fellowship, as well as the Director of Women’s Ministry for her church. Meredith is co-founder of a local nonprofit, called Hope Ridge, that exists to provide a space of peace and refuge for believers to come and intentionally rest in the Lord. Meredith also has a speaking and writing ministry to inspire believers in their faith journey. Meredith is a member of Faith Community Church and is married to Phillip. They have four children, Caroline, Kate, Samuel and George. Meredith believes in a passionate commitment to gospel centered parenting and sharing the love of Jesus with all. In addition to spending time with family, Meredith loves to hike, kayak and drink coffee with friends.
Nichole Whatley, Treasurer (Board Term: 2023 – 2026) Nichole is a Founding Partner of The Marshall & Whatley Investment Group of D.A. Davidson, where she serves as a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor. For over 15 years, Nichole has committed to helping her clients reach their unique financial goals through comprehensive analysis, wealth planning, and investment advice. She also serves on the Southeast Charitable Giving Committee and the Financial Advisory Council at D.A. Davidson. Nichole is committed to serving others and is actively involved in a ministry called Faithfully Restored Women, where she organizes local events and cares for women walking through difficult situations. Nichole and her family reside in Mt. Crawford, Virginia and are Ministry Partners at New Beginnings Church. She and her husband Paul have four children who all attend school at the lower campus of BRCS; Owen, Becca, Reese and Annie.
Derek Wyse, President (Board Term 2021-2024) Derek is President of Wyse Enterprises which develops and sells software applications for summer camps and conference/retreat centers. He lives in Harrisonburg with his two children, Brenden (sophomore) and Keira (freshman). He is a member of the tech team at Church of the Nazarene and also is a coach in the BRCS basketball program.
