The Inner Circle
The Gwyn Initiative's "Inner Circle" is composed of family members and friends. Our primary responsibility is to research, evaluate and select “grassroot” 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations whose missions closely resembles the Initiative's - developing and promoting a more balanced and inclusive society.
Wright H. Gwyn
I am the youngest of three Gwyn children and am currently living in Oxford, Ohio. I grew up in Reidsville, NC surrounded by a loving family and great friends. Life was good. After graduating from high school, I enrolled in North Carolina State University. While bouncing around from one major to another, a friend introduced me to an outdoor adventure (more)
Dr. Dorothy G. (Dot) Harper
I grew up in a small southern town in North Carolina; “middle child” in the Gwyn family. My parents, Trish and Jule Gwyn, modeled love of family, outreach to community and an urge to improve the lives of others. Their influence on my life was immense. So, too, was the influence of attending the University of NC - Chapel Hill, in the early 1970's. (more)
Dr. Julie G. Packard
I am the oldest of three Gwyn children. I live with my husband, Bill, in Summerfield, North Carolina. We had the opportunity to live in several different states while Bill was in the Air Force. We saw a lot of the country and made good friends and memories. I grew up in Reidsville, NC, with a very close and supportive family. Our house was always (more)
Melzer A. (Pat) Morgan, Jr.
I am a native of North Carolina who is retired and am currently living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with my wife Molly. I grew up in a small rural town called Smithfield. My childhood revolved around family, church, scouting and music. My most formative experience occurred after graduating from college when I volunteered to serve in the U.S. Peace Corp (more)
Jennifer H. Kokos
After a multiple “careers” spanning a few decades, I finally decided to follow my heart and my love for animals and go back to college to pursue a degree in veterinary science. In 2003, I received my Associates Degree in Veterinary Science and have been working as a Licensed Veterinary Technician ever since. I believe in the Gwyn Initiative (more)
Virginia P. (Ginny) Thiell
As long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated and inspired by two things: cooking and making a connection with the natural world. I grew up in a family that valued fairness, knowledge and giving back to the community. The best days of my childhood were filled with roaming the woods or learning new recipes from library books. Those days were (more)