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rla board of directors
Alexandra Ranieri, Chair
Alexandra Ranieri has worked in education for 14 years. For ten of those years, she contributed to the Craven County school system as a high school English teacher and as a high school counselor. Concurrently, she assumed the position of an adjunct English instructor at Craven Community College. Presently, Alexandra is the Director of Advising and Academic Success at Lenoir Community College in Kinston, NC. Beyond her professional commitments, she actively participates in the New Bern theatre community, where she sits on the board of the New Bern Civic Theatre. Alexandra is also currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Community College Leadership at Old Dominion University. She met her husband, in Craven County in 2009, and they live in New Bern with their two children.
Nina Banfield Arrington, Vice Chair
Nina Banfield Arrington moved to New Bern in early 2018, after accepting an associate attorney position with Harris, Creech, Ward & Blackerby, P.A. Her legal practice primarily focuses on professional malpractice and insurance defense litigation. Prior to starting her legal career, Nina attended Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem, where she earned her J.D. degree, and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she earned her B.A. in linguistics. Outside of her professional work, Nina has been active in the New Bern theatre community.
In 2019, she met her husband, a Craven County native and current high school history teacher. They currently live in New Bern with their young daughter. Nina is excited to bring her professional and personal experiences to the Board of Directors, and to help advance the educational opportunities provided by Craven County’s first public charter school.
Evan McConnell, Treasurer
Evan McConnell is a native of eastern North Carolina, raised in Greenville, NC. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University (Go Pack!) before relocating to Charlotte, NC, where he lived for nearly a decade. In 2021, Evan and his family, including his wife and two children, returned to eastern North Carolina and settled in New Bern.
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With a strong passion for project management and innovation, Evan currently serves as a Group Manager at an instrumentation company, where he oversees the design, supply, and startup support for large-scale industrial projects across the United States. His expertise in managing complex, high-stakes projects positions him to contribute valuable skills to the mission of RLA. Evan looks forward to working alongside the board, staff, and administration to advance the vision of RLA and provide new, enriching learning opportunities for the children and families of Craven County.
Erika Butters, Secretary
Erika Butters brought her creative spirit to New Bern in 2018, where she now calls home with her husband, and their two children. With a career as a cruise ship performer spanning eight years, she has shared her artistic talents around the globe. Locally, she co-founded the band, Bridge Atlantic, and has performed in numerous theatrical productions at the New Bern Civic Theatre. Her dedication to the community extends beyond the stage, having previously served as the Director of Development at the New Bern Civic Theatre, where she played a pivotal role in raising funds for this non-profit organization. Her commitment to philanthropy is further exemplified through her volunteer work with various fundraisers in town. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Erika is a passionate advocate for accessible project-based education, tirelessly working to make learning more engaging and inclusive for all.
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Josh Littlejohn
Josh began calling New Bern home in 2023 with his wife, Sara; their daughter, Lucy, who is a scholar at RLA; and their fluffy goldendoodle, Zeke.
Josh’s career has been in the world of philanthropy and communications in the nonprofit sector. Currently, he works for North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF), where he helps their affiliate boards of directors across eastern North Carolina in their strategic planning, annual fundraising, and community engagement and leadership.
Prior to joining NCCF, he did corporate philanthropy for Habitat for Humanity of Wake County and Denver Rescue Mission, and individual philanthropy and communications at InterAct in Raleigh, NC.
He received his bachelor’s degree in communication & journalism from Appalachian State University. Upon graduation, he and his wife moved to Denver, Colorado while Josh attained a master’s degree in missiology from Gateway Baptist Theological Seminary.
Josh looks forward to helping create a sustainable future for Riverside Leadership Academy and helping RLA achieve (and fund) its dreams.
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Alex Bogdanoff
Dr. Alex Bogdanoff brings nearly 15 years of STEM education and research experience to the RLA Board.
He holds a B.S. in Biology from Gannon University, an M.S. in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina
University, and a Ph.D. in Applied Ecology from NC State. Alex is currently a full-time Biology Instructor at
James Sprunt Community College and an Adjunct Instructor at the University of North Carolina at
Wilmington. Prior to his teaching career, he was a full-time Researcher with the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Alex has taught 15 different STEM courses at five colleges and universities,
and has over 40 scientific publications.
Alex lives in New Bern with his wife and their two daughters, both of which attend RLA. Outside of work,
he is an avid alpinist, SCUBA diver, triathlete, triathlon coach, and sportsman. Alex hopes to bolster STEM
education and athletics at RLA, and help build a premier public institution in Craven County.
Jamie Barnes
Jamie is A native of New Bern and takes pride in contributing to her community. With a diverse background in manufacturing, distribution, and healthcare, Jamie brings over 10 years of HR experience to the Board of Directors.
Jamie earned her Bachelor's degree from William Peace University and a Master's degree in Human Resources from Western Carolina University. She and her husband, both New Bern natives, crossed paths at Craven Community College, where their journey together began.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Jamie is a proud mother of two incredible girls. Her oldest is currently in first grade after completing her kindergarten year at Riverside Leadership Academy. As she witnesses her daughter's educational journey unfold, Jamie is constantly reminded of the importance of creating a strong
foundation for future generations. Jamie is committed to making a positive impact on the school, the children it serves, and the community.
Amy Hobgood, Member Ex Officio
Amy Hobgood is a native of Craven County, growing up in Havelock, NC. She currently resides in Granville County, NC. She has been in education for over 25 years. Her roles in public education in North Carolina include elementary school teacher, district curriculum coach, assistant principal, principal, and charter school director. Currently, Amy is serving at the state level as a director at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Her time as a charter school director in the piedmont area of NC inspired her to bring a charter school option to Craven County. As a founding board member, Amy is excited to bring a school of choice to families in the area.
Shane Ecklund
Shane Ecklund is a United States Navy veteran and serves on the Board of Directors at Riverside Leadership
Academy. Originally from upstate New York, Shane moved to New Bern, North Carolina after leaving the Navy.
He met his wife here, and together they are raising four children, including two currently attending RLA.
Shane has a diverse background in technical and public service fields, including work as a machinist, engineer,
firefighter, locksmith, and drug and alcohol program advisor. At Riverside Leadership Academy, he helped
launch the school’s athletic program, using sports as a way to teach leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
Shane brings his professional experience and personal commitment as a parent to support the growth and
development of RLA students.