Board of Trustees
ERUUF is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees elected by the Fellowship and follows a policy-based governance model. Under policy-based governance, the Board of Trustees serves as representatives of the congregation and both gives voice to the vision and mission of ERUUF as well as writes the basic governing policies of the organization.
Barb Sheline - Chair
Term: 2026-27
My husband, Jonathan Sheline, and I have been members at ERUUF for over 33 years. We both grew up in Protestant religions. Looking for something more meaningful to us, we recognized that we had found our church when we attended our first UU service in Albuquerque, NM.
I am a retired family physician and medical school educator. I have served ERUUF as an RE teacher when our 2 children were young. I have been on the Nominating Committee. I was once before on the Board, before the pandemic. I am currently working with a team on a DEI project with the Governance Committee of the Board. The new UUA values statement resonates deeply with me as it puts love at the center of UU values. Putting love at the center is my spiritual philosophy and how I live my life.
Lisbi Abraham - Trustee
Term: 2027-30
I moved to Cary in 2021 from northern New Jersey with my wife, Karen, and our three children, Silas, Leila, and Kira. I grew up in a small Syrian Eastern Orthodox congregation where the closeness of the community shaped my appreciation for faith and belonging, even as later church conflict led me to continue searching for healthier spiritual communities. Professionally, I work in technology and operations, helping organizations solve complex problems, build strong teams, and grow in thoughtful and sustainable ways. I’ve been especially grateful for opportunities to support mission-oriented startups working to create meaningful technology jobs in places like Africa and Nepal. Locally, I serve on the Cary Park Property Owners Association board and pool committee and volunteer as a youth group adviser, where I enjoy supporting young people as they create a community for themselves.
Naa Adom - Trustee
Term: 2027-30
I have been a member of ERUUF since 2019. I was raised Presbyterian, and was lucky enough to have parents who allowed me to explore my faith and spirituality freely. They only wanted me to join a church in my young adulthood just so that I could have another community of people when I needed it. I'm grateful that ERUUF has been that community for me and my child.
I was close to unwittingly minoring in Religion and Philosophy in college because I happened to take so many classes that allowed me to think about ethics, souls, human connection, and wonder. My desire to keep learning and grappling with my own spiritual life led me to Unitarian Universalism. I'm excited to see what my son will discover about himself on his own religious exploration! I've worked in education both as a teacher and administrator committed to young people and their capacity to change the world. In my spare time I love to create art with my son, and nerd out over books, music, and film.
Elizabeth Ault - Trustee
Term: 2026-29
My family came to Unitarian Universalism when my mom (now a member of MVUC in Alexandria, VA!) was searching for a spiritual home that would honor her choices as a divorced mother. At the DuPage UU Church in suburban Chicago, I watched the filmstrips back when OWL was still About Your Sexuality, and planned an incredible Con with my lifesaving youth group comrades at Main Line Unitarian Church outside Philadelphia. For many years after that, I described myself as “a lapsed UU,” focusing my spirituality mostly through tarot, astrology, and other witchy channels, which are still important to me.
Jalene Bowersmith - Trustee
Term: 2027-30
My late husband grew up Unitarian Universalist and introduced me to UUism, which was a big shift from my Episcopal upbringing. When we moved to Durham in the early 2000s, we were excited to find a spiritual home at ERUUF. Since then, I have served as a greeter and RE teacher, helped relaunch the OWL programs, and, most recently, served on the Chalice Circle/Covenant Steering Committee. I am especially proud to have raised my child in ERUUF’s loving and open community.
In my day job, I serve as the Executive Director of a professional association and have over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector. I love to travel, read, and spend time in my garden, all of which help me stay grounded and curious. ERUUF has been a constant thread through many seasons of my life. I am grateful for the chance to keep growing and serving within this community.
addison evans - Trustee
Term: 2026-29
My name is addison a. evans, and my pronouns are they/them/theirs. I’m a disabled Black, trans, and agender UU socialist who has been attending ERUUF for the past seven years. My life goal is to achieve bodily autonomy for all people because I believe achieving that will open up so many possibilities for everyone and allow us to create and live in a more just and equitable society. I’m an avid traveller and love to explore new places but I’m a Southerner through and through. Ice cream is the best dessert, and no one does sweet tea, lemonade, and biscuits better than the south.
Steve Hall - Trustee
Term: 2024-27
Steve Hall joined ERUUF in 2013, shortly after he and his wife, Susan Green, relocated from Charlotte. Steve had a long career in public education, which began with teaching 5 years in a high poverty school in Brooklyn, NY. He soon realized that addressing the profound moral and educational inequities in the schools where he worked was his passion and his professional mission. Toward that end, he earned his MS in curriculum design and pursued training and licensure in school administration. Steve went on to serve many years as a special services coordinator and eventually found his ultimate calling as a principal, working over 20 years turning around underperforming schools in Charlotte, NC. Years of successful impact in that role led him to be offered a position training urban school principals for a national organization.
Christy Ihlo - Secretary
Term: 2024-27
Christy Ihlo joined ERUUF in 2023 after returning to the Triangle. She grew up UU in a congregation outside of Atlanta. After not having participated in a fellowship for years, she was immediately interested in ERUUF’s many avenues to support the broader community. She currently serves as the Budget Coordinator for the Justice Ministry Council, actively participates in Earth Justice and Shelter-Homeless Action Group activities, and is a member of a Chalice Circle. Christy has worn a lot of hats in the world of non-profit work and is currently the Deputy Director of the UNC Environmental Finance Center. She loves living in Carrboro and is engaged in local, state, and national election work. She enjoys sustainable crafting and a good jigsaw puzzle in her spare time.
Rev. Jacqueline Brett, Lead Minister
- Role: Ex-officio Member
