Board of Trustees

Meetings occur on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Occupational Building Room 137.

Dr. Ted Thomas, Chair

A 1975 graduate of North Carolina Central University, Dr. Ted Thomas went on to MeHarry Medical College in Nashville, TN where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and a certificate in Medical Technology. After 36 years, Thomas retired from his dental practice.

He now continues his duties as pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in Warsaw, where he has served for 12 years. He is currently enrolled in a Master of Biblical Studies and Theology program at Knox Theological Seminary in Florida. Thomas’ community engagement has included the United Way of Sampson County, Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce, the Sampson County Health Board, and the Kiwanis Club of Clinton, Thomas is a member of the NAACP, Habitat for Humanity, and several other organizations.

Thomas enjoys biking, racquetball, and working in his yard. He joined the SCC Board of Trustees in 2017 and began his service as Chair in June of 2020.

Larinda Haight, Vice-Chair

Larinda Haight has spent her career devoted to education. Haight has a degree in Business Administration with a Teaching Certification in Business and Marketing Education that allowed her to work as a teacher in Cumberland County and Washington State. Haight then worked as a Career Development Coordinator at Midway High School. She received her Master’s in School Counseling from Campbell University and has worked as a School Counselor at Midway High School since 2005.

Haight serves as Youth Director and Sunday School teacher at Mt. Elam Baptist Church. She is also a Volunteer Instructor for Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification.

In her spare time, Haight enjoys spending time on her family farm with her family, which includes her young grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Haight serves as Vice Chair for the Board of Trustees and joined the board seven years ago.

Chris Fann

A graduate of Lakewood High School and North Carolina State University, Chris Fann built a life in Sampson County. Fann made a career for himself at Clinton Toyota (which would become Go Automotive and now Deacon Jones Toyota) as General Manager, Vice President, and Sales Manager. In 2018, he would transition to his current role as Sampson County Clerk of Superior Court.

A longtime member of Grove Park Baptist Church. Fann serves as a Sunday School teacher and choir member, and formerly as a Deacon. In the larger community, Fann is a Charter member of the Clinton-Sampson Rotary Club, SRMC Foundation Board, Sampson Agri-Expo Center Board, and Chairman of the Select Bank and Trust Advisory Board. He also serves with the Friends of Sampson County Arts Council, History Museum, and Class Acts.

Fann and his wife of over 40 years, Kim, have two daughters and three grandchildren. In his spare time, Fann enjoys biking, golfing, and cooking. His service with the SCC Board of Trustees includes a term from 1989-1993, and his current term, which began in 2010.

Barbara Faison

Born and raised in Clinton, Barbara’s journey started in Clinton, where she laid the foundation for her future. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Mental Health from Morgan State University.

Barbara’s impact began at the Public Library, but her true calling emerged during her 30-year tenure at the Sampson County Health Department. Here, she played a vital role in ensuring children received crucial healthcare services, leaving a lasting positive mark on numerous families.

Barbara’s commitment extended beyond her career. She actively participated in various organizations, including the NAACP, Sampson High School Alumni Association, and the “You Can Vote” initiative. She also served on the boards of Duplin Sampson Group Homes and in addition to that here at SCC, contributing to education and support systems.

As a church clerk at the First Baptist Church in Clinton, Barbara remains devoted to her spiritual community. Beyond her professional role, Barbara’s commitment to community is matched only by her devotion to family. She is a loving daughter and has two brothers who have played an integral role in her life’s journey.

Catherine Ezzell-Joyner

Catherine Ezzell Joyner works as president of her family’s local trucking company, Ezzell Trucking, based out of Harrells, NC. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, then receiving her MBA from Wake Forest University, Joyner worked in banking for several years before returning to Clinton.

Joyner’s board service includes two years of service on the Personnel Committee. She also serves on the board for the United Way of Sampson County, and formerly with the board for the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce.

In her spare time, Joyner enjoys exercising, riding horses, reading, and spending time with her husband and their new son.

Herb Sanderson

Herb Sanderson graduated from East Carolina University in 1984 and began a life-long career dedicated to education. He would go on to retire from Sampson County Schools, where he spent several years as a school administrator. Sanderson also dedicated his life to hard work outside of the school system as a swine and livestock farmer.

A true outdoorsman, Sanderson enjoys fishing and working outdoors and can often be found tinkering on his classic Ford Bronco or traveling in his RV. Sanderson is a Sunday School Superintendent and deacon at his church, Siloam Baptist Church, in Harrells, NC.

Sanderson and his wife of 38 years, Sheila, have one adult daughter and three grandchildren.

Anthony Sessoms

Anthony graduated from Clinton High School and North Carolina State University. He has been a Certified Public Accountant for over 30 years. He is the managing partner at Herring & Sessoms, PA in Clinton where he has experience with tax, government, not for profit organizations, audit, attestation and peer review. 

Locally, he has served as president of Kiwanis (2009) and of the Sampson/Clinton Chamber of Commerce. He has served on the Economic Development Advisory committee for Sampson County. Outside of Sampson County he serves on the Board of the Masonic Home for Children Oxford (2017-2023) and serves ( since 2009) on the NCACPA (now Coastal Peer Review, Inc) peer review Report Acceptance Board, peer review committee and technical reviewer.  

He is married to Patricia Sessoms who retired as an elementary school teacher from Clinton City Schools. He has two adult daughters, Olivia and Addie. 

Dr. Paul Viser

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for both undergraduate and medical school, Dr. Paul Viser has been practicing medicine for 34 years.

Viser’s community involvement extends in and beyond Sampson County. He joined the UNC Medical Foundation in 1992 and currently serves as the Chair of the National Loyalty Fund Committee. Viser joined the UNC Arts and Sciences Foundation in 2015, where he served on the Biology Advisory Board. His local involvement includes membership with the Sampson Crisis Center (now Sampson Partners) since 1992, and with the SCC Foundation since 2012, where he served as President from 2016-2018. Viser joined the SCC Board of Trustees in 2018.

Viser and his wife of 29 years, Diane, have three adult children and one grandchild. In his spare time, Viser enjoys woodworking.

C. Michael Warren

With a life-long career in education, C. Michael Warren was no stranger to the discussions at monthly meetings when he joined the SCC Board of Trustees in July 2019. With a Master’s in Educational Administration from East Carolina University and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Warren’s commitment to education runs deep.

That commitment includes six years of service with the Sampson County Board of Education from 1978-1984. Warren is also a former member of the Kiwanis Club, Lion’s Club, and the Clinton-Sampson Rotary Club.

A father of three adult children, Warren is a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church in Newton Grove, NC, a husband, and an avid golfer.

Sandra Carroll

As an educator for over 40 years, Sandra Carroll is no stranger to the ins and outs of public education. Now tutoring and volunteering in Sampson County, she’s proud to still be a certified teacher. Her former service on the Sampson County Board of Education also aids in her service as a member of the SCC Board of Trustees- which she joined in 2012.

Carroll is a native of Roseboro and graduated from Midway High School in 1963. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a master’s from East Carolina University. She taught K-8 in the Midway District, before retirement.

Carroll is married to Ricky Naylor and raised children who are products of Midway schools. She is also a member of Mingo Baptist Church.

Clay M. Strickland

The newest member of the Board of Trustees, Strickland was elected in 2024 to serve a four-year term. He comes from a generation of successful farmers in Sampson County, bringing extensive business and agricultural knowledge to the Board.

A graduate of North Carolina State University with his B.A. in Business Management, he currently serves on the NC State Agricultural Foundation, Inc. Board as part of the Research and Extension Committee. He’s also the former President of the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina and current President of CMS Farming Company in Clinton, NC.

He and his wife, Gina have two children.