Paul Yokabitus is an experienced Estate Planning Lawyer in Cary, NC who was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The economic downturn led Paul and his wife, Alix, to the Triangle where Paul attended Campbell University School of Law and later planted his roots in the Cary community. His focus on the client-attorney relationship and the peace of mind of his clients sets Paul apart from other traditional lawyers. When he’s not helping families and business owners, you can find Paul spending time with his wife, Alix, and his sons, Mason and Conor. Term 2019-22

Jennifer Thompson is Senior Director of Compliance at Aurinia Pharmaceuticals. Jennifer is originally from Long Island, New York but has called Wake Forest, NC home for 11 years. She graduated from Marymount University in Arlington, VA with a Bachelors in Business Administration and went on to Fordham University School of Law in Manhattan, NY. She has legal licenses in both NY and NC. Jennifer has had community service and advocacy at the center of her life since she was a teen after losing her uncle to AIDS. She is excited to support The Arc as board member after contributing to its programs over the past few years with colleagues from GSK. When Jennifer is not working, she loves spending time with her husband, Brett, children, Lillian and Brett Jr., and two puppies Barkley and Mellie. She also loves to go hiking, do pilates and listen to live music.

Josh Ravitch has almost 30 years of experience helping nonprofit agencies as both a volunteer and paid consultant. He provides experience in strategic planning, program assessment, organizational development, budgeting, and grant writing. He currently serves as the Past President of a local nonprofit with over 500 members, and as a leader of the Chapel Hill Human Services Advisory Board. Josh also spends considerable time volunteering for several other local nonprofit agencies including the Arc, as well as helping care for his severely autistic stepson. In addition to currently serving as Secretary of The Arc, Josh has prior experience as Secretary of another local nonprofit for several years. Josh has helped organizations to thrive in both good and challenging times. As well, he can be depended on to provide meetings with many forms of chocolate. Term: 2018-21.

Omkar Nimbalkar is a Vice President of IBM Cloud and Cognitive Software with IBM and is passionate about Tech for Good. He has been actively involved in the Call for Code program, which harnesses the ingenuity of developers across the world to create innovative solutions for Natural Disasters, Climate Change, COVID-19, and Racial Justice. While working internationally, Omkar also championed the Smarter City program for betterment of citizen services. After relocating to RTP from the Bay Area, Omkar, his wife, Vrinda, and kids, Jay & Shreya, were looking for ways to give back to the local community and were deeply moved by the noble work done by The Arc of the Triangle. Omkar is looking forward to being on the Board of Directors of the Arc and serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Kate Mekeel began her career working for Access CNY, serving adults with disabilities in the Individualized Support Services program while completing her undergraduate studies in Public Health at Syracuse University. She decided to pursue her Master’s in Health Administration degree at the University of Pittsburgh and transitioned her career working for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She served on the UPMC Passavant’s executive management group as the Director of Ancillary Services overseeing key essential service departments. During this time she had the opportunity to lead the ProjectSEARCH program at UPMC, providing a transition to work experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities working in various hospital departments. Kate relocated to Raleigh, NC with her family six years ago and considers this her permanent home. Kate Mekeel is currently working as the Vice President of Operations with TeamHealth.  During her down time, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She is excited to be a part of The Arc of the Triangle to continue to promote and protect the human rights of individuals with special needs.

Hillary Laster is a Kindergarten teacher at Franklin Academy in Wake Forest.  Hillary graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a BA in Elementary Education and concentration in Behavioral Studies.  She has been teaching for eight years.  During this time, she has served on Student Intervention and Support teams and has enjoyed creating an inclusive classroom for her students.  Hillary loves dancing, exercising, fishing, boating, and being on the coast.  Hillary is an active member in the Junior League of Raleigh and is excited to continue serving others in the area through The Arc.  Term 2019-21