Board of Directors

Elizabeth Barnes - Co-Founder/President/Executive Director

Kenny Barnes - Co-Founder/Vice-President/Board Chair

Elizabeth and Kenny have owned and operated Kenny Barnes Studios in Wilmington, North Carolina for over 25 years. They have lived in Wilmington over 36 years and have a 34 year old daughter who recently completed treatment for breast cancer. The pair founded Women of Hope because of this journey and a desire to make a difference in the lives of those who are going through the journey or who have been impacted by cancers.

Patricia K. Williams - Secretary and Volunteer Director

Patty is a retired teacher from the New Hanover County school system. She is married and the mother of two children. Over the last five years Patty amd her family have witnessed what cancer can do to a family. She lost her niece to cancer and from that experience, Patty decided she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others battling cancers. Patty is very active with the organization of fundraising events for Women of Hope.

Michael S. Hunter - Treasurer

Michael received a BA in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and his MA in Counseling from Southeastern Theological Seminary. Since 1998 he has been President of Hunter Benefits, Inc. and is married with children. Michael's wife Elizabeth was diagnosed with LMS last year and he decided to join the Women of Hope Board to be able to assist others who are going through the cancer and treatment journey as well.

Penny S. Millis - Fundraising Coordintor

Penny brings 25 years of office administration experience to the board. For the last three years she has provided the direction and coordination of Seagate Management Company in many key areas of operations. Penny has been touched by cancer through providing care for her mother-in-law and supporting her family when her niece was diagnosed. She and her husband of 30 years live in Hampstead and are the parents of two children and have one grandchild.

Allison Horton - Fundraising Director

Allison Horton grew up in Oklahoma City and received her BA from the Business School at The University of Oklahoma. In 1990, she accepted a position with IBM and relocated to Raleigh, NC. She and her husband, Maurice, moved to Wilmington where they opened and operate Southeastern Healthcare. Allison joined Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty four years ago where she is an active real estate agent. She and Maurice are proud parents to four active children who keep them busy!!

Mary Beth Farrior - Internship Program Director

Mary Beth grew up in Wallace, NC and graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Life has blessed her with a wonderful husband and two grown children. She has recently retired from the New Hanover County School System after thirty one years of teaching. Mary Beth is a five year breast cancer survivor. After surgery, six weeks of radiation, and a year of chemotherapy, she realizes the importance of having a support system to get through this journey. Her hope is to provide help and support to those who are anxiously facing this daunting challenge.

Pat Pane - Policies and Procedures Director

Pat Pane is the founder of Medical Insurance Assistance, Inc. and North Carolina's foremost expert in medical insurance claims. She is the state's only Certified Claims Assistant Professional (CCAP) and was the 84th person in the entire United States to achieve this distinction. Pat has been featured as a national expert in many publications including The Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Woman's Day Magazine, Business North Carolina Magazine and Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine. Pat has appeared on Retirement Living television and has been interviewed by former Dateline NBC reporters. In 1999, she received the Small Business Service Award from the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. Pat ia married to Joe Pane and has three children (including a set a twins) and three wonderful grandsons.

Sandye Hicks - Legal and Ethics Director

Sandye is a lawyer, wife and mother. Sandye received a BS in Criminal Justice from Mt. Olive College and her Juris Doctorate from Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. Prior to attending law school, Sandye was the founder and owner of the national champion Wilmington Allstar Cheerleading program, featured on ESPN and Home Team Sports. Sandye is married to Tommy Hicks, also an attorney, who has been practicing law for over thirty (30) years. Their law practice is Thomas S. Hicks & Associates, where they focus on criminal, family and civil law. They are blessed with a four year old little girl, Berkley Ann, who currently represents the port city as Tiny Miss Wilmington. Sandye supported a life-long family friend through the journey of combating breast cancer two years ago. She witnessed first-hand the value of a strong support system and the ability for love, faith and determination to combat cancer.

Shannon McInville - Support Program Director

Shannon moved from Charlotte to Wilmington four years ago. She began her relationship with Women of Hope prior to her diagnosis of breast cancer. After her diagnosis she then began volunteering with Women of Hope and assisted in the implementation of the Focused on You In Treatment Support Group. She currently works full time and continues her volunteer work with Women of Hope planning additional programs, classes and beneﬁts as well as organizing fund raisers to beneﬁt expanding the support programs offered through Women of Hope.