August 7, 2025
[Durham, NC] — Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina (PCANC) is pleased to announce the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. These new board members bring a strong background in dedication to strengthening families and communities to build brighter futures for all North Carolina children. They join a team of 18 volunteer leaders passionate about child well-being and family support across the state.
Dr. Harold Hong
Dr. Harold Hong joins the PCANC Board of Directors after serving on the Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA) National Board of Directors for 9 years. As PCANC is the North Carolina state chapter of PCAA, his experience serving on PCAA’s National Board of Directors brings a deeper understanding of the broader child and family well-being movement. Dr. Hong has an MBA from Duke University and earned his MD from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. In his current position with New Waters Recovery, Dr. Hong has worked to support clients launching into recovery from substance use disorders by creating a medical detox with an integrative/holistic approach. Dr. Hong now resides in Cary with his children.
Ashley Pieraccini
Currently serving on the Board of The Carolina Theater in Durham as Secretary, Ashley Pieraccini is active in her children’s’ school and is particularly supportive of the theater booster program. Pieraccini comes to PCANC with an understanding of the importance of supporting children with Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) as she often says that all children need are “a hug, a snack, and a compliment.” Recently, Pieraccini co-authored an article for the Durham Magazine’s May 2025 issue, reflecting her support for PCEs, particularly, having a sense of belonging in high school, participating in community traditions, and having a non-parent adult who genuinely cares about you. Pieraccini resides in Durham with her husband, Peter, and their three teenage children.
Shaina Spears
Shaina Spears is an audit Director at PwC and has a strong background with the company, working her way up from an associate-level position back in 2009. Her experience extends over 15 years in accounting, auditing, professional education and training. She currently works in the PwC national office focusing on audit quality initiatives. Spears resides in New Bern and is dedicated to strengthening her community by supporting children and families to thrive, ensuring families and communities have the resources and investments they need to help foster health environments for children to develop, learn and grow, reaching their full potential.
“We’re grateful for the expertise and commitment of our new Board members, all of whom are dedicated to our vision of all children and families living purposeful and happy lives with hope for the future,” said Sharon Hirsch, President & CEO of PCANC.
PCANC Board Member Michael Olander’s 9-year term concluded on June 30. We thank him for his dedication to building brighter futures for North Carolina’s children and families.