President Emeritus, Darrell M. Colliins
Founder of PIPSI, Manteo native, Freedman Colony and Pea Island descendant, retired in 2017 from the National Park Service, Cape Hatteras Group after 40 years as Historian at Wright Brother's National Memorial and a recipient of the "Order of the Long Leaf Pine". An Author, founder and Aviation Historian of ALOG, LLC(A Legacy of Greatness) and former Commissioner and Mayor Protempore for the Town of Manteo.
We are seeking board members with nonprofit and fundraising experience who are team players to invigorate our organization. Educators are also encouraged to inquire.
President/Chair
Tonya L. Collins
Co-Founder of PIPSI who married Darrell and transplanted to the Outer Banks in 2000. Owner/Broker of Outer Banks Dreams Realty, LLC specializing in first-time home buying, investment homes and affordable housing. Also serves as Managing Partner of ALOG, LLC.
Director, Frank Hester
Manteo native, Freedman Colony and Pea Island descendent who retired from the United States Coast Guard after 20 years of service as a Chief Warrant Officer. Settled in Maryland but moved back home to Roanoke Island in 2005. Recently retired from his second career at the National Park Service, Cape Hatteras Group.
Secretary, Coquetta C. Brooks
Coquetta Laverna C. Brooks was born in Charleston, SC and moved to Dare County in 1977. Member of The Order of the Eastern Star, former Queen and former Secretary for 20 years. Coquetta was the former Vice Chair and Madame Chair of the Manteo Precinct for 20 years.
Treasurer, Gayla Howard
Gayla spent two years active duty in the US Army and has lived in Manteo permanently since 1986. She is a Senior Relationship Banker at First National Bank with 24 1/2 years of service. and worked at the Christmas Shop for over 15 years, Darrell’s restaurant for over seven years and currently works part-time at Food Lion. She enjoys working in the customer service field and working with the public.
Director, Chrissy Simmons.
Chrissy grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta while also spending a lot of time on the Outer Banks as a child. She played collegiate basketball at East Tennessee State University and UNC-Chapel Hill. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University and her Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. Chrissy has been practicing law in North Carolina since 2003. She spent approximately ten (10) years as an Assistant District Attorney in the First Judicial District. In 2013, Chrissy opened Simmons Law wherein she focus her practice in the fields of family and criminal law.
Chrissy is married to Deon Simmons and together they have two sons, Markus and Devon.
Director, Adonis Osekre
Adonis A. Osekre is a public historian and longtime seasonal Park Ranger at Wright Brothers National Memorial. He serves as Chair of the Friends of the Outer Banks History Center and is the author of Windswept Dreams: The Wright Brothers' Legacy from Kitty Hawk's Dunes and Beyond. Through public speaking, writing, and community engagement, he is committed to helping people connect with the layered history of the Outer Banks, including its maritime, African American, Indigenous, and aviation heritage. He is honored to serve on the Board of the Pea Island Preservation Society and support its mission to preserve and share the remarkable legacy of the Pea Island Life-Saving Station.
Special Liaison, RADM Stephen W. Rochon, USCG (Retired)
Retired from the United States Coast Guard after 37 years of service as Commander of the Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic. Former Director of the Executive Residence and White House Chief Usher(2007-2011). Spearheaded the posthumous awarding of the Gold Life Saving Medal to Keeper Richard Etheridge and the all African-American crew of the Pea Island Life-Saving Station.