Board Members
Deborrah Jeffreys Gruder
founder & executive director
Even though the idea for Scott-Free was born out of the willingness and actions of one, its success will be realized because of the enthusiasm and generosity of an entire community who stepped in to make sure that a child would know the fun, freedom and camaraderie of a camp environment. For many years Deborrah has participated in non-profit organizations to benefit others. Encouraging individuals and businesses to purchase and enjoy daffodils in late February, during the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days, proceeds to benefit those battling life threatening cancer. Deborrah was one of the original members of the Assistance League of the Triangle (ALTA), the organization that gave birth to Operation School Bell and for the past 7 years has been an active member of the Walnut Terrace Angel Tree, which provides Christmas for young children and is the sister organization to Scott-Free. both encouraging children to embark on “Journeys Urging Mammoth Possibilities.
Leigh Adams White
founding board member
Leigh White is a native of Knightdale, North Carolina. Growing up, Leigh was a competitive soccer player and inline roller speed skater. Her love and drive for soccer enabled her to continue to play the sport at Belmont Abbey College and then NC State University. Leigh received both her undergraduate degree and master’s degree from NC State University. Leigh lives in Clayton with her husband and their 3 children. Leigh is the principal at Meadow School in Johnston County Schools. She has always had a passion for children and believes that all children can be successful.
Mike Riehle
board member & CFO
Mike currently works for MetLife as a Reporting & Metrics PMO Consultant. He holds an MBA from NC State and has previously worked at Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse. He is married with two young sons. During high school, Mike was involved in band, drama and hockey. He still plays hockey every week and believes that athletic and artistic activities are a safe and positive force in young lives.
Joshua Gruder
board member
Joshua Gruder is an entrepreneur with a wide array of experience from quantitative analysis and metrics reporting to project management, art direction, and graphic design. Josh has five years of experience as the Chief Data Analyst for the Department of Defense and Department of Navy’s Acquisition Workforce, managing a $5 billion in weapons program budget. Co-Founder and CEO of Porch Fly Clothing, a casual lifestyle clothing brand – featured brand on ScoutMob, TouchofModern. Received “up and coming” brand recognition ABC11 North Carolina Small Business series. Co-Founder and COO of FocusGrooper, the premiere qualitative research supplier directory for the market research industry. Strategic Development Manager for The Scott-Free Scholarship Foundation, responsible for acquiring $25k in mission focused funding in 2013. Published editorial and op-ed pieces in Midtown Magazine, American Camping Association, Old Town Crier, and Cary Living Magazine. Josh is driven by his passion for improvement, sustainability, and efficiency in both himself and his community.
Ashir Gruder
board member
Ashir Gruder is non-fiction television producer based in New York City. Over the past decade his work has appeared on TV-One, Discovery ID, MTV, The History Channel, The National Geographic Channel, A&E, The Bio Channel, SpeedTV and the Food Network. His passion for telling stories adds to his desire to help those less fortunate. Ashir is a valued member of the Scott-Free organization, as a consultant, promotional coordinator, and webmaster.
Blair Seymour
board member
Blair is a Raleigh native who worked as a summer camp counselor with the city before graduating from Fayetteville State University as a member of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society for Psychology. Her current position as Research Manager for Beaker, Inc. (an executive life science recruiting company) has her based in Raleigh while supporting recruiters across the globe. She works on projects for some of the biggest names in the life sciences industry. As a Member of the Raleigh Midtown Rotary Club, Blair currently sit on the Board of Directors and serve as Fundraising Co-Chair and is a Paul Harris Fellow. She is getting married in October, and has a 4 year Schnoodle named Bella.