Tama Bouncer, Sandra Hatley, Gretchen Lampe, and Julia Yamaoka Thorn Believe In
🗹 Respect for retirees 🗹 Legislation that protects retirees
🗹 Member-centered leadership 🗹 Stewardship of our hard-earned dues dollars
🗹 Financial transparency and accountability 🗹 Organizational strength and continuity
🗹 Clear communication and accessible records 🗹 Respect, integrity, and service
🗹 Our NCRSP mission and members 🗹 Demonstrable Work Ethic especially for those whom our dues pay
Dear NCRSP Colleague,
We are excited to announce our candidacy as the T&T – Tried and True – Proven Leadership to Serve You Slate for the 2026 NCRSP State Officer Elections. We humbly ask for your support. To help you get to know us better, we are pleased to share our candidate summaries below.
Thank you for all you do in service to our noble NCRSP mission. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
TAMA R. BOUNCER — Candidate for President
Tama Bouncer currently serves as the NCRSP Administrative Council Member (since 2024) and has been a member of the NCRSP Executive Board since 2019. After retiring, she joined Wake RSP and has served as both Wake RSP President and Region 5 Director since 2019.
She has chaired the NCRSP Convention Committee from 2021–2026 and serves on the NCRSP Constitution Committee. Previously, she served as NCRSP Community Service Committee Chair (2019–2024). Before retirement, Tama served as a building representative and later as Vice President and President of Wake NCAE.
She began her career at Swift Creek Elementary School in Wake County in 1987, retired in 2014, and became a life member of NEA. She has also served as a state delegate to NEA-R conventions.
“Tama leads with thoughtful dignity and compassion. Her knowledge and experience make her the logical choice to become our president.”
SANDRA HATLEY — Candidate for Vice President
Sandra Hatley currently serves as NCRSP Policy and Procedure Chair (since 2024), authoring the plan that has significantly grown NCRSP’s unencumbered assets, adding thousands to our reserves. She serves on the NEA-R Governance Committee and previously served six years on the NEA-R Regulations Committee.
Sandra has served as NCRSP Community Service Chair (2023), Region 1B Director (four years), and President and Vice President of the Catawba County RSP. She retired from Exceptional Children’s services in 2011.
Her leadership path began early—Sandra was SNCAE Vice President in high school (1962) and again in college. She holds an MA from UNC-Charlotte.
“Sandra Hatley has a powerful voice for which I am grateful—speaking up for NCRSP no matter whom she is addressing. She has the heart of a lion.”
GRETCHEN LAMPE — Incumbent Candidate for Treasurer
Before her current term as NCRSP Treasurer, Gretchen Lampe managed millions in school employee dues and bargained for benefits.
Her experience includes:
Research Staff Director and Legislative/Executive Branch Lobbyist, KY Education Association
Budget analysis and forecasting for 172 school systems
Chief Negotiator, Indianapolis Education Association
UniServ Director in NC, SC, TX, and LA
Coordinator of Employee Benefits statewide
Former NCRSP Communications Chair and editor of Panorama, fully revamping the publication
Gretchen’s diligent review of NCRSP finances—including examination of decades-old records—has ensured compliance, transparency, and corrective action when needed.
“There is no more remarkable money manager than Gretchen. She not only identifies issues—she remedies them.”
JULIA YAMAOKA THORN — Incumbent Candidate for Secretary
Julia Yamaoka Thorn, NCRSP Secretary and our first member-webmaster, launched NCRSP’s award-winning digital presence, earning Best NEA-R Website and a Runner-Up Award. She has established shared drives, searchable archives, and transparent records access for leaders statewide.
She holds degrees from Stanford University (BA, Honors; MA) and Northwestern University (Graduate Debate Fellowship), and later earned an MSA at ECU. She is licensed in NC, WA, CA, HI, and Japan, has served 52 years in education across five states and two continents, and brings paralegal, executive training, and program-building expertise. She has made and maintained five websites.
Leadership & Recognition Highlights: Carteret County RSP & DKG President, Rotary Harris Award (2x), LWV Distinguished Woman, NC Medicaid Caseworker of the Year, Region 7B Volunteer of the Year (4x), Teacher of the Year - SE Region Finalist, Military spouse support & domestic-violence advocacy, Speech & debate educator, parliamentary trainer
“Julia works tirelessly to make things better and ensure the word of NCRSP reaches members across our association.”
Together, we bring experience, integrity, and dedication to continue strengthening NCRSP.
T&T — Tried and True — Leadership You Can Count On.
Thank you for your work that makes us united.
May we be at your service through your vote for our T&T Tried and True Proven Leadership to Serve YOU!
Respectfully,
Tama Bouncer — Sandra Hatley — Gretchen Lampe — Julia Yamaoka Thorn
Please keep checking this site: We are adding more and more information to help you make an informed decision on your ballot! Thank you!
