Meet the Team

Eric Copeland

Host

Eric Copeland is a 1997 graduate of Warren County High School and a lifelong resident of Warren County, having grown up in the charming communities of Arcola and Grove Hill—affectionately known as Grovecola. An avid hunter and fisherman, Eric has deep-rooted passion for the outdoors.

He is a certified Wildlife Damage Control Agent, specializing in handling nuisance wildlife, and a certified pesticide applicator. His commitment to community service is evident through his tenure as a volunteer with the Arcola Rural Volunteer Fire Department from 1997 to 2007.

Currently, Eric is an active member of the Warren County CERT team, where he continues to serve and support his community. He recently was certified as a recreational UAS drone pilot.

With a wealth of experience and a dedication to both nature and service, Eric brings a unique perspective to local conversations and initiatives.

Marcus Kearsey

Co-Host

Marcus Kearsey was born and raised on the border of Warren/Halifax Counties in the quaint town of Hollister, NC. The adjacent areas of Arcola, Essex and Warrenton gave an all-inclusive and genuine feeling of knowing people with the idea everyone was your neighbor and friend. 

Marcus grew up playing with friends, attending church and going to school. He always had a creative side and enjoyed exploring the avenues of dance, music, and history. While shy in certain aspects, he always found a way to learn more about people and their stories-being they are what inspired and motivated him. Networking and connecting always brought him joy. 

After graduating Warren County High School in 2001, he was able to set his plans and passions into motion-entering talent shows, embarking upon professional writing and acting in a few stage plays. After obtaining his arts degree, he worked at North Carolina School of the Arts. It gave Marcus a new focus of taking certain talents to a new level that included film and brand ambassador work/modeling.  

For the next few years, Marcus was invited to talent-scouting events, was voted Mr. Black Capitol City and was 1st runner up for Mr. Black North Carolina. These experiences allowed him meet people and have such amazing experiences while shaping his desire to learn more about people, their stories and connection. He was a CPR/First Aid lay responder for American Red Cross and a trainer in a few curriculums from 2011-2021. 

Currently, Marcus works in recruitment, dance and choreography with creative projects and still enjoys supporting his hometown and others when he can.  

Marcus’ interests will continue to nurture an environment where people can come together to share and talk in this collaborative effort with special guests and topics.

Derrick Fogg

Co-Host

Derrick L. Fogg is a native of Warren County, NC, and currently serves as the Career and Technical Education Director for Warren County Public Schools. Passionate about equipping students with real-world skills, Derrick creates engaging programs that prepare students for college and the workforce by skillfully combining teaching and administration.

Derrick holds degrees in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University, as well as a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Webster University. He also holds various certifications and has completed advanced training relevant to his field.

An active member of multiple professional organizations, Derrick is affiliated with the National Coalition of Black Development in Family and Consumer Sciences (NCBDFCS), Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) honor society, Association of Career and Technical Educators (ACTE), North Carolina Association of Career and Technical Educators (NCACTE), the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), North Carolina Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NCAFCS), North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

Deeply committed to his community, Derrick serves in leadership roles at Locust Grove Baptist Church as an usher, hospitality coordinator, and chair of the pastoral search committee.

Guided by his life motto—"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48)—Derrick is dedicated to being a lifelong learner while giving back and making a lasting, positive impact in the lives of others.

A native of Warren County, North Carolina, and a 1991 graduate of Warren County High School, Shrounda Douglas-Riddick is a passionate community advocate and accomplished public servant.

Shrounda is also a visionary entrepreneur and founder of several impactful initiatives:

• Red Couch Conversation (est. 2023) – A dynamic storytelling platform that celebrates inspiring individuals through authentic and empowering interviews.
• SHROUNDA Speaks (est. 2024) – A motivational and public speaking platform where she shares raw, unfiltered life lessons designed to inspire healing, growth, and self-empowerment.
• Riddick Events (est. 2015) – An event management company known for designing intentional, elegant, and unforgettable experiences rooted in purpose and excellence.

Beyond her professional and entrepreneurial pursuits, Shrounda is a dedicated historian with a deep love for family genealogy. 

Shrounda’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and legacy. Through her work, voice, and service, she remains steadfast in her mission to uplift others and inspire transformative change.