Molly Springs

Executive Director – COO

Molly Springs serves as the Executive Director of United Carolinas Cavalry, leading the organization’s mission to support communities across the Carolinas before, during, and after disaster. Her connection to UCC began during the Hurricane Helene Airlift Relief effort at the Statesville Airport, an experience that deeply shaped her commitment to service and community resilience.

For more than a decade, Molly has practiced law in North Carolina as the owner and Managing Partner of Springs Law Firm, where she has advocated for accident and injury victims during some of their most challenging moments. Her work with UCC rekindled a renewed sense of purpose, inspiring her to help build an organization rooted in compassion, collaboration and neighbor-to-neighbor support.

Molly lives in Mooresville, North Carolina with her husband and three children. She enjoys traveling, riding her motorcycle and serving alongside the growing Cavalry as they work to strengthen and uplift communities across the region.

Joel Amick

Managing Director – CIO

Joel Amick is a visionary leader with a passion for service. With over 20 years in the Financial Services sector, Joel spearheaded Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Fortune 100 companies, driving innovation and risk mitigation.

After a successful corporate career, Joel retired to focus on philanthropy, co-founding United Carolinas Cavalry, a nonprofit dedicated to rapid disaster relief in North and South Carolina. Leveraging his leadership skills, he mobilizes resources and volunteers to aid communities impacted by natural disasters.

A leader with both business acumen and a deep sense of compassion, Joel continues to bridge innovation and humanitarian aid, ensuring communities in crisis receive the support they need. As a helicopter pilot himself, Joel was instrumental in getting supplies to where they needed to go

Monica Burns

Chief-of-Staff, Director of Special Events

Monica Burns serves as United Carolinas Cavalry’s Chief of Staff and Director of Special Events, providing executive support, financial oversight, and organizational coordination that help advance the organization’s mission. Working side by side with UCC’s Executive Director and Managing Director, she helps ensure key initiatives, special events, and day-to-day administrative functions remain organized, efficient, and moving forward.

With more than 20 years of experience spanning leadership, operations, logistics, financial management, and executive administration, Monica brings exceptional organization and attention to detail to every aspect of her work. Since joining UCC, she has become a force within the organization by helping to strengthen internal systems, leading the planning and execution of community events and fundraising initiatives, and overseeing administrative processes.

Known for her servant leadership and unwavering commitment to the mission, Monica is dedicated to empowering volunteers, supporting the organization’s leadership, and helping communities recover, rebuild, and thrive.

Dr Craig McCotter

Dr Craig McCotter joined the Board of Directors of United Carolinas Calvary shortly after Hurricane Helen rescue efforts. He is a helicopter pilot and helped fly missions along with helping to coordinate other relief efforts. 

I addition to being a helicopter pilot, Dr. McCotter is a practicing cardiologists and electrophysiologist. He has a passion for helping others and serving the community. Being part of United Carolinas Calvary has allowed him to combine many of his passions in one organizations. 

Dr. McCotter lives outside of Wilmington on a working farm and nature preserve. He enjoys boating, fishing and flying along the beautiful Carolina Coast. 

Craig J. McCotter, M.D., F.A.C.C, F.H.R.S 

Erik Schonher

Erik Schonher brings over 20 years of executive leadership to United Carolinas Cavalry, specializing in the intersection of operational strategy and mission-driven growth. Throughout his career, Erik has been a builder of sustainable programs and a navigator of complex organizational challenges—skills vital to UCC’s rapid-response environment.

Before joining the Cavalry, Erik served as Director of Strategy and Innovation at the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. His experience managing high-stakes logistics and strategic planning ensures that UCC’s mission—“Land, Sea, or Air: We Get There”—is backed by rigorous execution and measurable impact.

Erik’s background includes senior leadership roles at the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Humane Society of the United States. With an MBA from Pace University and a deep commitment to community, Erik is dedicated to ensuring UCC remains a resilient, well-fueled lifeline for the Carolinas.

Dr Steve Ferguson

Dr. Steve Ferguson is a retired internal medicine physician with more than 35 years of experience caring for patients and serving communities. A longtime resident of Mooresville, Steve practiced medicine at Mooresville Internal Medicine Associates from 1987 to 2023 and served in leadership roles within local healthcare systems, including as Medical Chief of Staff at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center.

Service has always been at the heart of Steve’s life. He is the co-founder and President of Samaritans International, where he has helped establish feeding and medical programs serving impoverished communities around the world. He has also led numerous medical mission trips and disaster response efforts, including response work following the Haitian earthquake in 2010.

Steve has been part of United Carolinas Cavalry since the very beginning, volunteering in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and making countless trips into Western North Carolina to deliver propane, supplies, and critical resources to communities in need. His dedication to service, compassion for others, and decades of humanitarian work reflect the mission and values of UCC.

Tiffanie Foster

Tiffanie Foster brings a lifelong passion for serving others and strengthening her community. A dedicated volunteer, Tiffanie has supported organizations including Special Olympics and Autism Speaks, advocating for inclusion, compassion, and creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.

Tiffanie joined United Carolinas Cavalry as a volunteer in early 2026, beginning with efforts to rebuild a greenhouse for the Civilian Disaster Response Organization in Leicester, North Carolina. Shortly afterward, she supported the launch of Operation Full Plates, an initiative focused on providing weekend meals and support to students facing food insecurity. Her commitment and leadership quickly grew, and she now serves as the program lead, helping ensure children have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Tiffanie is honored to serve on the UCC Board of Directors and is passionate about advancing the organization’s mission of strengthening communities, supporting families, and making a lasting impact through service.