Board of Trustees
Andy Rountree, a Covenant College graduate with a degree in Business, is a partner at Palmetto Insurance, where he specializes in risk management and insurance solutions across the Carolinas and Georgia. He began his career in insurance sales, focusing on the construction industry, and now helps lead Palmetto with a commitment to growth, customer service, and strong relationships.
Andy joined the New Covenant School Board in 2018, serving on the finance committee to enhance financial clarity and long-term stability. As the first board member who is also a former NCS student, he has a deep-rooted connection to the school. A lifelong member of New Covenant Church, he is the son of the founding pastor, the husband of a former NCS preschool administrator, and the father of five current and future NCS students. Andy sees his service as an opportunity to invest in the next generation of the Church, believing that Christian education has an eternal impact. Inspired by Ephesians 2:10, he is honored to be part of NCS’s mission to equip students to be complete in Christ for generations to come.
Andy Rountree | Chair
Dr. Ronnie Booth is President Emeritus of Tri-County Technical College, where he served as president from 2003 to 2019, guiding the college through significant growth and national recognition for student success and workforce development. A native of Aiken, SC, he holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policies from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, along with honorary doctorates from Clemson University and Piedmont University.
Ronnie has served as a ruling elder in several PCA churches and currently serves on the Inspire Abilities Foundation Board in Anderson. He and his wife, Sara, have been married for over 45 years and are the parents of two daughters, Erin (and husband Adam) and Ashley, and grandparents to Anna and Grayson. Both daughters attended Christian schools, and Sara taught art part-time at a Christian school. Ronnie’s support for classical Christian education stems from a lifelong commitment to the church’s role in partnering with parents to raise children to their full measure in Christ. He enjoys golf, reading, and fixing broken things.
Dr. Ronnie Booth
Jodie Hawthorne earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Early Intervention from Clemson University and a Master’s in Substance Abuse/Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from East Carolina University. She is an associate member of the Orton-Gillingham Academy and is currently working toward her certified level of membership. Her professional experience includes roles as an early interventionist, case manager with the SC Autism Society, and Learning and Behavioral Coordinator at New Covenant School. She now serves as a tutor and head tutor of the primary division at Camperdown Academy.
Jodie first joined the NCS Board in 2018, later serving on staff from 2019 to 2022, before rejoining the board in 2023. She brings a valuable perspective as a parent, former teacher, and specialist in learning needs. Originally from Seneca, SC, she has been married for nearly 13 years, and her daughter, a rising sixth grader, has attended NCS since K4. As a member of New Covenant Church, she is passionate about the school’s mission and is committed to its long-term health and development. She hopes to help ensure NCS remains strong for future generations by offering insight from her diverse experiences in education, special learning needs, and as an invested school parent.
Jodie Hawthorne
David Keese attended Lander University for undergraduate and earned a Master’s in Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina. He began his career at the renowned Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital in Columbus, GA, working alongside top orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. In 2004, he moved to Anderson to establish Upstate Physical Therapy, where he has been in private practice for over two decades.
Since joining the New Covenant School Board in 2016, David has played a key role in improving healthcare benefits for staff, focusing on lowering costs while enhancing access to quality medical care. Originally from Westminster, SC, he has been married to Casey for 19 years, and their daughters, Linlee and Emelia, have been at NCS since the start of their education. Previously serving on the boards of Family Promise and Hopewell Fire Department, he felt called to serve the largest ministry of New Covenant Church—one that directly impacts his own children and the broader school community.
David Keese
Dr. Kyle Locke brings a wealth of experience in both education and ministry, having earned his undergraduate degree in Secondary Teaching Mathematics from Clemson University, followed by a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Erskine Theological Seminary. He later completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. With a background spanning both pastoral ministry and teaching, Kyle has served as a youth leader and associate pastor in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian denomination and has been a dedicated educator in Anderson School District Five since 2004.
Kyle and his wife, Ann-Janette, have been active members of New Covenant Church since 2011. Their four children—John Thomas ('22), Abigail ('23), Noah ('25), and Anna ('29)—are all graduates or current students of NCS. The Locke family is deeply involved in discipleship and home ministry groups, and some even lend their musical talents to the worship team. With his combined expertise in education and theology, Kyle plays a key role in shaping school policy and ensuring that NCS remains steadfast in its educational and spiritual mission.
Dr. Kyle Locke
Dr. Ronald C. Sconyers, a native of Chester, SC, is the senior partner at Anderson Family Dental Care, which he founded in 1998. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from Furman University, a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the Medical University of South Carolina, and completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. In addition to his dental career, he has served on several non-profit boards, including Habitat for Humanity, Anderson Sunshine House, Anderson Arts Council, and Anderson Free Clinic, where he was vice-chair and Dental Director.
A longtime member of New Covenant Church, Dr. Sconyers has been actively involved with New Covenant School, previously serving as board chair and on the Head of School search committee before being appointed as a permanent board member. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children—Leila Katherine ('19), Wren Elizabeth ('21), and Townes Coleman. Committed to the mission of classical Christian education, he believes in its impact on students, families, and culture for God’s kingdom and prays that his service on the board will further the work of NCS according to God's will.
Dr. Ron Sconyers
Rob Wright serves as Vice President of Engineering at Apploi, a healthcare technology company specializing in data, security, and infrastructure systems. With more than 20 years of experience in software development and engineering leadership—including prior roles with BMW Group and Agilysys—he brings significant expertise in technology, operations, and organizational development. Rob earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Auburn University, graduating summa cum laude as a University Honors Scholar, and a Master of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Clemson University.
Rob joined the NCS Board in 2018 and is a ruling elder at New Covenant Church. He and his wife, NCS art teacher, are the parents of two graduates and a current student. An avid runner and cyclist, Rob enjoys the fellowship of New Covenant Church and investing in the life of the school. Having witnessed firsthand the fruit of classical Christian education in his own children, he gladly pours his time, energy, and resources into New Covenant School, confident that labor for the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).