Guided by a steadfast commitment to accuracy, service and ethical leadership, Gaylene Fogleman built a respected career in accounting that extended across more than three decades. She became known for her precision in financial management, her consistent delivery of results and her ability to lead with integrity in every role she held. Her most extensive position was as an accounting associate with AT&T, Lucent Technologies and Nokia, where she managed the monthly closing of financial records, verified accuracy in accounting operations and oversaw the financial administration of multiple departments. In addition to technical expertise, she demonstrated strong leadership, directing a team while ensuring departmental budgets and resources were handled with care.
Ms. Fogleman’s educational foundation was instrumental in shaping the direction of her career. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Elon College, now Elon University, in Elon, North Carolina. The rigorous curriculum challenged her to master complex concepts in finance and business, while the mentorship of her professors encouraged her to think critically and act decisively in professional settings. The skills and confidence she developed during her studies prepared her to excel in a competitive industry where attention to detail and reliability are essential.
Ms. Fogleman’s career began in the accounting department at Alamance Technical School, now Alamance Community College. In that role, she applied her academic training to real-world responsibilities, developing a strong work ethic and a practical understanding of financial procedures. This early experience served as a proving ground for the career that followed. She later accepted a position at Western Electric, a role she was offered after being directly recruited from campus based on the recommendation of one of her professors. This opportunity gave her an invaluable introduction to advanced accounting systems and corporate finance.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Fogleman has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to civic leadership and community service. She has served as chairman of the stewardship team at First Baptist Church of Graham, contributing her expertise to the church’s financial planning and mission-driven activities. She has also served as a member of the board of directors for the Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Center, supporting programs that deliver vital services to individuals and families in need. Additionally, she is a founding member and three-time president of the American Business Women’s Association, working to create opportunities for women in business, promote professional growth and strengthen the network of women leaders in her community.
Outside of her career and volunteer work, Ms. Fogleman has cultivated creative pursuits that bring balance and joy to her life. She enjoys designing flower arrangements and wreaths, often creating pieces that brighten the spaces of friends, family and community members. She remains dedicated to her health and well-being, maintaining an active lifestyle and continuing her engagement with church activities that hold personal meaning. She also devotes time to caring for family members, managing estates and offering support to relatives facing health challenges.
Even in retirement, Ms. Fogleman continues to contribute to the welfare of her community. Rather than seeking further employment, she relies on her well-managed investments, a product of years of disciplined work and careful planning. She uses this freedom to assist others, whether through her church, charitable organizations or personal outreach. Her professional accomplishments and community service stand as enduring proof of a life shaped by integrity, skill and compassion.