About White Oak IT

Margie Dietz worked and published collaboratively with scientists at Duke Medical Center for eight years. She received her PhD in 1996, then worked for IBM for ten years in Software Performance Engineering (making software run fast!)

Margie has taught courses at Duke, presented at the local schools and museums, and trained scuba divers for 18 years in association with Water World of Durham.

Margie is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Tobaccoland, the Durham Leads Group, and on the board of advisors at League Partner.

Helen Harrison received a BS in Computer Science from Duke in 1983. She specialized in computer management and email systems at Duke, MCNC and SAS for the next 25 years. At SAS she was responsible for over 1500 computers and all of the company's email. She knows how to keep critical systems running 24/7.

Helen served as deacon of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham, and has also been on the board of local non-profits including The Community Shelter for HOPE and Urban Ministries of Durham. She is an avid swimmer and scuba diver. Helen also designs colorful, sparkly jewelry using natural stones. See her on-line store Adornments

Rob Smith is a transplanted Floridian. He received a MS in Computer Science from Florida State University, and taught for several years at North Carolina Central University as an assistant professor of Computer Science. Rob worked for four years as Principal Engineer at Evolve Software, building resource management software. He then began building web and database applications, founding Ring Associates. Rob partners with White Oak IT in projects needing advanced database and graphics expertise.

Rob enjoys recreational sports, and volunteers with Rainbow Soccer in Chapel Hill.

Amber Jones is also a North Carolina native. She is a graduate of NCSU's College of Design. She was Creative Director for Homes & Land of Raleigh and Pinehurst Magazine for many years. In 2003, after the birth of her first child, Ethan, Amber decided to pursue her dream of being a freelance designer so that she could be home with her children Ethan and Lily.

Amber loves working one-on-one with clients to develop a "look" that perfectly suits their needs. Whether it is their company's identity or an advertisment, she enjoys working closely with the client to achieve a finished product that accurately and beautifully conveys their message.

Amber sells gorgous notecards online at LilyGirlDesigns.com

Mary Mace is a native of North Carolina. She received her PhD in Computer Science from Duke in 1983. She was a software developer for IBM and SAS for the next 20 years.In 2004 she became an independent contractor, specializing in Internet software. She also began volunteering in the Orange County public schools and Durham Technical Community College. She has helped children of all ages with reading and math.

Mary is also a pianist. She plays every Wednesday at Charles House for their Song Circle program.