Passion For Safety
Founded by life-long volunteer firefighter Tom Lott, Southport Cares is operated by former and current Southport emergency responders with decades of knowledge and experience who wanted to make a difference in our community that went beyond traditional efforts.
Board of Directors
Tom Lott
Chairman and Secretary
Tom Lott is a volunteer fireman in Southport. A volunteer firefighter for almost 40 years, serving in Neptune and Morris Township NJ, Hyattsville, Maryland and Mint Hill, NC before coming to Southport in 2019. Tom is co-founder of Community Matters, a large and successful industry-based charity in Charlotte and also founded Mint Hill Cares, a first responder-based charity, similar to Southport Cares, located in Mint Hill, NC.
Charles Drew
Vice Chairman
Charles Drew currently holds the position of Fire Chief for the City of Southport, NC. He is the 3rd generation of his family to be in Southport Fire and his son, Madison, is currently the fire marshal and the 4th generation in Southport Fire. Charles Drew is also the Pastor of Lighthouse Pentecostal Church in Winnabow, NC. Chief Drew is very passionate about the community and helping others. In addition to the fire department and church, he is involved in countless community efforts and groups to help those in need.
Ralph Treadway
Board Member
Ralph currently serves as Battalion Chief for the Southport Fire Department. He has been a member of Southport Fire for 26 years and is heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of the department. Ralph is passionate about the community and upholding high levels of service and training for the Southport Fire Department. Ralph’s attention to detail, knowledge of operations, and commitment to the community have made Ralph a critical part of the Southport Cares board.
Todd Coring
Board Member
Todd Coring is currently the Police Chief and Assistant Fire Chief for Southport, NC. Todd has been forever passionate about serving the community as a first responder and by giving back through church and community efforts. In December 2020, Police Chief Coring was named Law Officer of the Year for the State of North Carolina. Todd has created numerous programs and initiatives to help our community and be very well connected to our citizens and visitors.
George Kassler
Board Member
George started his career in law enforcement with Montgomery County, MD Police Department. George spent 34 years with the department working his way through the ranks, retiring in 2003 as the Captain and Director of the Criminal Investigations Division. He later moved to Caswell Beach where he served as Police Chief for a period of time and currently serves as a commissioner for Caswell Beach. George’s knowledge of law enforcement and public service has been very helpful to us at Southport Cares.
Marc Spencer
Board Member
Marc is a lifelong resident of Southport and has been very active in the community. He has been an Alderman for the city where he always had a great passion for helping the people and businesses in town. Marc is also a realtor in the City of Southport and is well connected to the people and needs of our community. Marc’s connection to (and knowledge of) the Southport Community make him an invaluable member of our board.