DHIC Welcomes Two New Team Members: Ernest Knight and Pat Roper

DHIC is excited to introduce two talented individuals who have recently joined our team: Ernest Knight and Pat Roper. Both bring unique expertise and enthusiasm to their roles, and we’re thrilled to have them on board as we continue to pursue our mission.

Meet Ernest Knight, Senior IT Specialist

As our new Senior IT Specialist, Ernest Knight is already making a significant impact by keeping our systems running smoothly and resolving IT issues swiftly—something every organization needs.

Ernest ensures that DHIC’s technology infrastructure remains reliable and solves problems as they arise. His role is vital, as he provides timely support so the team can continue its mission without technical setbacks. Thanks to him, the team can rest assured that technical challenges don’t derail the important work happening across the organization.

Ernest brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role. Before joining DHIC, he spent over 10 years working in IT, primarily in government sectors. Though this is his first role within the nonprofit space, he’s excited to support an organization with such an impactful mission. Ernest finds it rewarding to contribute his skills to an effort that makes a real difference in people’s lives, even if it’s behind the scenes.

Outside of work, Ernest enjoys spending time by the water. A passionate fisherman, he loves both freshwater and saltwater fishing and is always ready for his next fishing adventure. When asked what item he’d want with him on a deserted island, his answer was simple: a fishing rod, of course!

Ernest is also a huge sports fan, especially college basketball. While he doesn’t have a favorite team, he enjoys following the local North Carolina teams, both in-person at the games and at home on TV. 

We’re thrilled to have Ernest on the DHIC team, and we know his expertise and dedication will be invaluable as part of our daily operations. Welcome, Ernest!

Meet Pat Roper, Director of Accounting

We’re thrilled to introduce Pat Roper, DHIC’s new Director of Accounting, a role that fits perfectly with her passion for helping people and her diverse professional background. As a certified CPA with years of experience in both the corporate and nonprofit worlds, Pat brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion to DHIC.

Pat’s career journey is rooted in her dedication to nonprofit work, specifically within organizations focused on housing and homelessness. She previously worked at Urban Ministries of Wake County, where she served as Director of Finance and Operations. Her experience also extends to Resources for Seniors where she combined her skills in finance with her heart for helping those in need. What sets Pat apart is her deep personal connection to DHIC’s mission—she’s always been passionate in her belief that everyone should have a place to call home, a value that resonates in both her personal and professional life.

In her role at DHIC, Pat oversees accounting and benefit functions, ensuring that these key areas of the organization run smoothly. She finds great fulfillment in the work, knowing that her efforts help others succeed—whether it’s empowering staff through HR support or maintaining the financial stability of the organization.

Beyond the office, Pat enjoys gardening, a hobby she shares with her husband, who built a greenhouse and raised beds for their flourishing home garden. This past summer, the Ropers grew over 100 pounds of produce including tomatoes and a variety of other fruits and vegetables, creating garden-to-table meals that bring the family together. Family is incredibly important to Pat, and she cherishes the time spent with her two grandchildren, who live just a short walk away.

A long time resident of North Carolina, Pat is also an avid NC State Wolfpack football fan as well as a big supporter of women’s basketball, which led her to play a pivotal role in fundraising events like Hoops for Hope, helping raise funds for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

Join us in welcoming Pat and Ernest to the team – we look forward to seeing them continue to make an impact on our team and in our community!