-
2026 Intercity Visit Asheville / Community Leadership Planning Conference
Andy Almeter
Leath HR Group LLC, PresidentAndy is the President of Leath HR Group, a Wilmington-based, full-service HR consulting firm. Prior to Leath HR, Andy spent many years working with...Charles Boney
LS3P Associates LTD., Vice President/Business DevelopmentCharles Boney is an architect with LS3P Associates, a southeast regional architecture firm with offices in 11 major cities in NC, SC, and GA. LS3P...Jerry Coleman
Cape Fear Community College, Small Business Center DirectorJerry Coleman, director of CFCC’s Small Business Center, has decades of experience in business and consulting, having owned his own consumer produc...Thomas Davis
City Block ApartmentsBrian Eckel
Cape Fear Commercial, LLCJim Hundley
Thomas Construction Group, LLCMitch Lamm
First Citizens Bank & TrustAndrew Lanier
The Lanier Property Group, Inc.Stephanie Lanier
The Lanier Property Group, Inc.Laura Miller
LS3P Associates LTD.Bill Norris
First Citizens Bank & TrustShaun Olsen
CloudWyze, CEOShaun OlsenFounder and CEO, CloudWyze, Inc.CloudWyze, Inc. founder and CEO, Shaun Olsen is an entrepreneur and community leader who strives to empo...Hill Rogers
Cameron ManagementTed Shipley
Live Oak BankJason Wheeler
Pathfinder Wealth Consulting, CEO and Wealth AdvisorJason was born in Dayton, Ohio, but grew up in eastern North Carolina. He graduated from UNCW with a BS in finance and an MBA. Rob Penn, Jason’s ...Alexandra Lysik
Cavik Insurance, OwnerAlexandra is a double graduate of UNCW, with an undergrad in Political Science and a master’s degree in Public Administration. She is licensed in...Mike Brown
Cape Fear Commercial, LLCMike Kozlosky
City of WilmingtonAndrew Cooke
McKinley Building Corporation, Vice President, Business DevelopmentAndrew is our expert in all things financial and new business-related. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Andrew brough...Michael Goodson
Clancy & Theys Construction CompanyDane Scalise
GriffinEstep Benefit Group, General Counsel & BrokerDane Scalise is an experienced lawyer and insurance broker. He is also an active community leader and volunteer. Each day, Dane weaves together his...Stephanie Lanier
The Inspiration LabLisa Barrett
The Inspiration LabAlexis Hunter
Wilmington Health, Executive, Strategic Relationships & FoundationI spend my time building relationships throughout the community with employers, healthcare providers, and the general public. I communicate with th...Doug Vogt
North Carolina State Ports AuthorityHans Bean
North Carolina State Ports AuthorityMelissa Long
New Hanover CountyAbby Lorenzo
City of WilmingtonSabrina Davis
Port City Signs & Graphics Inc., President/OwnerProud to be delivering the highest quality in commercial signage, wide format print production, and vehicle wraps. After a career in journalism and...Heather McWhorter
UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Executive DirectorHeather is the Director of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) (uncw.edu/cie). CIE ...Will Page
Page ProductionsAnthony Parnell
GE AerospaceRyan Legg
MegaCorp Logistics LLCBen Currin
VantacaLauren Henderson
Good Shepherd CenterLisa Leath
VantacaAswani Volety
University of North Carolina WilmingtonChris Capone
Capone & Associates LLC, OwnerChris graduated from UNCW with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Accounting in 2011 and 2012, respectively. From 2012 - 2015, Chris worked for D...Drew Smith
Copiers Plus, Director of CommunicationsDrew Smith currently serves as Director of Communications for Copiers Plus, Inc. Drew joined the company professionally in February 2014 after grad...Dori Bishara
REV Federal Credit Union, Community Engagement CoordinatorI'm Dori Bishara the Community Engagement Coordinator for REV! As you may have guessed by my title, my job is all about community. REV is investe...Jennifer Banks
TotalEnergies Renewables USA, LLC - Carolina Long Bay, Permitting and Development DirectorLindsay Carter
IKA Works, INC.Aaron Penny
LumosChad Hodges
McKinley Building CorporationMichael Braddock
Frontier Scientific Solutions, LLCSalette Andrews
City of WilmingtonPete Wildeboer
New Hanover County Board of EducationMelissa Mason
New Hanover County Board of EducationJosie Barnhart
New Hanover County Board of EducationPat Bradford
New Hanover County Board of EducationTiffany Bowers
Dawson Med Primary Care and Urgent CareCharlie Mattox
Atlantic Union BankBryan Greene
Cameron ManagementJesse Pridgen
Liberty Health, Manager of Operations FinanceMr. Pridgen received a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Mr. Pridgen serves as the Crede...Ryan Lapointe
LumosBill Scott
Corning Credit UnionTiffany Tramontozzi
University of North Carolina WilmingtonChad Kimes
GFT Infrastructure Inc.Jessica Loeper
New Hanover CountyLivian Jones
TerraconKyle Metzger-Gee
nCino OpCo, Inc., Senior Inclusion Community & Philanthropy SpecialistStrategic, solutions-oriented, and endlessly curious—I thrive at the intersection of planning, execution, and impact. With a strong foundation in c...Brad Neigel
Live Oak BankMorgan Moskal
Live Oak BankKellie Lewis
Live Oak BankTed Boyd
Lee & AssociatesSandy Thorpe
Lee & AssociatesVickie Smith
Brunswick CountyFrank Iler
Brunswick CountyRandy Burton
Pender CountyTom Ullring
Crestline Hotels & ResortsCaroline Hurd
National Association of Safety Professionals, Services RepresentativeI serve as the Services Representative at the National Association of Safety Professionals, a leading provider of training and professional certifi...Jerod Patterson
Business Alliance for a Sound EconomyLannin Braddock
Lee & Associates , Senior DirectorLannin Braddock is a seasoned commercial real estate professional with over 18 years of experience in development, sales, leasing, and project mana...Stephanie Walker
New Hanover CountyKrystine Hobson
Premier Staffing Solutions, Inc., CEOI’m the CEO of Premier Staffing Solutions, where we help businesses solve the challenge of attracting and keeping great talent. We focus on peopl...Ben David
New Hanover County CJCAbbey Gold
Becker Morgan Group, Inc.Jennifer Adams
Corning Incorporated, OFC Global Environmental Leader
Andy Almeter
Leath HR Group LLC, President
Andy is the President of Leath HR Group, a Wilmington-based, full-service HR consulting firm. Prior to Leath HR, Andy spent many years working with the Federal Government, specifically with the US EPA following post-grad work with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Most recently, Andy was a Divisional Business Operations Leader for Novant Health. Andy holds credentials as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and holds a BSc degree, a MA degree, and Graduate Certificates in Lean Process Design. Andy was recently honored by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and the Star News as a “40 Under 40” and nominated as a Greater Wilmington Business Journal “Healthcare Hero” for his innovation and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. He spends every spare moment with his wife, Lisa, and two daughters exploring this awesome planet. Fun facts: As a Licensed Pilot and EMT, Andy has served as both a search and rescue pilot and first responder.
Neal Andrew
Andrew Consulting Engineers, PC, President
Laura Blair
North Carolina State Ports Authority, Sr. Director External Affairs
Charles Boney
LS3P Associates LTD., Vice President/Business Development
Charles Boney is an architect with LS3P Associates, a southeast regional architecture firm with offices in 11 major cities in NC, SC, and GA. LS3P works across all sectors of the design industry, including commercial, industrial, medical, education, senior living, civic works, and housing. With more than 400 employees, LS3P creates architecture that enriches community through a culture of design excellence, expertise, innovation, and collaborative engagement. For more information go to www.LS3P.com.
Chris Boney
LS3P Associates LTD., Managing Principal
Matt Bork
Liberty Health, VP of Finance
Zachary Brigman
Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront, General Manager
Spence Broadhurst
First National Bank of Pennsylvania, Senior Executive Vice President
Richard Broadway
Rodgers, Vice President
Deb Butler
North Carolina House of Representatives, Representative
Robert Campbell
Wilmington International Airport, Finance Director
Derek Cohen
Bank of America, Market President
Jerry Coleman
Cape Fear Community College, Small Business Center Director
Jerry Coleman, director of CFCC’s Small Business Center, has decades of experience in business and consulting, having owned his own consumer products manufacturing company in Wilmington NC. Jerry is committed to helping other small business owners succeed. “Starting, managing and growing a small business can be a daunting task. At CFCC’s Small Business Center, we help entrepreneurs plan and navigate the startup process; getting off to a good, solid start is essential. We really do become a partner and are always available to act as a coach and cheerleader for our clients. We will work with them as long as necessary to keep them going and help them achieve their goals and be successful in the long run.” Jerry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University, and Master of Business Administration at UNCW. He earned his certificate in Project Management from UNCW and has secured multiple patents.
Martin Cooke
Brunswick County, Commissioner
Julius Corpening II
New Hanover County District Court, Chief District Court Judge
Chris Coudriet
New Hanover County, County Manager
Melinda Crouch
New Hanover County District Court, District Court Judge
Kym Crowell
New Hanover County Commission, Clerk to the Board
Ted Davis
North Carolina House of Representatives, Representative
Thomas Davis
City Block Apartments
Ken Dull
Town of Wrightsville Beach, Alderman
Brian Eckel
Cape Fear Commercial, LLC
James Faison
New Hanover County District Court, District Court Judge
Sam Franck
Ward and Smith, P.A., Attorney
John Gardner
Truist Bank, Senior Vice President Business Banking Lender Eastern NC Region
Ned Glascock
PPD Development LLP, Senior Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Rickey Godwin
PBMares, LLP, Partner
Dawn Grants
City of Wilmington, Executive Assistant to Mayor and City Council
Johnny Griffin
Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc., Director
David Heglar
Town of Kure Beach, Commissioner
Shawn Horton
Trusst Builder Group, LLC, Vice President
Kim Hufham
Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, Executive Director
Jim Hundley
Thomas Construction Group, LLC
Jennie Jackson
Bank of America, SVP, Coastal NC Market Executive
Jeff James
Wilmington Health, CEO
Dick Jones
YMCA of Southeastern NC, Inc., President & CEO
Rob Kaiser
Wilmington Media & Marketing, Owner & Publisher
Jan Kennedy
New Hanover County Superior Court, Clerk of Superior Court
Katrina Knight
Good Shepherd Center, Executive Director
Mitch Lamm
First Citizens Bank & Trust
Andrew Lanier
The Lanier Property Group, Inc.
Stephanie Lanier
The Lanier Property Group, Inc.
Lisa Leath
Leath HR Group LLC, Founder/Owner
Michael Lee
North Carolina Senate, Senator
Lily Loizeaux
GE Hitachi, HR Leader
Chip Mahan
Live Oak Bank, CEO
Ed McMahon
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff
Tim Milam
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, President
Hank Miller
Town of Wrightsville Beach, Mayor Pro Tem
Laura Miller
LS3P Associates LTD.
Darryl Mills
Town of Wrightsville Beach, Mayor
Nicolas Montoya
Trailborn Surf & Sound, Strategic Advisor
Jim Morton
Cape Fear Community College, President
Bill Norris
First Citizens Bank & Trust
Tee Nunnelee
Coastal Beverage Co., Inc., President
Shaun Olsen
CloudWyze, CEO
Shaun Olsen
Founder and CEO, CloudWyze, Inc.
CloudWyze, Inc. founder and CEO, Shaun Olsen is an entrepreneur and community leader who strives to empower businesses and consumers through technology. A veteran of the IT industry, Olsen started CloudWyze in 2012 after having played pivotal roles in several startups. Each of these offerings delivers a combination of IT, voice and data, and multimedia systems. Olsen is a graduate of the Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and continues to be active on numerous boards include the university’s Center for Entrepreneurial Development and the Cameron Executive Advisory Board. He is also Chairman and founder of AcoustiCreations, Inc., a NC-based professional audio-video firmRobert Parker
PBMares, LLP, Assurance Supervisor
Will Purvis
Liberty Health, Chief Development Officer
Bill Rabon
North Carolina Senate, Senator
Jennifer Rigby
New Hanover County, Strategy & Police Coordinator, Office of Strategy & Budget
Jeremy Roberts
PBMares, LLP, Partner
Hill Rogers
Cameron Management
David Rouzer
United States Congress, Congressman
Bill Saffo
City of Wilmington, Mayor
Scott Satterfield
Wilmington Business Development, CEO
Ted Shipley
Live Oak Bank
Brooke Skipper
Salt Air, Inc., Owner
Devin Skipper
Salt Air, Inc., President
Faison Gibson
Murchison, Taylor & Gibson, PLLC, Partner
Jason Swain
Swain & Associates, LLC, Primary Contact
Pat Sykes
Brunswick County, Commissioner
Tommy Taylor
United Way of the Cape Fear Area, CEO
Tammy Thurman
Piedmont Natural Gas, Community Relations Manager
Thom Tillis
United States Senate, Senator
Bill Vassar
Cinema Wilmington LLC, VP Production & Technology
Karen Warren
Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visitor Services
Jason Wheeler
Pathfinder Wealth Consulting, CEO and Wealth Advisor
Jason was born in Dayton, Ohio, but grew up in eastern North Carolina. He graduated from UNCW with a BS in finance and an MBA. Rob Penn, Jason’s business partner, hired him in 1999 and the two began a successful business relationship, highlighted by the formation of Pathfinder Wealth Consulting in 2005.
Jason’s passion for the business begins with helping our clients, working with select families to accomplish their personal and business goals. Jason’s role also includes managing the firm, leading its growth initiatives, and enhancing operations.
Jason resides in Wilmington with his wife, Ashley and their daughter, Merritt.
Frank Williams
Brunswick County, Commissioner
Sharon Willoughby
Pender County, Register of Deeds
Lisa Wurtzbacher
New Hanover County, Finance Director
John Zachary
Pathfinder Wealth Consulting, Partner & Wealth Advisor
Robert Zapple
New Hanover County Commission, Commissioner
Cliff Pyron
Wilmington Business Development, Senior Manager, Business Development
Michele Holbrook
Corning Incorporated, Capital Program Manager
Tim Buckland
New Hanover County, Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator
Alexandra Lysik
Cavik Insurance, Owner
Alexandra is a double graduate of UNCW, with an undergrad in Political Science and a master’s degree in Public Administration. She is licensed in multiple states, including NC, SC, GA, VA, SD, TN and FL. Alexandra's specialty is helping business owners consolidate their personal & business insurance under one agency as a "one stop shop".
As an active member in the community, Alexandra was a WILMA Women to Watch finalist in 2017, as well as 2020 Star News/ILM Chamber 40 under 40 Honoree. She has served on the Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry Board from 2017 to 2022, and co-chaired the 2017/2018 annual Cape Fear Literacy Council Gala.
Crystal Buie
New Hanover County Schools, Assistant to the Superintendent
Kaitlyn Rhonehouse, PE
Geosyntec Consultants of NC, P.C., Principal Engineer
Rob Zapple
New Hanover County, Commissioner
Mike Brown
Cape Fear Commercial, LLC
Mike Kozlosky
City of Wilmington
Meade Horton Van Pelt
Jo Ann Carter Harrelson Center , Executive Director
Andrew Cooke
McKinley Building Corporation, Vice President, Business Development
Andrew is our expert in all things financial and new business-related. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Andrew brought his 12 years of commercial banking experience and two years of focus on commercial real estate to McKinley as our business development officer. He was named Wake Forest University Banking School Distinguished Graduate in 2018 and Eagle Scout of the Boy Scouts of America. Andrew has also dedicated his time to serving on many boards including Airlie Gardens, Step Up Wilmington Board of Directors, Wilmington Downtown Inc, Great Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame, Lower Cape Fear Hospice Board of Trustees, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Leadership program and as a First Presbyterian Church Youth Basketball coach.
Natalie English
Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO
Kevin Spears
City of Wilmington, City Council
Michael Goodson
Clancy & Theys Construction Company
Dane Scalise
GriffinEstep Benefit Group, General Counsel & Broker
Dane Scalise is an experienced lawyer and insurance broker. He is also an active community leader and volunteer. Each day, Dane weaves together his passion for and commitment to law, insurance, and community service in order to broker better connections and opportunities for the people and businesses of the Cape Fear Region.
Stephanie Lanier
The Inspiration Lab
Lisa Barrett
The Inspiration Lab
Velva Jenkins
YWCA of the Lower Cape Fear, Inc., CEO
Olivia Dawson
Pender County, Tourism Assistant
Aaron Granseur Dick
Wilmington International Airport, Facility Director
Brian Rector
Coastal Beverage Co., Inc., CFO
Brian Clark
North Carolina State Ports Authority, Executive Director
Alexis Hunter
Wilmington Health, Executive, Strategic Relationships & Foundation
I spend my time building relationships throughout the community with employers, healthcare providers, and the general public. I communicate with the community to bring awareness to healthcare issues and the services that we provide at Wilmington Health.
Sharat Nagaraj
Celito Communications, LLC, President
Carolyn Hartman
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Executive Asst to the Chancellor
Pete Wildeboer
New Hanover County Schools, Chair Board of Education
Melissa Taylor
Pender County Schools, Cape Fear Elementary School
Doug Vogt
North Carolina State Ports Authority
Hans Bean
North Carolina State Ports Authority
Charles Miller
North Carolina House of Representatives, Representative
Bill Rivenbark
New Hanover County Commission, Commissioner
Allen Oliver
Town of Kure Beach, Mayor Pro Tem
Jay Healy
Town of Carolina Beach, Mayor Pro Tem
Lynn Barbee
Town of Carolina Beach, Mayor
Zeke Partin
Town of Wrightsville Beach, Alderman
Jeff DeGroote
Town of Wrightsville Beach, Alderman
Mike Forte
Brunswick County, Vice Chairman
Steven Barger
Brunswick County Schools, Board of Education Chairman
Robin Moffitt
Brunswick County Schools, Board of Education Vice Chair
Brenda Bozeman
Town of Leland, Mayor
Bob Campbell
Town of Leland, Council Member
Veronica Carter
Town of Leland, Council Member
Beth Burns
Pender County Schools, Board of Education
Don Hall
Pender County Schools, Vice Chair Board of Education
Jan Dawson
Town of Burgaw, Commissioner
William George
Town of Burgaw, Commissioner
James Malloy
Town of Burgaw, Commissioner
Frank Braxton
Town of Topsail Beach, Mayor
Joe Bell
Town of Topsail Beach, Commissioner
John Gunter
Town of Topsail Beach, Commissioner
Melissa Long
New Hanover County
Abby Lorenzo
City of Wilmington
Lindsey McKee
New Hanover County District Court, District Court Judge
Frank Jones
New Hanover County District Court, Superior Court Judge
Kenneth Waldroup
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Executive Director
Chris Daniel
Corning Credit Union, VP of Regional Market Growth & Development
Sabrina Davis
Port City Signs & Graphics Inc., President/Owner
Proud to be delivering the highest quality in commercial signage, wide format print production, and vehicle wraps. After a career in journalism and graphic design, I purchased Port City Signs in 2008 and introduced printing and sign manufacturing. From a staff of four, we have grown to a staff of 17 in a 12,000 SF manufacturing facility. We focus on commercial construction, education, healthcare, interior design, retail, restaurants, and real estate. We produce illuminated, monument, and neighborhood signage; vehicle wraps; wall murals; routed, dimensional signs; ADA Braille signs; decals; and banners. We fabricate in house with a 5' x 10' table CNC router, aluminum welding equipment, a paint booth, two 64" wide roll-to-roll printers, a 98" wide direct to substrate and roll-to-roll printer, vinyl welders, sewing machines and more. We invite you to schedule a tour with us!
Luke Waddell
Cadence Realty Corp., CEO
Heather McWhorter
UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Executive Director
Heather is the Director of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) (uncw.edu/cie). CIE nurtures high-impact startups with education, connections, and incubation and collision space, and accelerates the entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeastern North Carolina as a vibrant hub of innovation.
Stephania Bloodworth
Cape Fear Realtors, Chief Operations Officer
Will Page
Page Productions
Christina Haley
Wilmington Downtown, iNC., VP, Marketing + Business Outreach
Pam Hardy
Duke Energy, District Manager in Government & Community Relations
Anthony Parnell
GE Aerospace
Erin Keller
Turn Key Lifestyle, Owner
Ryan Legg
MegaCorp Logistics LLC
Gene McGonigle
Cape Fear Provisions LLC, President
Ben Currin
Vantaca
Joe Benson
Town of Carolina Beach, City Council
Deb LeCompte
Town of Carolina Beach, City Council
Olivia Dawson
Town of Burgaw, Mayor
Kristin Wells
Town of Burgaw, Town Clerk
Christina Burke
Town of Topsail Beach, Town Clerk
Alan Cutler
Pender County, Sheriff
Lauren Henderson
Good Shepherd Center
Lisa Leath
Vantaca
Ryan Bisplinghoff
Clancy & Theys Construction Company, Director of Project Development
Curt Ladig
Delta Dental of North Carolina, VP, Community Engagement and Government Relations
Sandy Spiers
First National Bank of Pennsylvania, Market President
Aswani Volety
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Jeff Bourk
Wilmington International Airport, Airport Director
Samantha Suozzi
DMJPS PLLC, Tax Senior Manager
Chris Capone
Capone & Associates LLC, Owner
Chris graduated from UNCW with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Accounting in 2011 and 2012, respectively. From 2012 - 2015, Chris worked for Deloitte & Touche LLP in the Audit and Enterprise Risk Services team performing internal control and financial statement audits in accordance with US GAAP for SEC clients.
In 2015, Chris married his Wife, Natalie, and moved to Zurich, Switzerland the following day. Chris and Natalie spent 3 years living and working in Europe working in international finance and supply chain.
In 2018, Chris moved back to Wilmington and founded Capone & Associates in 2022.Drew Smith
Copiers Plus, Director of Communications
Drew Smith currently serves as Director of Communications for Copiers Plus, Inc. Drew joined the company professionally in February 2014 after graduating from UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies. In his time at Copiers Plus, Drew has focused primarily on marketing and ensuring the brand is communicated effectively across their five locations in North Carolina. In 2016, Drew married his wife, and fellow Seahawk, Jessica Di Biaggio and they welcomed their first child, Addison Smith, in February of 2023. Drew loves spending time with his family, going to the beach, golfing, grabbing a drink with friends downtown, and watching his Atlanta Braves play.
Rick Barney
Momentum Recovery, CEO
Barrett Earney
EARNEY Accountants & Advisors, Partner
Dori Bishara
REV Federal Credit Union, Community Engagement Coordinator
I'm Dori Bishara the Community Engagement Coordinator for REV! As you may have guessed by my title, my job is all about community. REV is invested in helping to build resilient communities and giving back in the communities that we serve. I am fortunate that my job aligns with my personal interests and passions: to be of service, to contribute to making our communities vibrant and wonderful places to live, and to create meaningful connections.
My background includes: owning a small business for six years; working for multiple nonprofits and businesses; living in the Midwest, Southwest, and Northwest before settling in North Carolina; volunteering for many different organizations including performing art centers and elementary schools; and being a mom to two kids ages 10 and 7!Katie Braskett
MegaCorp Logistics LLC, Director of Marketing
Laurie Whalin
Novant Health, Chief Operating Officer
Kara Spencer
City of Wilmington, Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Justin DeNicola
Terracon, Office Manager
Tyrone Garrett
Wilmington Housing Authority, CEO
Yousry Sayed
Quality Chemical Laboratories, Inc., Founder, President, & CEO
Madi Lovelace
Vantaca, Executive Assistant to the Leadership Team
Josie Barnhart
New Hanover County Schools, Board of Education
Susan Barbee
Corning Incorporated, Plant HR Manager, Wilmington
LeAnn Pierce
New Hanover County Commission, Chair
Steven Gainey
Brunswick County Schools, Board of Education
Morghan Getty Collins
New Hanover County Register of Deeds, Registrar
Pat Bradford
New Hanover County Schools, Vice Chair Board of Education
Melissa Mason
New Hanover County Schools, Board of Education
Jerry Groves
Pender County, Commissioner
Brad George
Pender County, Commissioner
Brent Springer
Pender County Schools, Board of Education
Dennis Panicali
Town of Kure Beach, Commissioner
Ted Budd
United States Senate, Senator
Lindsey Zurcher
MegaCorp Logistics LLC, Chief Human Resources Officer
Dane Scalise
New Hanover County Commission, Vice Chair
Dawn-Michele Blalock
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina Inc., CEO
Corey Douglas
Rodgers, Project Manager
Caren Rodriguez
DMJPS PLLC, Chief Marketing Officer
Sheree Darien
REV Federal Credit Union, Wilmington Branch Manager
Matt Sprouse
Lumos, Sr Manager, Field Marketing
Jennifer Banks
TotalEnergies Renewables USA, LLC - Carolina Long Bay, Permitting and Development Director
Riley Stephenson
Rockefeller Capital Management, Vice President, Private Advisor
Trevor Smith
Becker Morgan Group, Inc., Civil Engineer
Sarah Stiegelmann
IKA Works, INC., Managing Director
Lindsay Carter
IKA Works, INC.
Chris Boney
The Endowment, NHCE Board of Directors
David Sprunt
The Endowment, NHCE Board of Directors
Shannon Winslow
The Endowment, NHCE Board of Directors
Janet Kane
Cape Fear Realtors, CEO
Angel Pia
DMJPS PLLC, Senior Manager, Tax
Grayson Overholt
Office of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, Southeastern Regional Representative
Aaron Penny
Lumos
Chad Hodges
McKinley Building Corporation
Ernie Bovio
Novant Health, President Coastal Market
Michael Braddock
Frontier Scientific Solutions, LLC
David Joyner
City of Wilmington, City Council
Umar Bowers
Dawson Med Primary Care and Urgent Care, President
Janine DeVito
Novant Health, Executive Assistant to Ernie Bovio
Salette Andrews
City of Wilmington
Pete Wildeboer
New Hanover County Board of Education
Melissa Mason
New Hanover County Board of Education
Josie Barnhart
New Hanover County Board of Education
Pat Bradford
New Hanover County Board of Education
Tiffany Bowers
Dawson Med Primary Care and Urgent Care
Andy Jones
WARM NC, CEO
Brian Chism
Brunswick County, Sheriff
Catherine Cooke
Brunswick County, Board of Education
Connie Mearkle
Town of Kure Beach, Mayor Pro Tem
Michael Pearsall
Town of Burgaw, Commissioner
William Rivenbark
Town of Burgaw, Commissioner
Charlie Mattox
Atlantic Union Bank
Bryce Rachlin
Cinema Wilmington LLC, Manager, Industry Relations
Bryan Greene
Cameron Management
Jesse Pridgen
Liberty Health, Manager of Operations Finance
Mr. Pridgen received a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Mr. Pridgen serves as the Credentialing Chair of the North Carolina Healthcare Quality Partners Initiative, North Carolina Healthcare Facilities Association Payment for Services Committee, and the American Healthcare Association Reimbursement Team. Mr. Pridgen enjoys giving back to the Wilmington community through his volunteer and fundraising efforts with the American Heart Association of the Cape Fear and the Willie Stargell Foundation.
Mr. Pridgen enjoys alpine skiing, paddle boarding, tennis, traveling, and spending time with his Boykin Spaniel, Banks.Ashley Rice
Cinema Wilmington LLC, President
Ryan Lapointe
Lumos
Bill Scott
Corning Credit Union
Tiffany Tramontozzi
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Chad Kimes
GFT Infrastructure Inc.
Barrett Earney
Earney IT, Partner
Chris Barnes
New Hanover County Schools, Interim Superintendent
Jessica Loeper
New Hanover County
Abigail Bergseng
Segra, Marketing Event Coordinator
Jeff Pfeiffer
Segra, Regional Vice President of Enterprise Sales
Livian Jones
Terracon
Judy Justice
New Hanover County Schools, Board Member
Tim Merrick
New Hanover County Schools, Board Member
David Perry
New Hanover County Schools, Board Member
Erin Welker
Live Oak Bank, VP - Marketing Events
Wesley Corder
Thomson, Corder and Co., President and Chief
Kyle Metzger-Gee
nCino OpCo, Inc., Senior Inclusion Community & Philanthropy Specialist
Strategic, solutions-oriented, and endlessly curious—I thrive at the intersection of planning, execution, and impact. With a strong foundation in cause marketing, strategic partnerships, and program development, I bring a big-picture mindset backed by the operational know-how to drive results.
I’m skilled in forecasting, budget ownership, and contract negotiations, and I have a track record of turning ideas into scalable, efficient programs that move the needle. Whether it’s building brand-aligned community initiatives, leading cross-functional teams, or negotiating partnerships that maximize value, I bring a thoughtful and agile approach to every challenge.
Known for my ability to see around corners and connect dots others might miss, I’m most energized when building something that didn't exist before and making sure it runs smoothly once it does.Tyler Newman
The Endowment, VP, External Affairs
Sophie Dagenais
The Endowment, CEO
Brad Neigel
Live Oak Bank
Morgan Moskal
Live Oak Bank
Kellie Lewis
Live Oak Bank
John Lennon
Bryce Dill
Corning Incorporated, Plant Manager 2025
Ted Boyd
Lee & Associates
Sandy Thorpe
Lee & Associates
Vickie Smith
Brunswick County
Frank Iler
Brunswick County
John Best
Town of Topsail Beach, Commissoner
Randy Burton
Pender County
Jason Smith
New Hanover County District Attorney, New Hanover County District Attorney
Tom Ullring
Crestline Hotels & Resorts
Caroline Hurd
National Association of Safety Professionals, Services Representative
I serve as the Services Representative at the National Association of Safety Professionals, a leading provider of training and professional certifications in the environmental, health, and safety sectors. In this role, I collaborate closely with our clients to support their scope of work compliance requirements through tailored safety training and consultative services.
Seth Davis
Cape Fear Realtors, Government Affairs Director
Jerod Patterson
Business Alliance for a Sound Economy
Eric Gislason
National Association of Safety Professionals, Executive Director, CEO
Mark Moon
GE Aerospace, Plant Leader
Zac Adair
The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, Executive Director
Celine Adair
The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, Director of Operations
David Stegall
The Endowment, Director Education
Teresa Wolf
StepUp Wilmington, CEO & ED
Becky Hawke
City of Wilmington, City Manager
Travis McCracken
Global Laser Enrichment, Human Resources Manager
Lannin Braddock
Lee & Associates , Senior Director
Lannin Braddock is a seasoned commercial real estate professional with over 18 years of experience in development, sales, leasing, and project management. She has overseen more than 1 million square feet of retail, medical, office, and industrial space and has been involved in over $500 million in development projects across the Wilmington region. In 2019, Lannin co-founded The Braddock Group, helping establish it as a top real estate firm in the Cape Fear region. A Wilmington resident since 2007, she also actively supports several local organizations and nonprofits.
Joe Orlando
REV Federal Credit Union, Regional Vice President
Stephanie Walker
New Hanover County
Megan Buchbinder
Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, EVP Marketing and Strategy
Roy Badillo
T-Mobile , Store Manager
Meghan Merritt
YMCA of Southeastern NC, Inc., Chief Operating Officer
Krystine Hobson
Premier Staffing Solutions, Inc., CEO
I’m the CEO of Premier Staffing Solutions, where we help businesses solve the challenge of attracting and keeping great talent. We focus on people-centered, innovative strategies that build stronger teams, boost performance, and create positive workplace cultures. I personally bring over a decade of experience in recruiting and workforce management, paired with curiosity, empathy, and a drive for meaningful impact—qualities I carry into my work as a published author, speaker, coach, and martial artist. I love what I do. People First. Always.
Shannon McSwiney, MSOL
Delta Dental of North Carolina, Director, Marketing and Communications
Chris Reece
Modern Aviation, Operations Manager
Lauren Soto
Premier Staffing Solutions, Inc., Talent Operations Manager
Ben David
New Hanover County CJC
Abbey Gold
Becker Morgan Group, Inc.
Cassidy Santaguida
City of Wilmington, City Council
JC Lyle
City of Wilmington, City Council
Chakema Clinton-Quintana
City of Wilmington, City Council
Sharat Nagaraj
AnythingEarlier, Founder & CEO
Dennis LaCaria
City of Wilmington, Chief of Staff
Alec Langbeen
Earney IT, Director of Growth & Client Success
Sean Desmond
nCino OpCo, Inc., CEO
Nicolas Montoya
Pontis Hospitality Strategies, CEO