Shows
CEOs You Should Know - CharlotteKay Carter - CEO of Second Harvest Food BankKay CarterKay joined Second Harvest Food Bank as CEO in January of 2004. During Kay’s tenure at theFood Bank the total pounds of food and household items distributed have increased from 7million pounds to almost 90 million pounds annually.Kay has established a set of key goals that have served as a guide for the staff as they work toend hunger in the 24-county region of North and South Carolina served by Second Harvest.Nutritional pounds including fresh produce, meat and dairy products have grown by 482%, anaverage of 23% pe...2025-07-2801 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteBen Levenbaum - CEO of XcelerationBen LevenbaumFor over 25 years, Ben Levenbaum has been building employee recognition programs thatdrive performance and engagement. Early in his career at MCI Telecommunications, hehelped launch one of the first online incentive platforms—paving the way for today’s $176billion non-cash rewards industry. That experience sparked the founding of Xceleration in1999, with a mission to help companies retain and motivate talent through rewards thatpeople value and aspire to earn.Ben takes pride in the long-term partnerships Xceleration has built with enterprise clientsacross diverse industries, and in the...2025-07-2801 min
CEOs You Should Know - CharlotteLaura Belcher- President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte RegionHabitat Charlotte Region tackles the challenges of affordable homeownership, critical home repair, and fair housing policies head on, leading partners and supporters to build communities with equitable access to housing for all. Since 1983, we have empowered over 5,000 families across the Charlotte region, including Mecklenburg, Iredell, and Gaston counties, by building affordable communities, improving financial literacy, and promoting intergenerational wealth.Laura Belcher joined Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region in 2014 as President & CEO. During her leadership, the organization has seen nearly a 400% increase in families served through new homeownership, critical home repairs and financial education programming. Laura has...2025-07-0101 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteJim Noble, Executive Chef & Owner Noble Food & PursuitsChef Jim Noble went to school to learn how to build things. His father built a prosperous sales pipeline for a successful furniture business and Noble—fresh out of school with an engineering degree—expected to follow suit by earning an engineering degree from NC State University and beginning his career in the furniture industry. But an undiscovered passion led him down a different path, one that brought people together around the most essential piece of furniture toany home: the table. Noble’s path began to diverge when he cracked open a used copy of Julia Child’s “Mastering t...2025-04-2901 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteRita Thomas, Founder & CEO at 110 NorthCEO RITA’S BIORita Thomas is a trailblazing producer and marketing strategist whose expertise lies in crafting narratives that don't just engage—they spark action. With over 15 years of experience shaping brand stories, she has led high-impact campaigns for industry giants like Walgreens Co., Harpo Productions, Ally Financial, and SiriusXM—leveraging strategy, storytelling, and community to drive measurable success.Learning from Oprah herself and solidifying her belief in storytelling as a catalyst for meaningful change, Thomas played a pivotal role in transforming entrepreneurial talent into household names, creating impactful connections that resonated across television and ra...2025-04-0901 min
Charlotte Women of ImpactWoman of Impact - Kristi ColemanA true trailblazer across professional sports, Kristi Coleman is the CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE) and President of the Carolina Panthers.In December 2024, Coleman was named CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, overseeing all business operations for TSE including the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Football Club and Bank of America Stadium. Coleman also serves as President of the Carolina Panthers, a role she has held since February 2022, becoming only the second-ever female president in NFL history.In her roles, Coleman is responsible for navigating the dynamic challenges of operating in a multibillion-dollar industry – from fostering relationships with league of...2025-03-2208 min
Charlotte Women of ImpactWoman of Impact - Lindsey Michael LongoLindsey Michael-Longo is the Director of Strategy and Dealer Principal at Capital Auto Group in Raleigh, North Carolina. With a robust background in strategic planning and leadership, Lindsey has significantly contributed to the automotive retail industry. She recently graduated from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Academy, where she completed a rigorous, year-long program focusing on essential management and leadership disciplines. Lindsey's expertise spans various roles, including previous positions at University Ford of Durham and Sokal Media Group. Her dedication to excellence and innovation continues to drive the success of Capital Auto Group.2025-03-2210 min
Charlotte Women of ImpactWoman of Impact - Michelle Connley GoreMichelle Connley-Gore is a marketing expert with 23 years of experience in the areas of marketing strategy, communications planning, brand identity, advertising, creative/design process management, digital content management, BIPOC-targeted marketing, community relations, and event design & management.Michelle earned her chops at global ad agency Leo Burnett Worldwide in Chicago on the U.S. Army national advertising business. Michelle then went on to hone her skills at national agency, Carol H. Williams Advertising, working on the General Motors, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and Disney accounts. Working in the areas of account and event management, Michelle managed TV and print productions, the...2025-03-1215 min
Charlotte Women of ImpactWoman of Impact - Nicki NashFounders Federal Credit Union, one of the largest and most innovative credit unions in the nation, was founded in 1950 in Fort Mill, South Carolina, to provide financial services to the employees of Springs Industries, Inc.Nicki Nash is the Chief Marketing Officer and Spokesperson of Founders Federal Credit Union. Her career at Founders began in 1994 in the marketing department. Since then, she has served as Vice President of Business Development and Senior Vice President of Marketing. She began her role asChief Marketing Officer in 2003.Founders has over $4.8 billion in assets, over 274,000 members, 44 locations, over 820 employ...2025-03-1211 min
Charlotte Women of ImpactWoman of Impact - Robin MermansWith a passion for educating and empowering others, Robin M. Mermans is a champion of change in the way the world views divorce and co-parenting. As a Collaborative Family Law attorney, certified mediator, co-parenting coach, and trusted guide, Robin is committed to helping families resolve conflict. She is the founder and principal attorney of ROAD to RESOLUTION, where she uses her life experience to guide others in the co-creation of healthy pathways for navigating life-changing journeys.Licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina, Robin is a trained Collaborative Attorney and a Dispute Resolution Commission Certified Mediator. Robin uses...2025-03-1215 min
Charlotte Women of ImpactWoman of Impact: Shaundra WarrenAs the head of the Project Management Office, Loss Mitigation, Risk Management, and Marketing, Shaundra Warren plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective and efficient governance of our strategic formation and enterprise risk. Her responsibilities also extend to strategic businessplanning across the organization, a task she handles with exceptional skill and foresight. Shaundra’s career at Sharonview has been marked by a series of significant promotions. She started as Assistant Vice President of Loss Mitigation in December 2016, and within two years, she was elevated to the role of Vice President.Her exceptional performance led to...2025-03-0706 min
Charlotte Women of ImpactWoman of Impact: Andrea SmithAs a trailblazer and champion for women in banking, Smith held a number of senior leadership positions for Bank of America during her 34-year career with the company. Those included such roles as the head of Global Human Resources, where she transformed the bank’s hiring, employee benefits, and diversity and inclusion efforts and subsequently Chief Administrative Officer. Among her numerous recognitions include American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Banking, Business North Carolina’s Most Influential Business Leaders in North Carolina, and Charlotte Businesswoman of the Year by Queens University.In 2021, Smith was named the Citizen of the Caroli...2025-03-0713 min
Charlotte Women of ImpactWoman of Impact: Aimee LarsonAimee Larson, SHRM-SCP is the President and Chief People Officer at Conway Restaurant Group, a Charlotte-based hospitality company founded in 2005. Since December 2021, Aimee has been instrumental in driving the company's strategic growth and operational excellence. She leads executive leadership alignment, optimizes revenue streams, and enhances guest experiences through innovative technologies. Conway Restaurant Group’s portfolio includes Napa on Providence in Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood, Napa at Kingsley in Fort Mill, SC, and the most recently opened Napa Bistro & Wine Bar | Stonecrest. Aimee also oversees HR strategy, talent pipeline development—including partnerships with local colleges—and initiatives that strengthen the company’...2025-03-0718 min
Charlotte Women of ImpactWoman of Impact: Sandra SzokeA marketing professional who’s perpetually curious about the science of motivating audiences, she’s a self-proclaimed “marketing nerd.” That curiosity led her to leadership opportunities in broadcast tv and radio, cable, out of home and digital. Sandra and her business partner head a marketing and advertising firm, Impact Marketing Partners, and work with businesses around the country. She and her husband, Jim, have five children. They live in Charlotte with their dogs, Gus and Hank. She and Jim enjoy traveling together and planning the next adventure. For fun, Sandra loves golfing, running, singing and anything outdoors - - hiking, boating, zipl...2025-03-0318 minCharlotte Women of ImpactWomen of Impact: Sandra SzokeWomen of Impact: Sandra Szoke2025-02-2820 min
Charlotte Women of ImpactWoman of Impact: Sharon SullivanAn Account Executive for five years with NCR Corporation, Sharon specialized in software solutions for the medical, educational and governmental marketplace. She moved on to The Center for Chemical Dependency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, and as the Grants & Research Director was privileged to work on groundbreaking HIV research. A resident of South Florida for 26 years, Sharon was introduced to the local non-profit community as a volunteer for Kids In Distress. She went on to serve as the President of the KIDs Auxiliary. A founding partner of The Alchemy Group, a non-profit consultancy firm, Sharon assisted local organ...2025-02-2806 min
Charlotte Women of ImpactWoman of Impact: Kiara NalleIn September 2024, Kiara officially joined New Hope as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador. In this groundbreaking role, she uses her lived experiences to create social media content focused on mental health issues. Kiara also engages in speaking engagements with New Hope’s current residents and staff, offering one-on-one conversations and leading small group discussions to provide support and encouragement. Kiara Grace is a wife, a mother, and a woman who has transformed her life through resilience and perseverance. While her family is a central part of her identity, Kiara's journey extends beyond those roles. Overcoming severe mental health challenges in he...2025-02-2810 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteSam L. Smith Jr. - GreenLight Fund Charlotte Executive DirectorSam L. Smith Jr. is a passionate leader and community builder with more than 14 years of experience driving meaningful change in both corporate and nonprofit spaces. As the Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Charlotte, Sam connects philanthropists, businesses, nonprofits, and local leaders to identify and invest in innovative, evidence-based solutions that address critical needs in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. His work is focused on improving opportunities and outcomes for families facing systemic barriers.Sam's commitment to making a difference has been widely recognized. He was honored as part of the Charlotte Business Journal's 2022 Class of 40 under 40, celebrating his role in...2024-12-2701 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteHerb White - President & CEO of Sharonview Federal Credit UnionHerb White leads the Sharonview team with confidence and experience,bringing over 25 years of experience in the financial industry to ourcompany.As president, Herb has brought us back to our roots, emphasizing ourcommitment to making a real impact on the communities we servethrough renewed member and community engagement. He alsorealigned our pillars by adding a focus on mental health awareness.Herb’s career at Sharonview has been a steady climb to the top. Hecame to Sharonview in 2017 as Chief Le...2024-12-0301 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteTrina Fullard - President/CEO Charlotte Rescue MissionTrina Fullard, President/CEO Charlotte Rescue MissionTrina graduated from Washington and Jefferson College with a B.A. in Psychology in 1993 and received her master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1995. She is credentialed with the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist and Certified Clinical Supervisor.Trina moved to Charlotte in 1997 and worked at the McLeod Addictive Disease Center for 21 years holding several positions, all increasing in responsibility from clinician to vice president of clinical services and information technology. She has been active in...2024-10-1601 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteDoug Lebda - CEO of Lending TreeAn expert on the consumer finance industry and mortgage markets, Doug provides insight and analysis on the current and future state of consumer lending and how FinTech companies, such as LendingTree, are using cutting-edge technology to change financial services. Doug has been a frequent contributor and guest speaker on major news networks such as Bloomberg, CNBC, Fox Business and The Street. He has been featured on live televised programs such Mornings with Maria, CNBC Squawk Box and Mad Money with Jim Cramer.A passionate entrepreneur, Doug left business school (which he would return to nearly 20 years later) to start Lending...2024-09-2701 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteBrent Cagle - Interim CEO of Charlotte Area Transit SystemMr. Brent Cagle brings extensive experience in aviation and municipal management to his role in the City of Charlotte's City Manager’s Office. As of December 2023, he has taken on the responsibilities of Interim Chief Executive Officer CEO for the Charlotte Area Transit System CATS. Under his leadership, CATS continues to deliver essential transit services throughout Charlotte and its neighboring towns in Mecklenburg County.Before his current tenure with the City Manager’s Office, Mr. Cagle expertly managed the Charlotte Douglas International Airport CLT as the Aviation Director. He joined the CLT team in February 2012, first contributing his expe...2024-08-2901 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteTim Schuldt - CEO of Queen City Sports & Entertainment LLCTim Schuldt is currently the President & CEO of Queen City Sports & Entertainment LLC, a full service sports and entertainment marketing agency, Chief Operating Officer of Empower Sports & Entertainment LLC, a professional USL Super League soccer team playing as the Carolina Ascent FC and President and COO of Queen City Soccer Club LLC, a professional USL Championship soccer team playing as the Charlotte Independence. Tim oversees all business aspects of the agecny and clubs including sponsorship sales. 20Prior to his current roles Tim was the Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Communications & Events for the Corporate 500 motorsports entity, Speedway...2024-08-0201 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteWilliam Lassiter - CEO of NC S.A.F.ENC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) is North Carolina’s statewide initiative designed to raise awareness of the importance of safe firearm storage. Established in 2023, the initiative provides resources and best practices for firearm storage and safety. NC S.A.F.E. is not associated with any advocacy-based initiatives related to gun laws or regulations.2024-07-2232 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteClark Stewart - CEO of Eastwood HomesMeet Clark Stewart who proudly serves as President of Eastwood Homes. Under Clark’s leadership, Eastwood Homes has built out its footprint to include Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.Since 2003, Clark has continued his father’s vision of creating a culture that values its employees and feels like family. From twice annual hot dog days, and regular visits to our communities and homes under construction, the Eastwood team knows that the company’s Built With Care philosophy is something that is honored from the top down. Clark has been known to say that caring for others is part o...2024-06-2801 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteBob Lutz - CEO & President of Driving 101 Nascar Racing ExperienceRobert J. Lutz grew up in Syracuse, N.Y., working for his family-owned business. His marketing and management career started at a young age, assisting in the development and maintenance of D.I.R.T Motorsports.With a well-rounded business background, Lutz moved to Charlotte, N.C., in May 1990 to further entrench him in the national racing community. In July 1991, Lutz accepted the job as marketing director for Fast Track High Performance Driving School in Harrisburg, N.C. He served in that role for two years and transformed Fast Track into the leading Winston Cup driving school in...2024-05-3001 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteScott Hoots - QC KinetixScott Hoots is the CEO of QC Kinetix, a leader in the regenerative medicine industry.Scott Hoots, CEO of QC Kinetix, is a 40 year veteran of the franchising industry. He served as Regional Vice President of Domino’s, overseeing 1,500 franchise stores, VP of Franchising for American Family Care and President of Pet Wants, a boutique pet food franchise system, before coming to QC Kinetix as Chief Operating Officer and then becoming Chief Exercutive Officer. He has overseen rapid growth at QC Kinetix and was recently named CEO of the year by Business North Carolina magazine.2024-04-2501 minCEOs You Should Know - CharlotteDr. Ashley Lucas - CEO of PHD Weight Loss & NutritionDr. Ashley Lucas is the owner, founder and advisory consultant for PHD Weight Loss and Nutrition. She has over 15 years of education in the field of nutrition and metabolism. In her mid 20s, she retired from her professional ballet career. While understanding the importance nutrition played on her own sport performance, she went on to earn her PhD in Sports Nutrition and Chronic Disease from Virginia Tech. Her research throughout her six-year post-graduate doctoral training, focused on energy metabolism and the Female Athlete Triad. She was awarded the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarship and completed her dietetic internship at...2024-03-2601 min