CEOs You Should Know - Charlotte

Zoran KrnetaGeneral Manager of Charlotte FCZoran Krneta was named General Manager of Charlotte Football Club in December 2019. He founded the global sports agency, Star Sports & Entertainment, in 2005 and has identified and brokered contracts for more than 150 soccer players across the globe. Krneta, who has been with the Club since its inception, oversees the Crown’s sporting department which has registered three consecutive Audi MLS Cup Playoff appearances.Charlotte FCCharlotte Football Club is the Major League Soccer Club in the Carolinas. The Club’s mission is to be a unifying force that is bigger than one city and encourage a sense of belonging through a progressive, collective, and ambitious approach that guides efforts on and off the pitch. CLTFC is committed to driving growth through the sport and community outreach. Charlotte FC is owned by David Tepper and is a part of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, which also includes Bank of America Stadium and the Carolina Panthers. For more information, visit CharlotteFootballClub.com. 

Shelly Cayette-WestonPresident of Business Operations of Hornets Sports & EntertainmentShelly Cayette-Weston is in her second season as the President of Business Operations for the NBA's Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE). In this role, she oversees the day-to-day business operations for all HSE properties, including the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm, and the newly renovated Spectrum Center that hosts over 125 annual events. She brings nearly two decades of impactful, relationship-driven leadership in sports and entertainment, with a reputation for setting vision, building trust, and driving sustainable growth.Prior to joining HSE, Cayette-Weston was Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, where she made history as the first Black woman to hold the CCO title for an NBA franchise. During her 12 year tenure with the Cavaliers, she was responsible for global partnerships, ticketing, premium hospitality, client experience, and commercial innovation acrong the Cavaliers, Lake Erie Monsters (AHL), Cleveland Charge (NBA G League), and Cavs Legion GC (NBA 2K League).Under her leadership, the Cavaliers became one of the NBA's top-performing revenue franchises over the past decade. She led transformative initiatives including the launch of a dedicated client engagement team, securing jersey patch partnerships, major arena renovations, development of a new practice facility, international business strategy, and the expansion of youth sports outreach-creating lasting impact for the organization, its partners. and the broader community. A committed civic leader, Cayette-Weston served on multiple boards, including Cuyahoga Community College, College Now, the Commission on Economic Inclusion, and the American Heart Association.She began her NBA career with the New Orleans Hornets, working across marketing. community investment, and corporate partnerships, and started her professional career at Caesars Entertainment in database marketing and advertising.Cayette-Weston earned a Bachelor's degree from Tulane University, where she competed on the women's varsity basketball team. In 2024, she was inducted into the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame and received the Don and Lora Peters Career Achievement Award. She was also named Crain's Cleveland Business Forty Under 40(2019), Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40(2021), and Sports Business Journal Game Changer (2019).A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Shelly and her husband, Aron, are the proud parents of two daughters, Ivy Grace and Averie Marie.Hornets Sports & EntertainmentHornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) owns the Charlotte Hornets and the Greensboro Swarm (NBA G League), and operates Spectrum Center, the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the Carolinas. Charlotte’s first professional sports team, the Hornets joined the NBA in 1988 and are a member of the Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division. HSE is committed to positively impacting the Carolinas through community programming and the Charlotte Hornets Foundation.Spectrum Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary and reopened following a two-phased renovation as a fully transformed world-class arena in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. Through the years, Spectrum Center has hosted nearly 2,500 events and has welcomed more than 24 million guests. Directly across from Spectrum Center, the state-of-the-art Novant Health Performance Center is being built to enhance player development and foster a culture of high performance.For more information, please visit hornets.com, gsoswarm.com or spectrumcentercharlotte.com. 

Bill AlessiCEO Alpha Modus Holdings, Inc.As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Modus Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMOD), I have dedicated my career to pioneering data-driven technologies that enhance the consumer retail experience. In 2014, I established Alpha Modus, serving as its initial seed investor and driving its strategic vision. Our innovations quickly gained industry recognition, with Alpha Modus being named an IBM Beacon Award Winner in 2016 for our excellence in AI-powered solutions. Further solidifying our place in the tech industry, IBM recognized Alpha Modus as its "Born on The Cloud - Start-Up of the Century," a testament to our transformative impact on the retail and financial sectors. My entrepreneurial journey began with a focus on real estate, small-cap equities, and technology markets. Notably, my leadership played a pivotal role in the operations of Andover Brokerage, a firm that was instrumental in pioneering the electronic day trading era. At Alpha Modus, we are committed to being at the forefront of AI-driven innovation, revolutionizing the way consumers interact with brands at the point of sale while striving to deliver measurable ROI for retailers and brands. Our transition to a publicly traded entity has unlocked new opportunities for growth, investment, and expansion into emerging retail technologies. Key Achievements: Founded Alpha Modus in 2014, leading its growth into a Nasdaq-listed company. IBM Beacon Award Winner (2016), recognizing Alpha Modus’ excellence in AI-powered solutions. Recognized by IBM as the "Start-Up of the Century," highlighting Alpha Modus’ transformative impact. Played a critical role in the operations of Andover Brokerage, a pioneer in electronic day trading. Guided Alpha Modus through a successful SPAC merger, positioning the company for sustained growth. Connect with Me: I am always interested in discussing innovative technologies, AI-driven retail solutions, and investment opportunities. Feel free to connect or reach out to me directly.AlphaModusAlpha Modus’ patented closed-loop retail AI framework: Sense → Decide → Deliver → Attribute connects in-store shopper behavior, digital activation, and transaction outcomes. This framework enables brands and retailers to understand what works, where, and why, while moving beyond static merchandising and disconnected retail media toward a more responsive operating model. Through an operating subsidiary, Alpha Modus Financial Services, the company is actively deploying Alpha Cash, a transaction-enablement and distribution layer delivered through physical kiosks and a companion mobile application. Alpha Cash embeds everyday financial services directly into retail locations where consumers already shop and manage household spending, while extending continuity between in-person and digital financial activity without reliance on traditional banking relationships. By identifying consumer behavior and product interaction in real-time, businesses can curate tailored marketing solutions that cater to the specific and immediate needs of a shopper, at the key moment they ponder whether or not to make a purchase. Website: http://alphamodus.com/Phone: (704) 252-5050Industry: Data Infrastructure and Analytics Company size: 11-50 employees Founded: 2014 Specialties: Predictive Data Analytics, Big Data, Unstructured Data, machine learning, predictive analytics, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Retail Technology, Digital media, In-Store Experience, Planogram, Inventory control, Consumer data, AI patent, and technology patent 

Amy Noland PackCo-Founder & Principal Partner of AccruePartnersAmy Noland Pack is the Co-founder and Principal Partner of AccruePartners, the Carolinas’ leading Talent Advisory Firm, specializing in Interim Staffing, Search, Project Consulting, and Embedded Recruitment. She has built AccruePartners into a trusted partner for mid-sized businesses and Fortune 500 companies, delivering strategic workforce solutions across six specialized divisions: Information Technology, Accounting & Finance, Financial Services, Human Resources, Corporate Support, and Marketing, Creative & Digital. A recognized thought leader in the staffing and talent industry, Amy has cultivated deep relationships with executives and hiring leaders across the Carolinas. She is known for her strategic approach to workforce solutions, helping organizations secure top talent and navigate today’s competitive and complex hiring landscape. Amy’s leadership and impact have earned her recognition, including being named a Top Woman in Business by the Charlotte Business Journal. She is also deeply committed to giving back to the Charlotte business and philanthropic community, serving on the boards of Good Friends Charlotte, Junior Achievement, Go Red for Women, and Georgia Southern Parker College of Business. Amy is passionate about building the people, companies, and careers that shape the Queen City and beyond. AccruePartnersAccruePartners is the Carolinas’ leading talent advisory and workforce solutions firm. For more than 20 years, we’ve built people, companies, and careers through deep market and talent intelligence, strong relationships, and a human-centered approach to search, interim staffing, and project solutions.   Our talent experts provide deep experience in Accounting & Finance, HR, IT, Marketing, Digital & Creative, Corporate Operations, and Financial Services.  

Robert F. Posthauer President, Rubbermaid Commercial Business, Newell Brands  With over 25 years of experience as a business and industry leader, Robert Posthauer currently serves as the President of the Rubbermaid Commercial Business at Newell Brands. His portfolio includes well-known brands such as Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Mapa®, Spontex®, and Quickie®, which cater to the demanding needs of commercial facilities globally.  Before joining Newell, Rob served as Senior Vice President of Global Merchandising at Lowe's Companies, overseeing Private Brands, Product Development, Quality, and Global Sourcing. He also held various leadership roles at General Electric Appliances, culminating in his position as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Rob holds a degree from the School of Management at Purdue University.  Rob is deeply committed to promoting the cleaning industry. He led efforts to create the "Behind the Scenes of Clean" campaign to honor custodial and maintenance professionals worldwide. This initiative, now in its third year, has celebrated over 17,000 professionals through more than 200 events. Rob is also passionate about corporate responsibility and community impact, evidenced by partnerships with organizations like Charlotte Football Club, Louisville Soccer Club, Davidson Elementary, and local festivals supporting U.S. manufacturing plants.  In addition to his professional work, Rob has been a guest speaker at the University of North Carolina, providing students with insights on global economics in a tariff-driven environment. His leadership and business acumen have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2022 Newell CEO Leadership Award for outstanding performance in revenue, profitability, and operational excellence, the 2023 Leadership Award for sales revenue growth, and the 2024 Executive Contact and Vendor of the Year Award from Grainger.  Rob remains active with Purdue University, managing a scholarship in honor of his mother, and is a dedicated supporter of his local community. He and his wife Heather, married for 16 years, enjoy traveling with their children, Beau (15) and Ruby (12). Learn more about Newell Brands!

Trent HasonCEO and President of the Roby Family of CompaniesTrent Haston is the CEO and President of the Roby Family of Companies, which includes Andrew Roby, Roby Commercial, Roby Services, and Roby Realty—together offering a full spectrum of residential construction, commercial construction, and home service expertise across the Carolinas. A third-generation leader, Trent has guided the organization’s growth while staying true to the family values that have defined the business since 1950. Trent is an active member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), where he connects with and learns from fellow leaders committed to personal and professional growth. Known for his energy, deep community involvement, and genuine love for people, Trent is also the co-host of the At Home with Roby podcast, where he and Patrick MacIsaac spotlight local leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers throughout the region. Whether he’s on a jobsite, behind a microphone, on the golf course, or volunteering in the community, Trent brings a relationship-driven leadership style rooted in integrity, hard work, and service. Roby Family of CompaniesFounded in 1950, the Roby Family of Companies is one of the Carolinas’ most trusted and long-standing providers of construction and home service solutions. What began as a small, family-run remodeling business has grown into a comprehensive group of service-focused companies—Andrew Roby, Roby Commercial, Roby Services, and Roby Realty—offering everything from custom residential construction to commercial projects, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, handyman services, and real estate. Rooted in integrity, craftsmanship, and a can-do attitude, the Roby Family of Companies continues to honor its multigenerational legacy while evolving to meet the needs of clients across the region. With a shared belief in service—both to customers and the community—the organization prides itself on building lasting relationships and delivering quality work with a genuine commitment to serving its customers and community. 

Amy HuffmanCEO | DRNX Adaptogenic WaterAmy Huffman is the Chief Executive Officer of DRNX Adaptogenic Water, a pioneering brand redefining functional hydration. With more than 15 years of executive leadership experience, Amy has built her career on driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and brand innovation across competitive industries. Grounded in authenticity, integrity, and perseverance, she leads with a philosophy centered on collaboration, determination, and accountability. Amy fosters a culture of hustle, grit, and teamwork, inspiring those around her to reach their highest potential. Under her leadership, DRNX continues to push boundaries in the beverage industry, delivering a product that reflects purpose, performance, and passion. Follow her on LinkedIn! DRNX Adaptogenic WaterDRNX Adaptogenic Water is a premium functional water designed to fuel performance, focus, and support overall wellness through the power of natural adaptogens. Crafted with over 20 plant-based ingredients, zero sugar, and only 5 calories, DRNX delivers clean hydration that supports balance and vitality for those who hustle hardest. Founded on the principles of authenticity, integrity, and innovation, DRNX represents a new era of beverage, one that blends science, nature, and culture. Backed by professional athletes and creative visionaries, the brand continues to disrupt the market with its bold flavor, sleek design, and mission to inspire people to perform at their best, on and off the field. From ball fields to boardrooms, DRNX is redefining what it means to hydrate with purpose. 

Keith PoettkerCEO & Chariman of Poettker ConstructionKeith Poettker is the CEO and Chairman of Poettker Construction Company, a nationally recognized construction management and design-build firm with over 45 years in business. Founded in 1980, the company has built a strong presence across the Midwest and Southeast, with Charlotte serving as a strategic hub for regional growth.   Since becoming CEO in 2021, Keith has led the company through transformative expansion, more than doubling revenue and deepening its footprint in the Southeast. His servant leadership style emphasizes integrity, safety, and a people-first culture—values that have earned Poettker recognition as a “Best Place to Work” for eight consecutive years.   Keith’s leadership has also been personally recognized. In 2025, he was named a Most Admired CEO by the Charlotte Business Journal, a testament to his vision, values, and impact on the industry.   In 2020, Keith and his family relocated to Charlotte to lead the firm’s Southeast expansion. His commitment to the region reflects Poettker’s broader mission to build lasting partnerships and contribute to community vitality. That mission extends beyond construction. Under Keith’s leadership, Poettker partners with multiple Charlotte area charity organizations, including Dream On 3, a nonprofit that makes sports dreams come true for children with life-altering conditions.   Keith holds a B.S. in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and serves as the qualifying agent for the firm’s contractor licenses nationwide. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, boating, hiking, grilling, and spending time with family and friends. Poettker ConstructionEstablished in 1980, Poettker Construction is a second-generation, family-owned business specializing in construction management, design/build, general contracting, and self-perform services with an emphasis on exceeding the client’s expectations. Poettker Construction is dedicated to providing safe, quality, sustainable, and technology solutions to clients in the Education, Distribution, Federal Government, Healthcare, Hospitality, Industrial, Multi-Family, Municipal, Recreation, Retail, and Utility industries. The company prides itself on building long-lasting relationships with their clients, business partners and the communities in which they work. For more information, visit poettkerconstruction.com.  

Abigail Hines MillerOwner & Managing Partner | The Agency CharlotteAs Owner and Managing Partner of The Agency Charlotte, Abigail Hines Miller stands at the forefront of luxury real estate in the Carolinas, driving the firm’s growth, innovation, and market influence. Since launching the Charlotte franchise in June 2023, she has established The Agency as a premier force in the region — redefining the standard for client service, marketing excellence, and agent support.A top-producing broker with a refined eye for design, Abigail blends strategic leadership with creative vision to deliver exceptional results for her clients and her team. Prior to founding The Agency Charlotte, she spent nearly a decade in high-level commercial design sales for multimillion-dollar brands, cultivating an expertise in luxury living that now informs her approach to real estate.Her background in interior design and home staging — through her firm Tailored Interiors Group LLC — further elevates her ability to position properties for maximum impact in the marketplace.Recognized as a Rising Star by Charlotte Real Producers and featured in Top Agent Magazine, Abigail’s reputation for excellence is built on integrity, market intelligence, and a relentless commitment to exceeding expectations. She leverages The Agency’s global reach alongside her deep-rooted knowledge of Charlotte’s most desirable neighborhoods to serve an elite clientele, from relocation clients and investors to high-profile sports and entertainment figures.Raised in the Lake Norman region and educated at High Point University, Abigail’s connection to North Carolina is both personal and professional. Her time living abroad in the United Kingdom, while her husband served in the Armed Forces, broadened her global perspective — a perspective she now applies to her work with clients from around the world. At her core, Abigail is a connector, strategist, and advocate — leading with vision while remaining deeply engaged in the art of the deal. Whether guiding her team, negotiating on behalf of her clients, or expanding The Agency’s footprint into new markets, she is committed to excellence in every detail.The Agency CharlotteWherever you’re going, we can take you there.The Agency Charlotte is the Carolinas’ premier luxury real estate brokerage — delivering a white-glove, full-service experience backed by global reach and local expertise. Under the leadership of Owner and Managing Partner Abigail Hines Miller, The Agency Charlotte has rapidly become a market leader, redefining the standards for client service, agent development, and luxury property marketing.As part of The Agency’s internationally recognized brand, the Charlotte office leverages a powerful global network spanning more than 100 offices worldwide, offering unparalleled exposure for its clients and properties. Locally, The Agency Charlotte sets itself apart with a curated team of top-producing brokers, a cutting-edge marketing platform, and a commitment to innovation that ensures every client — from first-time buyers to high-profile sports and entertainment figures — receives a bespoke, results-driven approach.The Agency Charlotte proudly serves clients across the entire state of North Carolina — from the mountains to the coast — with deep expertise in Charlotte and its surrounding luxury enclaves, Lake Norman, the Triad, the Triangle, Asheville, Wilmington, and beyond. This statewide reach allows the firm to expertly guide both local and relocating clients through every market segment, no matter the location.Specializing in residential sales, new development representation, investment properties, relocation services, and elite concierge services, The Agency Charlotte combines deep market knowledge with strategic, high-impact marketing to deliver exceptional results.At the heart of The Agency Charlotte is a culture of collaboration, integrity, and excellence. Every transaction is guided by the belief that buying or selling a home is more than a transaction — it’s an experience that deserves the highest level of attention, discretion, and strategic expertise.Whether representing a multimillion-dollar estate, a mountain retreat, an oceanfront property, or a sophisticated uptown residence, The Agency Charlotte delivers results that speak for themselves, with a brand synonymous with success in the world’s most competitive markets.

Kay 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% per year. Pounds in these categories, which people living in poverty can leastafford but need to stay healthy, are vitally Important in improving the overall health ofour community.Volunteer hours at Second Harvest have increased by 44% per year since 2004. During themost recent fiscal year, volunteer hours donated to Second Harvest totaled over 317,000.These hours saved the Food Bank almost 8 million dollars in labor costs, funds that are beingredirected to feeding more people in need.The number one goal of Second Harvest during Kay’s tenure has been to end child hunger inour region. These programs including the backpack program, Kids Café programs and theschool based mobile pantry program have grown an average of 58% every year since 2004.Today, Second Harvest is the largest nonprofit in the health and human services sector in the greaterCharlotte region with annual revenues including food donations of 171 million dollars.Prior to joining Second Harvest, Kay served as the Director of the York County Department ofSocial Services for seven years and as a City Manager for ten years. Kay holds a Bachelor’sDegree in Political Science from Winthrop University anda Master’s Degree in PublicAdministration from the University of South Carolina.Second Harvest Food BankWho We Are and What We Do:We provide a regional distribution warehouse and branches that supply food and grocery items to charitable agencies that assist people in need. We provide training, technical assistance and hunger education to our partner agencies.Counties Served:We serve a total of 24 counties - 14 counties in North Carolina including Anson, Burke, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly and Union. We serve 10 counties in South Carolina including Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenwood, Lancaster, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, Union, and York.Agencies Served:SHMETROLINA provides food for over 950 partner agencies including soup kitchens like Urban Ministries, emergency pantries like Nourish Up, homeless shelters like Uptown Men’s Shelter and Center of Hope, senior programs, and low-income daycares.Food Distributed:SHMETROLINA annually distributes over 88 million pounds of food and other household items throughout our 24 county service region. Over 54 million pounds of our annual distribution is fresh produce, meat and dairy.The Need: 12.1% of our service area population, almost 483,000 people, live in poverty including over 151,000 children and 57,000 seniors. Our emergency pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters continue to report significant increases in requests for assistance over last year. These numbers do not incorporate our new counties in SC. Where Our Food Comes FromApproximately 68% of the food we distribute is donated, 12% is purchased and 20% of the food comes from government commodities. These numbers do not incorporate our new counties in SC.How We Distribute Food:We distribute food through our main warehouse in Charlotte and through branches in Hickory (Catawba County-NC), Salisbury (Rowan County-NC), Spartanburg (Spartanburg County-SC) and Anderson (Anderson County-SC).

Ben 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 millions of individuals recognized across 90+countries through its platform. He’s particularly energized by the opportunity to combineXceleration’s 25 years of engagement data with AI to generate powerful insights on how toinspire performance and loyalty in a rapidly evolving workforce landscape.A graduate of Emory University with a B.A. in Economics, Ben was recognized by the EmoryEntrepreneur Network in 2016 for innovation and impact. In 2015, he relocatedXceleration’s headquarters from Atlanta to Charlotte, drawn by the city’s thriving businessenvironment and talent pool. Outside of work, Ben enjoys coaching youth baseball, sailing,and traveling with his wife Sarah and their two teenage sons.About XcelerationFor more than 25 years, Xceleration has been a trusted leader in enterprise rewards andrecognition. Our industry-leading SaaS platform helps companies strengthen culture,retain talent, and drive performance through personalized engagement programs.Xceleration partners with some of the world’s most recognized brands to deliver strategic,scalable recognition solutions that create meaningful impact. Most recently, welaunched Moments—a luxury individual travel service that enables companies of any sizeto reward top talent with unforgettable experiences. Having managed thousands ofindividual travel rewards, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful travel can be in buildingemotional connections, loyalty, and long-term retention—far beyond what traditionalrecognition alone can achieve.

Habitat 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 led the organization through 2 strategic mergers in the past 5 years, expanding programming into Iredell and Gaston Counties. 2023 provided a career highlight as Habitat Charlotte Region hosted the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project building 27 homes in a week with 3800 volunteers.Laura spent the first 20 years of her career in corporate roles with Arthur Andersen, Wachovia Securities and Transamerica. Laura was a CPA, graduated from the College of William and Mary, and spent 9 years in nonprofit work as CFO/COO of the Arts & Science Council prior to joining Habitat.Laura is on the Catapult Employers Association Board of Directors and chairs the Governance Committee. Laura is a member of Women Executives and International Women’s Forum. Her recent recognitions include 2024 Charlotte Woman of the Year and Business NC 2024 Power List as one of the most influential leaders in non-profits and philanthropies.

Chef 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 the Art of French Cooking,” purchased with money he earned as a bar owner. Having no formal culinary training, he gleaned what he could from Child before beginning an extensive study of Auguste Escoffier, the first chef to commit the secrets of French cuisine to paper. Over time, he cultivated his vision for a new Southern cuisine, one that seeks to preserve and renew our best traditions by applying the rigorous technique of the Old World masters.   What Noble lacked in formal training he made up for in his commitment to excellence, which in turn was driven by an even greater commitment to serve people. He opened his first restaurant in 1983, J.Basul Noble in his hometown of High Point, N.C., and today operates fourteen restaurants and culinary concepts: Rooster’s (four locations in Charlotte and Winston-Salem), Noble Smoke (Charlotte), Bossy Beulah’s Chicken Shack (five locations in Charlotte, Fort Mill, and Winston-Salem), Copain Bakery & Provisions (Charlotte and Winston-Salem) and Field Pea Catering. Additionally, his establishment of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Dream Center illustrates his commitment to the needs of the community and his belief that service should extend beyond the table.   For more information on his restaurants and community outreach, visit www.noblefoodandpursuits.com.

CEO 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 radio. Her ability to blend insight, strategy, and creativity has positioned her as a sought-after marketing thought leader, trusted by brands across CPG, tech, entertainment, and government sectors to create campaigns that put people at the center.Thomas’ impact as a leader and changemaker continues to earn recognition. In 2025, she was nominated for the Crowns of Enterprise Awards, a testament to 110 North's strategic leadership and measurable impact. She was also honored in Who's Who in Black Charlotte (2024) for her influence in shaping industries and communities through the power of storytelling. Spotlighted as a visionary leader, Thomas was featured in Know Magazine's "On the Rise: Bold Women, Big Impact," recognizing her as a maven redefining the future of businesses and storytelling.Thomas isn’t just elevating brands—she’s shaping the way we tell stories. With a genuine belief that storytelling is the key to connection, her impact speaks volumes in the numbers and results she delivers, consistently exceeding expectations and setting new standards for what’s possible.

Sam 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 shaping the future of Charlotte.Over the years, he has served as a board member and volunteer for organizations like Out Teach, Common Wealth Charlotte, Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, and International House of Metrolina.He has also been appointed to several key civic roles, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Citizen Review Board, the Citizen Advisory Committee on Governance, and the Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Recovery and Renewal Taskforce.As co-founder of the Northwest Community Alliance, Sam has been at the forefront of grassroots efforts to empower communities and drive positive change.He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Nu Lambda chapter, where he chairs the Political Action Committee to lead efforts in civic engagement and voter education.Sam holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baker College and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He has further enhanced his expertise with certifications in Nonprofit Management from Duke University and Corporate Citizenship Practice from Boston College.Driven by his belief in the power of collaboration and innovation, Sam is dedicated to creating solutions that not only address immediate needs but also build stronger, more equitable communities for the future.

Herb 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 Lending Officer. Herb waspromoted to Chief Revenue Officer in 2021 being named Sharonview’sPresident and CEO in 2022. While fulfilling these various leadershippositions, Herb has executed critical plans for a variety of departmentsincluding lending, loss mitigation, and retail delivery.Outside of Sharonview, Herb has also been recognized for severalachievements, especially during his tenure serving in various capacitieson the CUNA Lending Councils, including participation in the CLO andBusiness Lending Roundtables. He is a CUNA-designated Credit UnionBusiness Lending Professional (CUBLP) and a certified SBA CreditUnderwriter.

Trina 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 community engagements including the Mecklenburg County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Central Piedmont Community College Human Services Advisory Committee, North Carolina Juvenile Services Association Board, and Police Activities League Planning Committee. She also serves on the faculty for the ASAM Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine course and is a member of the UNCC CATO College of Education Advisory Board.In December 2019, Trina joined the staff at Charlotte Rescue Mission (CRM) as a clinical supervisor/counselor at Dove’s Nest. Within a year, she was promoted as the first Chief Program Officer (CPO), responsible for all clinical aspects of care and information technology. During her time as CPO, she streamlined the admissions department, developed and implemented the Recovery Living Program, project-managed the network data and phones in conjunction with opening a new men’s facility, Rebound. On June 9th, 2024, she was promoted to President/CEO at CRM.Trina and her husband, Kevin have three young adult children, Dewayne, Destiny, and Daelyn. They are sports enthusiasts and love a good adventure. They love to travel and spend many holidays hosting family and friends.Charlotte Rescue Mission Company Bio:• Company Bio - Charlotte Rescue Mission serves those at the intersection of homelessness and addiction so they can achieve their God-given potential. This transformation happens by providing cost-free, faith-based residential recovery programs that help people struggling with the disease of addiction achieve long-term sobriety, find financial stability, stable housing, and build healthy relationships.

An 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 LendingTree during the dot-com era after experiencing his own frustrations with trying to obtain a mortgage. Doug believed that the lack of transparency and confusing process of obtaining a mortgage at the time needed to change.In the twenty years since, LendingTree has become a leader in empowering consumers and changing how people shop for financing. Doug has a continued passion for entrepreneurship, investing in various business opportunities and start-ups. In addition to his expertise in consumer finance, Doug actively provides expert advice, insight and interviews on entrepreneurship and business development. He currently co-teaches an entrepreneurship class at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, his alma mater.LendingTree (NASDAQ: TREE) is the nation’s leading online loan marketplace, empowering consumers as they comparison-shop across a full suite of loan and credit-based offerings. LendingTree provides an online marketplace which connects consumers with multiple lenders that compete for their business, as well as an array of online tools and information to help consumers find the best loan.Since inception, LendingTree has facilitated more than 65 million loan requests. LendingTree provides free monthly credit scores through My LendingTree and access to its network of over 500 lenders offering home loans, personal loans, credit cards, student loans, business loans, home equity loans/lines of credit, auto loans and more. LendingTree, LLC is a subsidiary of LendingTree, Inc.

Mr. 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 expertise as the Airport Chief Financial Officer CFO, and then steering the airport as its CEO from July 2013.Mr. Cagle’s career roots extend to the City of Phoenix, where he served as the CFO for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Additionally, he spent a decade honing his financial and budgeting skills in various roles within the Phoenix municipal framework.Academically, Mr. Cagle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University, complemented by a Masters of Public Administration from Texas Tech University. His proficiency in airport administration is further endorsed by his status as a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives. His robust background positions him as a stalwart leader, well-equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of urban transit and municipal services.

Tim 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 Motorsports Inc. Tim was responsible for the stewardship of consumer revenue development at SMI’s flagship facility Charlotte Motor Speedway as well as zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte. Tim’s responsibilities include functional areas of; marketing, advertising, ticket sales, ticket operations, camping and tour sales, the Speedway Club, event development and in-race entertainment on the the world’s largest HDTV.Prior to being asked to oversee the consumer marketing, Tim returned to SMI as the National Vice President of Corporate Partnerships where he created marketing platforms across all SMI facilities and media outlets for over 40 Corporate 100 companies.Tim returned to motorsports to be a part of a turnaround team, tasked with restoring SMI sister company, Motorsports Authentics, to profitability. As NASCAR’s largest licensee, Motorsports Authentics hemoraged $43,000,000 in losses in 2007. Tim was responsible for renegotiating numerous NASCAR team, track and sanctioning body licenses and restored them to profitability. Tim was also responsible for the creation of 10 different consumer promotions that delivered over $10,000,000 in incremental revenue. In addition, Tim was responsible for brand management, advertising, business development and media partner relationships.As Chief Marketing & Sales Officer for the Pittsburgh Pirates Tim was responsible for all Consumer and Corporate marketing and revenue. In addition, Tim was responsible for customer entertainment and satisfaction. With over 125 employees, Tim’s team including the functional areas of Sponsorship Sales, Suite Sales, Ticket Sales, Hospitality Sales, Non-Baseball Event Revenue, Media Sales, Business Communications, Branding, Broadcasting Partnerships, In-Game Entertainment, Concessions and Licensed Merchandise Sales, Ticket Operations, and the Alumni Affairs department. The Pirates, despite incurring 15 years of losing seasons, logged their 5th and 7th largest attendance years in the club’s 120-year history as Schuldt and his team successfully re-branded the franchise as a hardworking, never say die, improving team. Schuldt’s sponsorship staff grew the business over 45% and secured long-term innovative branding partnerships including the “Montecristo Cigar and Martini Club”, “The Lexus Home Plate Club” as well as the Negro League experiential theater and attraction named the “Highmark Legacy Square.” Schuldt was also an integral part in restructuring the ball clubs broadcast partnership with FSN Pittsburgh and Clear Channel Communications, increasing revenue by $6,000,000 annually. In addition, Schuldt created a non-baseball events department that secured over 200 non-baseball events annually included sold out concerts with Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, The Rolling Stones and Pearl Jam. With the execution of 3 business plans, Tim’s team delivered a 22% increase in annual local revenues and collectively added over $70,000,000 in new and incremental local revenues.Prior to joining the Pirates, for three years, Tim was Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Infineon Raceway, a SMI-owned, NASCAR Sprint Cup facility in Sonoma, California. While there, Tim sold the largest single motor sports facility sponsorship in U.S. history with the naming rights of Infineon Raceway for $34,600,000. Tim and his team grew corporate partnership revenue by over 80% during his tenure. Tim was responsible for branding, consumer marketing, corporate marketing, media sales, sponsorship, tickets sales, suites sales and hospitality sales. While at Infineon, Tim and his team renewed over 97% of their corporate clients.Schuldt also spent 12 years with Coors and Pepsi negotiating, managing and activating sponsorship and media partnerships in all major professional sports, numerous motorsports leagues and many of the premier collegiate sports properties in the country.Schuldt, his wife Heather and their three children reside in Cornelius, NC.

NC 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.

Meet 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 of our culture at Eastwood Homes, and that applies to our homebuyers, our team and trade partners, and our local community which is shown through our philanthropic partnerships.Under Clark's stewardship, Eastwood Homes has garnered much acclaim, earning numerous awards at prestigious industry events such as Builder of the Year on multiple occasions. Eastwood Homes has also earned accolades including a Top 50 Builder nationally, and Best Places to Work, a testament to the company's ongoing success.In addition to his role at Eastwood Homes and its subsidiaries, Clark has ventures spanning the multifamily/apartment and ranching/cattle production sectors.Clark's academic journey begins with a Business Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earned in 2001, followed by the attainment of his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands in 2003. Holding general contractor licenses in Virginia, Georgia, North and South Carolina, as well as real estate licenses in North and South Carolina, and a mortgage license in North Carolina, Clark possesses a comprehensive skill set crucial for navigating the complexities of the industry.Beyond his professional endeavors, Clark finds solace in the great outdoors, often spending cherished moments with his wife and three children.

Robert 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 the United States.Lutz left Fast Track to follow his creative vision and created the Richard Petty Driving Experience and showcased his marketing talents as President and Chief Executive Officer. He nurtured and developed the company with innovative ideas that led it to become the leading stock car driving experience in the United States. After opening locations in Charlotte, Atlanta, and Las Vegas, Lutz concluded two years of negotiations to bring the Richard Petty Driving Experience to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. When it opened in February 1997, it marked the first time a third-party organization was allowed to own and operate an attraction at Walt Disney World.In October 1997, Lutz sold his share of the company to explore other opportunities in the motor sports industry. It was that thought that led to the creation of Driving 101, LLC in October of 1998. Lutz once again figured out how to improve the driving experience concept. The goal was simple—to establish Driving 101 as the premier and only full sized, open wheel driving experience in the world. In doing that, auto racing fans, corporate clients, and non fans alike are exposed to open wheel racing and will be able to better understand all the excitement and intricacies of one of the most popular forms of racing in the world.Driving 101 quickly expanded to nine locations nationwide by 2004. In order to take Driving 101, “World’s Fastest Driving Experience” to the next level, Lutz developed a business relationship with “Driver of the Century”, Mario Andretti, thus starting the Mario Andretti Racing Experience in April 2004.In May 2005, Driving 101 moved the home office location from Las Vegas, NV to Concord, NC. Lutz then announced another business relationship with 4-time, NASCAR Champion, Jeff Gordon thus starting the Jeff Gordon Racing School which offered real NASCAR race cars that fans, thrill seekers and corporate America can drive on a superspeedway.In July 2007, Driving 101 purchased American Racing Academy, formerly Derek Daly Academy in Las Vegas, NV. Adding a complete fleet of race prepped BMW Z3’s race cars expanded Mario Andretti Racing Experience to Mario Andretti Racing Experience Road Racing.On July 9th, 2009, Lutz formed a multi-year contract with NASCAR to rebrand the Jeff Gordon Racing School to NASCAR Racing Experience. The NASCAR Racing Experience (NRE) provides a menu of racing programs from a ride-along as a front-seat passenger to the full racing experience which puts fans behind the wheel of an authentic race car. The program used current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race cars for its programs.Another large acquisition for Lutz took place in April of 2012 when he purchased the famed Myrtle Beach Speedway. Over the years, Myrtle Beach Speedway has been the training grounds for some of NASCAR’s biggest stars including Dale Earnhardt Jr. (former late model stock car competitor) and Jeff Gordon (former Busch Series track record holder). All four generations of Petty’s (Lee, Richard, Kyle, and Adam) and all three generations of Earnhardt’s (Ralph, Dale Sr., and Dale Jr.) have taken a green flag around the asphalt oval that spans 0.538 miles (0.866 km). The speedway is home of the Myrtle Beach 400, NASCAR Racing Experience and the Horry County Fair.On May 10th, 2013, Lutz opened The Speedpark at Concord Mills in Concord, NC. Revved up and ready for summer-fun, The Speedpark at Concord Mills offers visitors six acres of outdoor fun-filled speed. The motorsports park features single and double-seat go-karts, an 18-hole miniature golf course, Bungee Jump, Fun Slide, Spyder Web and tasty bites from a concession trailer. Racing enthusiasts will also marvel at incredible displays from NASCAR and Racing Experience and Mario Andretti Racing Experience.On January 28, 2016, Lutz announced that – Driving 101, LLC, the owner and operator of the NASCAR Racing Experience, which is the premiere driving and ride-a-long experience intended to simulate the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™, announced it acquired all of the assets of Racing Adventure, formerly Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure. The strategic move expanded NASCAR Racing Experience’s network of tracks and programs.July 20, 2017, the biggest deal yet…Lutz purchased Richard Petty Driving Experience. He announced that he will consolidate NASCAR Racing Experience and Richard Petty Driving Experience and their operations to deliver the ultimate on-track fan experience at more than 20 racetracks around the country.“This consolidation advances our ambition to be the best NASCAR driving experience choice for customers, race fans, thrill seekers and corporate America. In short, we will be the leader in the driving experience industry. This will reinforce the positioning of our core brands, expand our nationwide locations, strengthen our marketing strategies while offering the most professional and realistic NASCAR driving experience,” said Robert Lutz, CEO of Driving 101, which operates NASCAR Racing Experience. I started my career working with Richard Petty and am happy to be able to work with him and the entire staff at Richard Petty Driving Experience again.”“As we have always done, we want to give the best experience for our fans,” said Richard Petty. “Boston Ventures acquired Richard Petty Driving Experience in 2008. When they decided to exit and sell the business, we had an opportunity to consolidate the industry and bring the two faces of the sport together – Petty and NASCAR are one in the same.”Driving 101 LLC is the leading experiential racing company in North America owning and operating the NASCAR Racing Experience, the Mario Andretti Racing experience, Myrtle Beach Speedway and The SPEEDPARK at Concord Mills. Offering the most realistic racing programs available to NASCAR and Open Wheeled racing fans Nationwide, Driving 101 programs are conducted at over 19 racetracks across the United States and offer a vast array of corporate outings and motorsports themed events.

Scott 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.

Dr. 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 The Ohio State University. She passed the national examination registering her as a dietitian offering expert food, wellness and nutrition services. Dr. Lucas is a nationally renowned speaker, columnist, and leading expert in the field of weight management and behavior change.