'97 accounting, '98 MTAX; Partner, Forvis Mazars

Trey Ackerman has more than 20 years of experience working with large private and public companies in various industries. In his role as client service partner, Trey is responsible for coordinating all firm services to the clients that he serves. He served for five years as marketing managing partner working with the firm’s leaders in Charlotte, executing the market’s growth and performance strategy, building high-performing teams, and leading community engagement and support.  

Ackerman served for the previous three years as the managing partner of an accounting firm’s tax practice. He now serves as the national service leader for tax with Forvis Mazars. In this role, Trey is working with leaders across the firm and throughout the tax practice with a strategy focused on growth, leadership, talent/teams, client service, innovation, and financial performance.  

In addition to his professional work, Ackerman is actively involved in mentoring young professionals within Forvis Mazars and the broader business community. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experiences to help others succeed in the field of accounting and consulting. The alumnus of the University of South Carolina has been involved in the USC-Business Partnership Foundation Trustee, Young Black Leadership Alliance Board of Directors, United Way of Central Carolinas Board of Directors, and many more. His leadership and influence extend beyond the office, as he remains engaged in various charitable initiatives that support education and financial literacy in underserved communities. 

'92 finace; Representative, State of South Carolina

Nathan Ballentine is a Republican Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, United States, representing District 71, which includes parts of Lexington and Richland Counties. He has been serving in this capacity since 2004. 

In the South Carolina House of Representatives, Ballentine has primarily focused on issues regarding education reform, fiscal responsibility, and government transparency. He has been an advocate for local control of schools, lowering taxes, and reducing government waste. He has had the opportunity to serve on several committees, including the Ways and Means Committee, where he has been involved in budget and finance matters. His efforts to improve state governance has made him a notable figure in South Carolina politics. 

For years, Ballentine returned his legislative salary to local community groups and organizations and in 2006 designated funds specifically to scholarships for deserving seniors in the community. He continues to support many charities, organizations, and even church planting in Central America.  

He attended the University of South Carolina, where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 1992. Professionally, he had a background in financial services and banking, working in various roles before entering politics.  

Eleanor Beardsley is the Paris correspondent for National Public Radio where she covers all aspects of French society, politics, economics, culture, and gastronomy. She is also a core part of NPR’s breaking news team in Europe and beyond, recently covering the conflict in Israel, the earthquake in Morocco, and the war in Ukraine.  

Beardsley has been a part of NPR’s coverage of the events that have shaped the European continent over the last decade. In France, she especially enjoys historical topics and has covered several anniversaries of the Normandy D-Day invasion as well as the centennial of World War I.  

'91 MIBS; Paris Correspondent, National Public Radio

Eleanor Beardsley is the Paris correspondent for National Public Radio where she covers all aspects of French society, politics, economics, culture, and gastronomy. She is also a core part of NPR’s breaking news team in Europe and beyond, recently covering the conflict in Israel, the earthquake in Morocco, and the war in Ukraine.  

Beardsley has been a part of NPR’s coverage of the events that have shaped the European continent over the last decade. In France, she especially enjoys historical topics and has covered several anniversaries of the Normandy D-Day invasion as well as the centennial of World War I. 

Prior to moving to Paris in 2004 to begin her career as a radio journalist, Beardsley worked for the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and as a television news producer for French broadcaster TF1 in Washington, D.C. She also worked in the US Congress, notably as a staff assistant to South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond. While she came to the field of radio journalism relatively late in her career, Beardsley says her varied background, studies and travels prepared her for the job. 

Born in South Carolina, Beardsley has a Bachelor of Arts in European History and French and an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, and a Master’s Degree in International Business from the University of South Carolina. Beardsley is interested in politics, travel, and observing foreign cultures. 

'04 economics and finance; Executive Vice President, Customer Experience and President, Online, The Home Depot

Jordan Broggi is executive vice president (EVP) of customer experience and president, online at The Home Depot. In this role, he is responsible for leading the  vision, design, and development of new and innovative solutions to drive a  seamless experience for the millions of customers who turn to The Home Depot for their home improvement projects – in stores, online, or on mobile devices. He also leads the company's online business, overseeing online operations,  merchandising strategy and customer experience for The Home Depot's digital properties.     

Most recently, Jordan served as senior vice president and president of online. He previously held the position of senior vice president of finance, where  he served as the primary finance partner to the U.S. business and was responsible  for planning, forecasting and guiding execution of the company P&L and capital plan.         

Jordan joined The Home Depot in 2013 and has held roles of increasing responsibility in merchandising finance, supply chain finance, financial planning  and analysis and strategic business development. Prior to joining the company, Jordan held various positions in finance and strategy at LexisNexis and Bain & Company.

Jordan serves on the Investment Committee for The Home Depot, Inc. FutureBuilder 401(k) retirement plan and volunteers in a variety of ways with the  Church of the Apostles in Atlanta. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from the University of South Carolina.                 

'92 finance; CEO Wit Kieffer

As President and Chief Executive Officer of WittKeiffer, Andrew Chastain is responsible for charting the firm’s strategic trajectory while ensuring excellence and exceptional service for the firm’s clients. Andrew brings over 20 years of leadership experience to the firm and continues to play a key role in select, high-profile search assignments. As a trusted advisor, Andrew offers his clients a consultative approach with keen strategic insight to deliver proven results. He merges his extensive management and healthcare expertise to identify leadership needs while providing guidance through a rigorous assessment process to identify outstanding leaders for his clients. 

For his innovative approaches to addressing clients’ leadership needs, Andrew received the 2016 “Future of the Profession” award from the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC).

Andrew is also an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the Xavier University Graduate Program in Health Administration’s Advisory Board. He is a frequent speaker and noted author on industry related trends pertaining to career management, CEO succession planning, and governance. In addition, he has completed the eCornell certificate program in Diversity and Inclusion, which focuses on improving employee engagement, counteracting unconscious bias, and fostering an inclusive work environment.  

'96 MBA, '03 Ph.D.; Dean, Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business & Entrepreneurship

Dr. Tracy Harrell Dunn was appointed Dean in 2020, making her the first woman to hold that position in the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business & Entrepreneurship at Benedict College. In her role as dean, she has created synergy between the academic and economic development units in the business school through the expansion of experiential learning opportunities – the most recent addition being the award-winning Burroughs Enterprise, Startup and Technology (B.E.S.T.) Innovation Lab. 

Dr. Dunn also serves as the executive director of the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator (BCSIA). In this role, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the accelerator program from strategic planning to daily operations.  

Currently, Dr. Dunn is the principal investigator for several grants totaling almost $1.3 million. She is also an inaugural recipient of the Howard University | PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellowship.

Over the years, Dr. Dunn has received numerous awards for service and excellence from Benedict College. She holds a PhD and MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. In addition, she received a BA in German from Wofford College and a MS degree in Journalism from Boston University.  

Dr. Dunn currently serves as the president of the Board of Directors for the National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable, vice chair for Richland One Middle College and board member for GrowCo and InnoVision Awards. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc (Gamma Nu Omega Chapter). 

'96 MBA; CEO, Sabre

Kurt Ekert is president and CEO of Sabre, a leading technology platform to the travel and hospitality industry. He was appointed CEO in April 2023 and leads a global team of highly talented colleagues. 

Kurt joined Sabre as president in January 2022, bringing 25 years of global operating leadership and governance experience in technology, travel and tourism, and a track record of growth and turnaround performance. 

Before joining Sabre, Kurt spent five years as President & CEO of CWT, where he engineered a digital transformation, while delivering significant growth, highlighted by $7 billion of new business wins. Prior to CWT, Kurt was EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at Travelport, where he led the operational turnaround that enabled a successful IPO in 2014. His industry experience also includes senior executive positions at GTA and Orbitz Worldwide, as well as executive roles at Cendant and Continental Airlines. Kurt has held prominent industry governance positions as Chairman of the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel & Tourism Advisory Board, and as a director of eNett, Carlson Travel Inc., the World Travel & Tourism Council, and the UNGA Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children. 

Kurt holds a BS from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from the University of South Carolina, and saw active duty as a U.S. army officer. He is a current board of directors’ member for Sabre, Passur Aerospace and ZYTLYN Technologies. 

Outside of work, Kurt enjoys sports, history, reading, traveling and spending time with his family. 

'88 marketing; Co-Founder and Chairwoman, Carolina Youth Coalition

Kathryn Schanen Kissam serves as the C0-Founder & Chairwoman for the Carolina Youth Coalition. The Carolina Youth Coalition is a 501(c)(3)  non-profit organization that nurtures and propels high-achieving, underresourced students to and through college.  

She spends her time working to create innovative and accessible educational programs. Kathryn was a founding member of New Schools Baton Rouge and is a loyal supporter of City Year. She assisted in founding  The Foundation for East Baton Rouge School System, a non-profit dedicated to improving science, technology, engineering, and math programs in Baton  Rouge’s public school system so they were more aligned with the community’s changing workforce needs. 

Kissam served as the Foundation’s first Chair of the Board. Since relocating to Charlotte in 2016, Kathryn and her husband Luke championed a feasibility study to determine if launching an affiliation of Baton Rouge Youth Coalition in Charlotte was strategic and viable. She will also be joining the board of Charlotte Mecklenburg School Foundation.  

She is bright, energetic and alert to the ebb and flow of societal issues that impact companies and communities, Kathryn Schanen Kissam brings years of solid experience and passion to the issues she is involved with today. 

Managing Director, TD Cowen

Jim Kissane is a Managing Director and Co-Head of TD Cowen’s Tech-Enabled Services Investment Banking group. Prior to TD Cowen, Mr. Kissane was a Partner and senior investment banker at Stone Key Partners, where he co-headed the firm’s Commercial Technology Advisory practice. 

Previously, he was a senior, highly ranked equity research analyst covering the Information and Technology Services sector for 24 years (Salomon Brothers, 9 years; Bear Stearns, 11 years; Bank of AmericaMerrill Lynch, 3 years; and Credit Suisse, 1 year). Mr. Kissane’s research was recognized by Institutional Investor magazine with more than 20 separate rankings over his career. He was also recognized for the quality of his research by Greenwich Associates, Bloomberg Markets, Reuters, and TheStreet.com. Over the course of his career, Mr. Kissane has helped many leading payments and fintech companies access the capital markets, including First Data, Vantiv, Verisk, NetSpend, iPayment, PayPal, BISYS, and Alliance Data Systems. 

Mr. Kissane holds a BS in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Albany and an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business. 

'95 USC MA history, '98 USC Ph.D. history; President, Darla Moore Foundation

Harry Lesesne is the President of the Darla Moore Foundation, a position he has held since moving from his previous role as the Executive Director of the Charleston Parks Conservatory in 2020. The Darla Moore Foundation, established by philanthropist Darla Moore, focuses on improving the quality of life for residents in South Carolina, primarily in the Pee Dee region. 

Lesesne’s leadership at the Charleston Parks Conservatory was marked by significant growth and numerous successful projects, including the renovation of Colonial Lake and the development of various community gardens and parks in Charleston. His work garnered widespread appreciation and positioned him as a strong candidate to lead the Darla Moore Foundation. 

As President of the Darla Moore Foundation, Lesesne has been instrumental in expanding initiatives like the Meeting Street Scholarship Fund, which aims to provide substantial financial aid to high-achieving students from underrepresented regions, enabling them to pursue higher education without the burden of significant debt. The scholarship offers up to $40,000 over four years, and its expansion under Lesesne’s leadership has extended its reach to include additional counties in South Carolina. 

Lesesne’s educational background includes degrees from the College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina. His career has been characterized by a strong commitment to public service and community improvement, reflecting the core values of the organizations he has led. 

'81 USC JD; Secretary, South Carolina Department of Commerce

Harry M. Lightsey III was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to serve as Secretary of Commerce in June 2021. Since his confirmation, Lightsey has led the agency’s globally competitive recruitment strategy for South Carolina’s evolving target industries. Notably, through partnerships with state and allied economic development leaders, South Carolina achieved historic recruitment in 2022, announcing $10.27 billion in capital investment. 

A fixture in South Carolina’s business communities for decades, Lightsey served in top executive leadership roles for major corporations in South Carolina and across the nation. Notably, he served as the president of BellSouth Telecommunications for South Carolina prior to the company’s merger with AT&T, afterward becoming president for AT&T’s Southeast region.  

Following his 26 years in the telecommunications industry, Lightsey joined the General Motors Corporation where he directed the legacy automaker’s federal government affairs operation, as well as the emerging technologies, OnStar and infotainment divisions. He has also served as a member of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond, Virginia. 

Lightsey is a 1978 graduate of Princeton University, and a 1981 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. 

Lightsey, a native of Columbia, S.C., is married with two adult children. 

'86 MHR; Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Fox Corporation

In 2017, Mr. Lord joined Fox News Media as Executive Vice President of Human Resources. Prior to this role, Mr. Lord was the Chief Human Resources Officer at TEGNA Inc. (formerly known as Gannett).  

Earlier in his media career, Mr. Lord served as the Executive Vice President of Human Resources for NBC News and was the HR Integration leader during NBCUniversal’s transition from General Electric (GE) to Comcast ownership. His initial role at NBC was Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Integrated Media and NBC International.  

Before his tenure at NBC, Mr. Lord held progressive HR leadership roles within several General Electric businesses, including GE Aviation, GE Plastics, GE Capital. He also held a role at GE Corporate and served as the HR lead on the CEO’s Commercial Council. 

A graduate of State University of New York at Brockport with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Mr. Lord also received his master’s degree in human resources from the University of South Carolina. Mr. Lord serves on both the Dean’s Leadership Council for the College of Information and Communications and the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. 

'84 finance, '88 USC JD; Senator, State of South Carolina

Gerald Malloy is a member of the South Carolina State Senate, representing District 29 which includes parts of Chesterfield, Darlington, Lee and Marlboro counties. He assumed office back in 2002, and is running for re-election in the general election on November 5, 2024.  

Throughout his tenure, he has been involved in various legislative committees and has worked on issues ranging from criminal justice reform to education and healthcare. Malloy has earned a reputation for his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents.  

Over the years, Gerald Malloy has sponsored and supported numerous pieces of legislation aimed at improving the quality of life in South Carolina. He is particularly noted for advocating for fairer sentencing laws and better rehabilitation programs. As well as, pushing for better funding and resources for schools in his district. 

In addition to his legal practice, Malloy has been deeply involved in community service and various organizations. He has chaired the Hartsville Recreation Commission, served on the Hartsville Downtown Development Board, and helped establish the Butler Heritage Foundation. 

Malloy earned both his Bachelor of Science (1984) and Juris Doctor (1988) degrees from the University of South Carolina. 

'20 international business and operations & supply chain; Senior Associate, U.S. Card Fraud Stratrey, Capital One

Hope Manninen is a seasoned professional in the financial services industry, currently serving as a Senior Associate in US Card Fraud Strategy at Capital One. With a strong background in fraud prevention and risk management, Hope plays a crucial role in developing strategies to mitigate fraud risks associated with Capital One’s credit card products. Her expertise in analyzing fraud patterns and implementing proactive measures has been instrumental in safeguarding both the company and its customers from fraudulent activities. 

Before joining Capital One, Hope gained valuable experience in various roles within the financial sector. She was a consultant at McKinsey where she honed her ability to analyze complex challenges, develop innovative solutions, and execute strategies that deliver tangible results. Her clients at McKinsey ranged from top US public four-year institutions to state governments and national nonprofits. She is passionate about leveraging data and insights to address critical societal issues, particularly in the areas of education, health equity, economic mobility, and development. 

She is a 2020 graduate from the University of South Carolina, but in addition to her professional achievements she is known for her collaborative approach and her ability to work effectively across teams. Outside of work, Hope is dedicated to continuous learning and staying informed about the latest trends and innovations in the field of fraud prevention. 

'92 USC English; CEO, Primer AI

Sean Moriarty currently serves as the CEO for Primer AI. AI builds advanced AI solutions for the US government and Fortune 100s, enabling them to reduce time to insight and make better informed decisions faster. Moriarty brings nearly three decades of executive experience to Primer from various B2B and B2C technology businesses, from cloud computing to enterprise platforms, having built innovative products, exceptional teams, and leading multiple companies to profitability. 

Previously, he served as the CEO of Leaf Group, where he oversaw a diverse portfolio of digital brands in the art, fitness, and lifestyle sectors. His leadership has been characterized by a focus on growth, innovation, and the strategic expansion of the company’s reach. Moriarty continues to be a key figure in the tech industry, known for his ability to drive transformation and success in the organization he leads. 

Sean Moriarty holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina. He has also been active in various advisory and board roles, offering his expertise to a range of technology companies and startups. Outside of his professional life, he is known for his involvement in philanthropy, particularly in supporting the arts and education. He is passionate about utilizing technology to create opportunities and to make a positive impact on society. He serves as Ambassador to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and is actively involved in non-profit work as a board member at Coach Art. 

'80 accounting, '82 MACC; Vice Chairman, Deloitte LLP

Roger Nanney serves as vice Chairman of Deloitte LLP, one of the nation’s leading professional services organizations and the national leader of Deloitte Growth Enterprise Services, responsible for the delivery of services to the firm’s mid-market and privately held clients. He joined Deloitte in 1982 and served as Regional Managing Partner for Deloitte’s Mid-America region, among the fastest growing of the organization’s seven U.S. regions. Throughout his career, he has worked with clients across a number of industries and geographics. His extensive experience serving both mid-size and private companies and multinational public organizations has provided him with a broad and in-depth understanding of the challenges clients face in today’s ever-changing business environment. 

Nanney is active in his community and serves a number of civic organizations. He is the Immediate Past Chair of the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, Texas and an Executive Board Member of the Edwin L. Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University. He is also a trustee of the PGA of America Foundation and served as a Vice Chair of Carolina’s Promise Campaign in support of the University of South Carolina, where he gained his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 1980. 

'82 finance and marketing, '86 MIBS; Co-Founder, HSM

José Salibi Neto has built a successful career as a thought leader, consultant, and author. Salibi co-founded the HSM Group, a global learning and executive education company that has brought world-class speakers and thought leaders to Brazil and Latin America. Under his leadership, HSM became a pivotal platform for disseminating cutting-edge management practices and fostering a culture of continuous learning among business leaders. 

In addition to his work with HSM Salibi is a prolific author and speaker. He has co-authored several books on leadership and management, including works with business luminaries such as Ram Charan. His publications reflect his deep commitment to helping leaders navigate the complexities of the modern business environment. His contributions have made him a sought-after speaker and consultant, where his insights continue to inspire executives and entrepreneurs worldwide. 

He graduated from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business and earned an MBA in International Business from the same institution. He was a member of the school’s Advisory Board for 20 years and, in 2009, was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the university’s highest tribute to a former student. 

'92 marketing; CEO, Encore Container

Chad Odom is CEO of Encore Container. His roots to the container business as well as to his family and passions run deep as you will see from his work experience. 

In 2007, Odom purchased the family pharmacy, where he worked as a teenager, from his father- making him and his brother third generations to own and manage The Pickwick. Noteworthy business vision included bringing back the soda fountain that was a popular fixture in the neighborhood community in the 1940s and 1950s as a way to compete against chains and preserve a bit of history. Also, during this time, Odom started another company, this one focused on his lifelong passion and dreams – classic and muscle cars. The company, Palmetto Restorations, had a simple yet rare objective – to build a restoration business that would stand above the rest while providing absolute quality. 

Prior to 2006, Odom was founder and CEO of Innovative Container for 5 years, manufacturing and reconditioning industrial containers. Their product line consisted of plastic drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), with services including national trip leasing and pick-up service for drum cleaning, 

reconditioning, and recycling. The business quickly took off, and in just two short years, was named the fastest growing company in SC in 2003 and number 9 in 2004 and 2005. During this time, Odom was also named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for manufacturing and services in 2004. The company was quickly purchased by BB&T. 

Odom is an entrepreneur and a businessman dedicated to his community. He is active with the Odom Foundation and Boys Home of the South and was named the Corporate Volunteer of the Year in 2006.  

'92 marketing; Mayor, City of Columbia, SC

Daniel Rickenmann is the 71st Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina. He is an innovative entrepreneur and dedicated public servant with a passion for improving the quality of life for all in the Palmetto State’s Capital City. 

Since becoming Mayor in 2022, Rickenmann has worked timelessly to expand housing options, strengthen public safety, increase community cleanliness and pride, and improve the City’s customer service operations. He is a strong advocate for the city’s parks and green spaces, advocating to create new opportunities for outdoor recreation and promote environmental sustainability – especially on the city’s riverfront. Rickenmann advanced into the Office of the Mayor after serving over a decade on City Council as both an at large and District 4 City Council member.  
Born and raised in Spartanburg, Rickenmann moved to Columbia to attend the University of South Carolina and never left. He went on to become a successful entrepreneur, started by opening his first restaurant in Columbia shortly after graduating – Birds on Wire. Now, Rickenmann is making a splash in the spirits industry co-founding Forbidden Bourbon, a Kentucky-based company with the first female distiller. 

Rickenmann is a proud Columbia resident. He is married to Laura Rickenmann, a local pediatrician. Together, they have two daughters, Carlyle and Ellie, and two dogs, Lulu and Quila. 

'99 USC hospitality management, '19 MBA; CEO, Harvest Hope

Erinn Rowe was named CEO of Harvest Hope Food Bank in March 2021. As the largest food bank in South Carolina, she is responsible for managing the organization’s operations in 20 counties throughout the Midlands, Pee Dee and Upstate.  

Through partnerships with over 400 non-profit agencies, as well as programs such as the BackPack Program and Harvest to Home Community Market, Harvest Hope distributes an average of 25 million pounds of food each year. As the pandemic brought to light many of the root causes of hunger, Erinn is leading the organization through more deliberate distribution strategies to remove barriers and increase access to healthy and nutritious foods. 

Before joining Harvest Hope, Erinn worked with Bank of America for 10 years as a Senior Treasury Sales Analyst for Commercial Banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Before banking, Erinn owned and operated a franchise of Young Chef’s Academy, a children’s cooking school which promoted healthy eating and skill-based learning for kids and adults of all ages. 

Erinn’s passion is feeding people – whether it be cooking in her own kitchen or distributing food out to those in need. She holds an undergraduate degree from the USC College of Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management, and received her MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business. .

Interim CEO, Charlotte Alliance

The board of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance named Andrea B.  Smith interim president and CEO. Smith is regarded in the Charlotte community as a top business executive, a community leader, and a  philanthropist.          

As 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 Woman in Banking, Business North  Carolina’s Most Influential Business Leaders in North Carolina, and Charlotte Business Woman of the Year by Queens University.        

Smith was also the Chair of the Executive Committee for the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce in 2017, one of the CLT Alliance’s two predecessor  organizations. 

In 2021 Smith was named the Citizen of the Carolinas, the CLT Alliance’s most prestigious award given to a Carolinian who has made great strides in the betterment of the quality of life in the Charlotte region and the  country through years of accomplishment in community leadership. She has been an ardent supporter of equitable economic mobility in Charlotte, including serving as the inaugural Co-Chair of the Leading on Opportunity Council. Smith also currently chains the Bank of America Alumni Network.             

'98 IMBA; CEO Secureworks

Wendy K. Thomas leverages more than 25 years of experience in strategic and functional leadership roles. She’s worked across multiple industries at companies such as FirstData, Bell South, and Internap Network Services, Inc. 

During her career at Secureworks, Ms. Thomas has been a key part of several milestones including the acquisitions of Verisign’s Managed Security Services (MSS) business and DNS, as well as the acquisition by Dell Technologies and the IPO. In 2017, she recognized Secureworks’ unique opportunity to leverage its experience and threat intelligence to help customers transform their security operations with an integrated, cloudnative security analytics platform. As Chief Product Officer, Ms. Thomas led the team to develop Secureworks Taegis and launched Secureworks’ first security analytics product, Secureworks Taegis XDR, in April 2019. She has been instrumental leading Secureworks’ strategy to empower the global security community and beat the adversary at scale with a software-driven approach grounded in their security enterprise. 

In her previous role as President of Customer Success, Thomas led the customer success organization, which encompasses product and engineering, operations, customer experience, and Secureworks’ threat intelligence-focused Counter Threat Unit. Recently, Thomas was recognized in the number one position in The Software Report’s ‘Top 25 Women Leaders in Cybersecurity of 2021.’ Outside of Secureworks, she serves as a Liaison for AFS Intercultural Programs, and international youth exchange organization. 

'90 insurance and risk management; CEO, TruStage Insurance Company

Terrance Williams became the ninth president and chief executive officer (CEO) of TruStage on October 1, 2023. TruStage is a leading provider of insurance, investments, and technology solutions to financial institutions, advisors, and companies serving middle-market consumers. With more than 4,200 employees, the company has significant operations across the United States and operates international businesses in Canada and the Caribbean. The company headquarters is in Madison, Wisconsin. 

As president and CEO, Williams is continuing to build on the company’s nearly century-long history of being an influential leader in the credit union system and broader financial and insurance industries. With his tenure and broad experience in insurance innovation and digital strategy, he’s moving the company’s vision forward, ensuring brighter financial futures are accessible to everyone. 

Prior to joining TruStage, Williams was president, Protection Products and Services for Allstate, responsible for non-property-liability businesses that ranged from start-up ventures to mature and general manager of Allstate Property-Liability Sales and Distribution. Williams was responsible for driving innovation in the company’s distribution channels, including 10,000 domestic agencies and more than 30,000 licensed sales professionals, direct-to-consumer call centers and web sales in the United States and Canada. These channels accounted for over $30 billion of written premium for the enterprise. 

Beyond the office, Williams is a firm believer in philanthropic efforts towards the betterment of communities. He is an active participant and has served on many non-profit boards in multiple markets including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Urban League, and others. 

'03 finance and management; CEO, The Real Estate House International

As CEO and co-founder of Real Estate House International (REHI), Natalie Wright applies the expert knowledge and relentless pursuit of excellence required to ensure that clients achieve their home buying dreams. Natalie began her career in 2014 as an agent for Keller Williams Realty in Charleston, South Carolina after transitioning from a career in education, and has never looked back. Over the past 8 years, she has established herself as a savvy and results-driven Realtor that seems to always find a way to get her clients the best deals. 

REHI is a realization of a vision that she had to create a real estate company that would allow her to leverage her knowledge and talent for finance to help people not only have a home but a solid investment vehicle for wealth creation. After several years of success in the industry, her experiences revealed a gap in the market for a customer-centric real estate company that not only educates but empowers its clients with a path forward to wealth. With the assistance of her business partner Jenna Richardson, Natalie launched the REHI brand in 2020. 

Natalie brings broad expertise in the areas of residential & luxury sales, property investment, land purchasing, and property management. She also specializes in-home consultations. Her hands-on approach to leadership is a key ingredient to the culture of success that permeates the brokerage. Her goal is to grow REHI into a leading national brand and to create an impact by helping people and communities effectively leverage the power of real estate for a better financial future.