Notable Names

By Ryan Kouame

JOHN HAM

John F. Ham is the new director of the Center for Professional Services with the National Institute of Minority Economic Development. In this role, he is responsible for developing public and private collaborations that benefit marginalized communities by creating supplier inclusion and diversity programs. Ham also oversees the delivery of graduate-level business education designed to help strengthen and grow minority-owned businesses.

“I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my experience working in economic mobility, economic development, fundraising, partnerships and business development,” says Ham.

Ham lives by the mantra that giving back creates a virtuous cycle that makes everyone successful. This is evident through his engagement and participation on several local boards that include the Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission, the McCrorey YMCA Board, and the Advisory Board for Piedmont Health Services. Ham is a native of Greensboro where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration at North Carolina A&T State University.

NICOLE BYERS

Nicole Byers is the branch manager at Chase Bank on Beatties Ford Rd. In her current role, Byers will focus on helping consumers in the region open accounts, manage their finances and make large purchases. The branch will also provide financial health workshops, community events, and cooperative programming in coordination with Johnson C. Smith University.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this branch in the neighborhood where I grew up. I know this area well, and I know that by being here, we are part of the community with a vested interest in its growth, equity, and financial stability,” said Byers.

Byers is a graduate of West Charlotte High School, class of 1996, and a former resident of the Beatties Ford Road community. ASHLEY CUMBERBATCH

Ashley Cumberbatch is the district manager for the Charlotte market at U.S. Bank. Cumberbatch is an experienced financial services industry leader known for implementing strategic plans, developing talent, and optimizing the overall customer experience.

In her current role, Cumberbatch is responsible for leading the retail branch network and digital team. Since 2019, she has helped successfully lead the bank's expansion into this new market through collaborations across business lines.

Cumberbatch is passionate about making a positive impact on her local community. She is an advisory member of Charlotte’s Habitat for Humanity and serves on the board of Alexander Children's Foundation, which focuses on creating awareness of mental health issues for children within the community.

Cumberbatch received her bachelor’s degree from Howard University.

RAI GLOVER

Rai Glover is the new market president for Truist Financial in Charlotte. Glover brings more than 23 years of banking experience to Truist and will be responsible for the commercial banking team covering the Charlotte region. Prior to joining Truist, Glover worked for Bank of America and has held nine different positions including senior vice president where she managed a team of contribution managers from New York to Florida and contributed more than $35 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.

Glover earned her master’s degree in education and bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina. She is committed to civic involvement and responsibility and is often referred to as a “Rai of Honesty, Optimism, Positivism, and Excitement (HOPE).” Glover serves on the Charlotte Regional Visitors Association (CRVA) and has served on more than 30 boards and task forces throughout her career, such as the Women’s Leadership Initiative and the United Way. She is also a Woodrow Wilson Fellow and a member of the National Speaker Association. P