L E A D E R S H I P A W A R D S
PRESENTED BY
ABOUTUSJULIE BROWN ENCORE BANK
Julie Brown is the AVP and Assistant Branch Manager at Encore Bank in Winston-Salem, where she leads branch operations and growth initiatives. A proud native of the Triad, Julie balances her career with raising her family in the community she cherishes. She holds a BS in Education from East Carolina University, which informs her approach to banking. She actively promotes financial wellness and supports local businesses and nonprofits. In her role, she blends her expertise in banking operations, sales, and business development to create strategies that benefit both the bank and the community.
ABOUTUSKENNETTE BURGESS
FOCUS MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
SOLUTIONS, INC
Kennette is a multi-award-winning business coach and marketing consultant with over 20 years of experience. As CEO of FOCUS Marketing & Development Solutions, she helps businesses achieve market leadership and also manages a clothing brand, Distinct Apparel. Kennette supports women and minority entrepreneurs through speaking engagements. She holds a B.Sc. in Sport Management (Marketing) from WSSU and an MBA from High Point University. Her career spans roles in global product management, advertising, professional sports, and international business.
ABOUTUSCAROLINE CLARK
REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.
Caroline Clark holds a B.S. in Nutrition and Foods from Appalachian State University and a Master of Food Science from NC State, graduating with honors. Starting her career at Golding Farms Foods, Caroline gained expertise in consumer packaged goods before joining Reynolds American, where she focuses on product development and project management. As Lead of the Women’s Employee Resource Group and a Board Member for Women in BAT, she champions women’s empowerment. Recently named to INvolve's 2024 Heroes Future Leaders list, Caroline is dedicated to community service in Winston-Salem, leading fundraising efforts and hands-on projects for local nonprofits.
ABOUTUSDONNIE COWART CRAZY RUNNING
Donnie Cowart is a professional runner and owner of Crazy Running, alongside his wife Jessica. Together they are bringing running to more people and more cities each season. Growing up in Rustburg, Virginia, Donnie was a high school State Champion and capped his collegiate career as an NCAA Division I All-American in the 3,000m Steeplechase at Virginia Military Institute. As a professional runner for 15 years, Donnie reached nine USATF Outdoor Track Championship Finals in the steeplechase, competed in the 2012, 2016 & 2024 Olympic Trials, and won gold for Team USA at the Pan American Cross Country 10K Championships. Donnie believes that running should be about more than just competition—it’s about fostering a lifelong love for physical activity and teaching important life skills.
PHOTO: LESLIE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY
ABOUTUSANNA HOWARD CRAVEN NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL
Anna Howard-Craven is a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual, helping clients strategically plan their financial futures. Anna serves as Vice Chair of the Winston Under 40 Board and is a rising chair for 2025, supporting young professionals in the area. She is active in the Winston-Salem Black Chamber of Commerce, H.O.P.E Dealers Outreach, and other nonprofits. Anna and her wife are raising 5 chickens, 2 dogs and 2 cats. She enjoys walking the pups, doing puzzles and tending to her plants both inside and out.
ABOUTUS ERIN DEEDRICK TEALL PROPERTIES GROUP
Erin Deedrick, a Baltimore native now residing in WinstonSalem, balances family life as a mother of three with her career in sports marketing. She holds a BS from American University and an MBA from Wake Forest University. At Teall Properties Group (TPG), a leading high school sports marketing firm, Erin serves as Chief of Staff, managing HR, IT, Legal, Partnership Services, and Sales Operations. Additionally, Erin leads the Corporate Culture Committee, contributing to TPG's recognition as one of Sports Business Journal's Best Places to Work in 2023. She is dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a positive work environment.
ABOUTUSPAULA DIBLEY FORSYTH
TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Paula Dibley is the Chief Officer of Student Success & Strategic Innovation at Forsyth Tech. She began her career in Washington, D.C., working in media relations with non-profits like the Save Darfur Coalition. After moving to North Carolina, she transitioned to higher education, serving at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College before joining Forsyth Tech. Paula holds degrees from American University and UNC and is a doctoral candidate at NYU. She is passionate about social justice and education. Paula enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with her husband, Troy, and their two children.
ABOUTUSMATTHEW ELLIOTT
STITCH DESIGN SHOP
Matt, a first-generation college graduate and proud alumnus of UNC Greensboro, has lived and worked in the Triad since 2012. As a commercial interior designer at Stitch Design Shop, he leads workplace, behavioral health, hospitality, and multi-family projects across the region. His notable work includes relocations and renovations for companies like Guerrilla RF, Renfro Brands, and Greater Winston-Salem Inc.
Active in the community, Matt and his family foster dogs with the Haley Graves Foundation and are members of Green Street UMC. They are involved in local initiatives like the Shalom Project, working to create positive change in Winston-Salem.
ABOUTUSBERNARD EVANS NOVANT HEALTH
Bernard Evans, a Winston-Salem native, transitioned from a decade in law enforcement with the Guilford and Forsyth County Sheriff’s Offices to become a Project Manager at Novant Health. He also teaches at Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Southern New Hampshire University. Bernard is passionate about addressing health disparities, enhancing mental health access, and focusing on men’s health in minority communities. In his free time, he plays piano at local retirement homes and leads a jazz band.
Currently, he is developing a care home for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, emphasizing mental health support and community well-being.
ABOUTUSYAHEL FLORES
LATINX ED
YahelFlores,borninCiudadJuarezandraisedinWinston-Salem,isa passionateadvocateforimmigrantrightsandtheLatinecommunity.As DirectorofCommunityImpactatLatinxEdandaproudDACArecipient,he championseducationandequity.Previously,heservedasCarolinasState DirectorfortheAmericanBusinessImmigrationCoalition(ABIC),promoting bipartisanimmigrationreform.Yahel’sleadershipextendstostatewide boards,includingtheGovernor'sAdvisoryCouncilforHispanicandLatino Affairs.NamedoneofTriadBusinessJournal’s20intheir20s,hiswork focusesonempoweringNorthCarolina’simmigrantandLatinecommunities. Adevotedfatherandformermultisportathlete,Yahel’spassionfor education,financialequity,andimmigrationreformdriveshisworkto empowerandupliftNorthCarolina’simmigrantandLatinecommunities.
ABOUTUSBRAJAN FUNES WELLS FARGO
Brajan Funes, born in Honduras, immigrated to the U.S. at four years old after Hurricane Mitch caused devastation in his home country. He grew up in Winston-Salem and graduated from Reagan High School. Brajan moved to San Francisco, starting in sales at 24Hr Fitness before becoming a banker at J.P. Morgan Chase, where he earned multiple investment licenses, along with the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designation. He is an Investment Manager at Wells Fargo Private Bank, specializing in portfolio management for nonprofits. Brajan also co-owns Orkidea, a creative agency, and founded the Winston Salem Pickup Association - a recreational soccer league. He is also active in local nonprofits and serves on the Student Government Association at Forsyth Tech.
ABOUTUSLUCY HARRINGTON
REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.
Lucy Harrington is the Senior Manager of Sustainability at Reynolds American and a proud transplant from Australia, having moved to Winston-Salem in 2023. With degrees in Environmental Science and Communication, she focuses on sustainability and humanitarian strategies. Lucy has postgraduate training in climate emergency management and is a participant in the Homeward Bound Global Women’s Leadership Program. Committed to her community, she serves as a disaster responder with the American Red Cross and is on the Board of Directors, chairing the Volunteer and Mission Capacity Committee. In her free time, Lucy enjoys outdoor adventures and exploring the Carolinas with family and friends.
ABOUTUSMACK LONG PIEDMONT DISPOSAL
Mack Long is the President and CEO of Piedmont Disposal, a company providing construction waste management, portable restroom rentals, and pre-consumer recycling services. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, Mack is a graduate of Western Carolina University. After his father, Kevin, passed away from ALS in 2019, Mack took the helm of the family business, driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and community impact. Under his leadership, Piedmont Disposal has thrived, delivering exceptional customer service through teamwork, innovation, and dedication. Mack is committed to making a meaningful difference in the community while building lasting relationships and continuously evolving the business.
ASHLEY MOULTRIE JAVARA RESARCH
Ashley Moultrie is a seasoned clinical research professional with over 10 years of experience advancing health equity. As Senior Director of DEI & Community Engagement at Javara, she leads efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion across the company, industry, and community. She focuses on increasing clinical trial access for underrepresented populations and promoting Clinical Research as a Care Option (CRAACO). Previously, Ashley managed clinical research operations at Javara and community-based oncology institutions. She chairs ACRP’s Diversity Advisory Council and serves on the ACRP Partners for Advancing Clinical Research Workforce and the ACT UP Drama Inc. board.
ABOUTUS DR. KRISTEN NICHOLSON WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
Dr. Kristen Nicholson has a lifelong passion for math and science, complemented by an active involvement in sports. She earned her undergraduate degree in Mathematical Science from Clemson University in 2010, followed by an MS and PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science from the University of Delaware in 2015. Her graduate research focused on upper extremity biomechanics and scapular mechanics. After working as a biomechanical research engineer at Nemours/A. I. duPont Hospital for Children, she joined Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 2018 as an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. There, she established the Wake Forest Pitching Lab, leading a team to innovate pitching biomechanics for athletes at all levels.
ABOUTUSDEVON PERSON FOOTLOCKER
Devon Person is Vice President of Supply Chain Operations at Foot Locker, with extensive experience leading global supply chains and driving business transformation for Fortune 500 companies. He previously held executive roles at Hanesbrands, Eaton, SPX Flow, and GE. Devon serves on NC State’s Industrial & Systems Engineering Advisory Board and was a board member of United Way of Forsyth County. A champion for diversity, he has founded global employee resource groups for African Americans. Devon holds dual bachelor’s degrees in engineering and a master’s in supply chain management from Penn State, with executive training from McKinsey.
ABOUTUSDIXON PITT WILLIAMS
DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Dixon serves as Director of Real Estate, Residential Division, for Williams Development Group. Prior to joining WDG, he spent eight years at Bryan Properties, Inc. as a development and community manager. A native of Winston-Salem, Dixon graduated from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC, where he majored in Finance and Economics and played on the lacrosse team. Dixon has a passion for creating great spaces within each neighborhood. Fostering these areas for people to gather, intentionally and by chance, helps promote strong connections within the community.
ABOUTUSJULIO RABASCALL TRULIANT
FEDERAL
CREDIT UNION
Julio Rabascall, a native of Guayaquil, Ecuador, immigrated to the United States at the age of eleven with his family.
Julio's banking career began at Truliant, where he has been employed for the last decade. Julio started in the Contact Center as a deposit agent. He progressed through various roles within the Credit Union, ultimately leading to his current position as the Regional Director, overseeing the Forsyth County, Virginia, Davidson, and Randolph County branches. Julio enjoys traveling with his family and creating lasting memories in his leisure time.
ABOUTUSMICHAEL ROBB QUALITY OIL COMPANY
Michael Robb is the Vice President of Marketing for Quality Oil Company, where he has contributed to the company’s growth and branding efforts for nearly 14 years. His responsibilities include leading marketing strategies and operations, overseeing advertising campaigns, loyalty programs, communications, and content creation. Michael remains deeply involved in the community, serving on his neighborhood’s HOA board, executive boards for the Northwest Forsyth American Little League and Westlawn School, and past chair of Leadership Winston-Salem's marketing committee. He and his wife Liz, both Winston-Salem natives, have two children, Wyatt and Avery. Michael also enjoys playing golf and coaching both soccer and baseball.
ABOUTUSELLIE SHANNON WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
Ellie Shannon joined Wake Forest University in 2012 and has served as Wake Forest Athletics' Senior Associate AD of Administration & Strategic Operations since October 2022.
As a key member of AD John Currie's senior staff, she oversees operations, revenue plans, and partnerships with ASM Global, Proof of the Pudding, and the Winston-Salem Open. She is the sport administrator for women’s basketball, men’s golf, and women’s golf. Shannon also leads infrastructure planning for the mixed-use development near Allegacy Stadium, “The Grounds.” A Michigan native, she holds degrees from Grand Valley State and Kansas State. Shannon is married to Julie Kuhn, with a daughter, Clarke.
ABOUTUSMARSHALL SKIDMORE ATRIUM HEALTH WAKE FOREST BAPTIST
Marshall Skidmore is the Director of Strategic and Operational Initiatives at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. He shapes quality, growth, and operations at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Davie Medical Center, and Brenner Children’s Hospital.
Marshall leads the Administrative Fellowship Program and oversees the integration of four legacy programs under Advocate Health. He played a key role during the pandemic as Planning Section Chief & Regional COVID-19 Safety Coordinator. Outside of work, he serves on local boards and committees and is devoted to his wife, Amanda, and their two-year-old son.
ABOUTUSJILLIAN SPINELLI TRUIST
Jillian joined Truist through BB&T's Leadership Development Program in 2017. She began advising clients in Wilmington, NC, before relocating to Winston-Salem in 2022. Jillian specializes in providing proactive, transparent advice to high-net-worth families and business owners, focusing on banking, credit, financial planning, and generational wealth transfer. She is a Campbell University graduate with a background in Trust & Wealth Management. Jillian is active in her community, serving on the board of The Bethesda Center and volunteering locally. Jillian lives with her husband, Rocky Spinelli, and their two rescue dogs, and enjoys cooking, concerts, and sports.
ABOUTUSMARIPAT THOMAS ACTION4EQUITY
MariPat is the Chief of Staff at Action4Equity, where she blends storytelling with social equity to drive change in grants, communications, and development. A College of Charleston graduate in Political Science and English, she has extensive experience in nonprofits like the YMCA, United Way, and Arthritis Foundation. After years of freelancing as a grant writer, she joined Action4Equity, focusing on racial justice and public education. Passionate about collective responsibility, MariPat works to inspire concrete action. She now resides in WinstonSalem with her two children, dedicating herself to community empowerment and equity.
ABOUTUSELIZABETH WOOD
WILSON-COVINGTON CONSTRUCTION CO,
Elizabeth Wood is the Service Manager at Wilson-Covington Construction Company where she leads services for residential and commercial projects. She volunteers at her church, nonprofits, and the Winston-Salem Walk to End Alzheimer's. Elizabeth is very passionate about raising awareness and helping raise funds to find a cure for dementia. Elizabeth is a Winston-Salem native and received her bachelor's degree from UNCG. She and her husband, Cory, are dog parents and love the Doberman breed. They enjoy photography, friends and breweries, and traveling.
ABOUTUSKARA YATES SECU FAMILY HOUSE
Kara Yates, a native of eastern North Carolina, moved to WinstonSalem to attend Wake Forest University School of Business and now calls the Triad home with her husband, Matt and their two children.
Passionate about giving back, Kara's diverse non-profit career spans accounting, event planning, operations, and fundraising. She is the Director of Development at SECU Family House, leading efforts to provide affordable lodging for patients and caregivers. She is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and a HandsOn NWNC Women’s Emerging Leaders graduate. When she’s not working or volunteering, you can find her at the gym, diving into a good book, or exploring the latest coffee shop in town.
