2012 gray classic

The 2012 Gray Classic | Thursday, July 19 - Sunday, July 22

WELCOME TO THE 2012 GRAY CLASSICThe Gray Classic was founded in 2009 by Herb and Felicia Gray of Charlotte, North Carolina. It has grown to become Charlotte’s premier annual golf and networking weekend.

Each year, hundreds of notable business, civic, and political leaders gather to focus on the empowerment of the community and to raise funds for local charitable organizations.

The mission of The Gray Classic is to help provide an avenue for young students to achieve a higher education, engage young students through mentoring programs. This is the third year proceeds from The Gray Classic will go to benefit the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte’s Movement of Youth (MOY) mentoring and education program.

MOY annually serves approximately 50 students in grades 7-12 by engaging participants in mentorships with local business leaders, offering life skills training and encouraging post-secondary education. The program’s high school graduation rate is 100%. Scholarship opportunities are also available to participants who meet certain GPA requirements. To date, nearly $250,000 has been awarded in scholarships.

During the Gray Classic weekend, several events are held throughout the city of Charlotte to provide opportunities for the entire community to get involved, even those who do not play golf. These events include a Business Roundtable, Welcome Reception, Women’s Empowerment Brunch and Farewell Brunch. For more information and to see photos from previous years, visit us online at www.TheGrayClassic.com.

The 2012 Gray Classic | 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte, Inc. 1

Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, The Golf Club at Ballantyne is among the finest PGA public golf courses in the region. Passionate about providing a destination golf experience, The Golf Club has continued to receive numerous accolades since inception including 4.5 Stars by Golf Digest and named as a top 50 Golf Resort by Golf World.

The Golf Club at Ballantyne’s championship golf course is situated on a dynamic terrain, carefully crafted into the natural hills of the Piedmont. Golf enthusiasts of all skill levels will enjoy thechallenging but fair course with multiple water features that come into play throughout the course.This Par 71, tree-lined course is ideal for individual play, group golf tournaments and outings.

Golf facilities include an 18-hole Championship course, practice area, golf pavilion for events & lunch, golf pro shop, Dana Rader Golf School & golf event planners for golf tournaments & outings.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Schedule of Events..........................................................................................................2

Sponsor Logos.................................................................................................................4

Business Roundtable.......................................................................................................6

Friday Event | Gray Classic Welcome Reception..........................................................18

Gray Classic Event Demographics & Acknowledgments...............................................20

Honorary Host Bios.......................................................................................................21

Women’s Empowerment Brunch...................................................................................24

Saturday Event | Party with a Purpose............................................................................25

Sunday Event | Ruth Cris Brunch...................................................................Back Cover

2 The 2012 Gray Classic | 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte, Inc.

SCHEDULE OF WEEKLY EVENTS

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Business RoundtableSponsored by Wells Fargo1 Wells Fargo / 41st Floor8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Friday, July 20, 2012

Welcome ReceptionHosted by Talk of the TownDelta’s Restaurant | 525 N Tryon St Charlotte, NC 282026:00 -10:00 PM Saturday, July 21, 2012

Golf TournamentThe Golf Club at Ballantyne11:30 AM & 1:30 PM Tee Times Women’s Empowerment BrunchBallantyne Resort11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Party With a PurposeHosted by The Grays & Digital Divas10:00 PM - 2:00 AMKALU | 505 East 6th St Charlotte, NC 28202http://cbscharlotte.com/graygolf

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Farewell BrunchRuth’s Chris Uptown11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Dr. Tonya McLeod


2012 GRAY CLASSIC TITLE SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSORS


PRESENTING & SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Serving Others. Loving Others.SM


Dear Participants,

The Gray Classic Business Roundtable was created to foster dialogue among business leaders in the community and increase their access to opportunities for growing their businesses.

The theme for 2012 is “Building Bridges for Business: From Small Business to Big Business.” We are glad that you have joined in this important discussion. Our hope is that you will walk away with the information and connections you need to overcome barriers that may be hinderingyour business.

Our vision is to help you make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality and be enabled to reach back and help someone else. I am grateful that Bob Marshall and the team at Wells Fargo share in thisvision. I would also like to give a special thanks to our panelists, sponsors and all those who have helped make this annual event possible. Thank you for your participation.

Best regards,

Herb Gray

Gray Classic FounderPresident/CEO of Life Enhancement Services


Building Bridges for Business: From Small Business to Big Business

Welcome..........................................................................................................................Mr. Herb Gray Sponsor Remarks..………..……………………..……….…….............….………...........Ms. Lisa Frison Sponsorships Manager Brand & Advertising, Enterprise Marketing, Wells Fargo

Introduction of Panelists / Structured Q&A........................................Professor Michelle R. HortonFounder / CEO, YOUniversity Drive

Wake Forest University

Panelist | Ms. Sonya DukesSenior Vice President,

Director of Corporate Supplier Diversity & Social Responsibility Group, Wells Fargo

Panelist | Mr. Cy KennedyPresident, American Product Distributors, Inc.

Panelist | Bradford Picot, DDS, PAPresident, SouthEnd Dentistry

Panelist | Ms. Carolyn FlowersCEO & Public Transit Director, Charlotte Area Transit System

Panelist | Mr. Stoney SellarsPresident, Technology Project Management, Inc.

Panelist | Mr. Jeff FeemsterPresident, E-Z Parking, Inc.

Panelist | Mr. Eric WatsonVice President, Diversity & Inclusion, Delhaize America

Open Q&A...........................................................................................................................................All

Closing Remarks...................................................................................Councilman David L. Howard Charlotte City Council


Bob Marshall is currently an Area Business Banking Manager with Wells Fargo Bank, and is responsible for leading a team

of Business Banking Managers, Business Relationship Managers, Credit Analysts, and Business Associates in the South

Charlotte geographic region. Prior to his current role, Mr. Marshall has held several banking management positions

including Community Bank Executive for the Wholesale Banking Group (Wachovia Bank, NA), Corporate Retail Sales &

Service Strategy Team Leader, and also Corporate Retail Bank Sales Manager. Mr. Marshall joined the bank as a Branch

Manager in 1997.

Prior to joining Wachovia Bank, he held the roles of Franchise Manager, Assistant Branch Manager, and Commercial Auditor

with ITT Commercial Finance. Mr. Marshall began his career in banking in the Management Development Program at Nat

West Bank, NA.

Mr. Marshall graduated from Boston College Carroll School of Management with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring

in Finance and Human Resource Management. He also holds an Executive MBA degree from Queens University’s McColl

School of Business in Charlotte. Mr. Marshall has been involved in a variety of activities in his community.

His most current affiliations include:

• Livingstone College Board of Trustees

• Bethune Mays Classical Academy – Founding Member of Board of Managers,

• Vice Chairman, (August 2009 – present)

• Boy Scouts of America – Mecklenburg County Council (May 2010 – present)

• 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte, NC Chapter, Assistant Treasurer (June 2010 – present)

• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Recently, Mr. Marshall was profiled in the 2011 Third Edition of “Who’s Who in Black Charlotte.” He was selected for his

work, dedication, and commitment to the African American community. Mr. Marshall’s travel includes fact-finding trips to

Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE and Cairo, Egypt as well as to Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa.

Mr. Bob MarshallSenior Vice President, Business Banking DivisionWells Fargo


Sonya Dukes is responsible for Wells Fargo’s Corporate Supplier Diversity Group, which develops company-wide

strategies, policies, infrastructure, processes and procedures to increase business with minority, women

and disadvantaged-owned suppliers.

Thirteen-year financial services veteran, Dukes joined Wachovia Corporation in 1998 where she was most recently Director

of Corporate Supplier Diversity. Under her leadership in 2008, the company increased its spending on diverse suppliers by

an additional three percent, surpassing the company goal. Prior to that, Dukes served as diversity director for Corporate

Real Estate, overseeing Wachovia’s supplier and workforce diversity initiatives. She also served as the Supplier

Diversity Manager for Corporate Real Estate, supporting the division’s minority- and women-owned business enterprise development.

Prior to Wachovia, Dukes held positions in the television network and retail industries. She is an accomplished speaker and

mentors corporations on supplier diversity strategies. She serves on the board of directors for the National Black College

Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Greater Los Angeles African-American Chamber of Commerce and the National Minority

Supplier Development Council. She is part of the executive committee for the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the

Howard University Communications Entrepreneurship Resource and Research Advisory Council, the Trumpet Awards

Foundation Corporate Leadership Team. She is also a mentor for West Charlotte High School’s Emerging Leaders Program

and a member of the Executive Leadership Council.

In 2012, Dukes was named for the third consecutive year one of the Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America

by SAVOY Professional magazine, which featured her in an Executive Profile. She was also recognized by the National

Council of Negro Women Charlotte Section with the Sisterhood Award.

In 2011, Dukes was named one of the Top Executives in Diversity by Black Enterprise Magazine. Dukes was also recognized

with the Leadership Award from the National Council of Asian American Business Associations and was named one of the

51 Most Powerful African American Women by Pride Magazine in 2011.

In 2007, Dukes completed The University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Executive Leadership Program, a development

opportunity for select exceptionally talented, high-performing leaders.

Ms. Sonya DukesSenior Vice President, Director of Corporate Supplier Diversity & Social Responsibility Group, Wells Fargo


Cy Kennedy has served as President of American Product Distributors, Inc. (APD) since 2011, where he has responsibility for all

corporate activities. Cy has been involved with APD, in various roles, since its inception in 1992 and joined the company on

a full-time basis in 2002. At that time, he served as Chief Financial Officer, responsible for the overall financial condition of

the company. In 2006, Cy was promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales and Finance, where he had responsibility for the

company’s financial performance, new customer sales, existing account management, pricing, and vendor management.

Prior to joining APD on a full-time basis, Cy spent several years working in corporate and investment banking with Bank of

America. As a Portfolio Management Officer, Cy was responsible for making large syndicated loans to Fortune 500 companies

and making buy/sell/hedge decisions using derivative securities. Before entering the investment banking field, Cy was a

high school algebra and geometry teacher at his alma mater, West Charlotte High School.

Cy earned a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics, with honors, from Morehouse College. He also earned a Master of Business

Administration Degree in Finance and Entrepreneurship, with honors, from the Babcock Graduate School of Management

at Wake Forest University.

Born in Fayetteville, NC, Cy moved with his family to various parts of North Carolina before settling in Charlotte. Cy has

been married to Dr. Djenaba T. Bradford-Kennedy for 12 years and they have two sons, Cole and Caden. The Kennedys

are members of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

Cy is a Board Member of YOUniversity Drive, The Arthur Wylie Foundation for Entrepreneurship, and a former Board

Member of Jacob’s Ladder Job Center. He is also a member of the Morehouse Alumni Association and 100 Black Men of

America. Cy is active as an advisor and an investor in several entrepreneurial pursuits and his recreational interests include

golf, travel, and spending time with his family.

Mr. Cy KennedyPresident, American Product Distributors, Inc.


Originally from Shaker Heights, Ohio Dr. Bradford Picot received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from

the Kenan-Flagler Business School at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a Morehead Scholar (now known

as Morehead-Cain) at the university he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and also served as a drum major

in the marching band. Dr. Picot remained in Chapel Hill to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and later completed

a general practice residency at the Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, SC.

Service has always been a priority for Dr. Picot as he founded the UNC Malawi Dental Project, an annual service project

encompassing free dental care and education on HIV/AIDS in Malawi Africa. This devotion to service has continued through

annual participation in Give Kids a Smile, bus dentistry, and service in various dental clinics throughout the Carolinas.

Dr. Picot also offers a shadowing program for aspiring dentists at SouthEnd Dentistry. In the community he serves on the

board of Chris Canty Foundation and fundraises for the NC Dance Theatre and Greater Charlotte Heart Ball.

Memberships include the American Dental Association, National Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry,

Academy of General Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society and Old North State Dental Society. Dr. Picot is the President

Elect of the Charlotte Dental Society and a district chair of the North Carolina Committee on the New Dentist. He also

serves as an examiner for the NC State Board of Dental Examiners. Dr. Picot takes a great deal of continuing education

to stay abreast of the latest in dentistry, clinical techniques and technology. Dr. Picot regularly attends the world renowned

Pankey Institute for advanced dental education in Key Biscayne, Florida. His dental study club memberships include the

AJ Williams Study Club, OLE Seattle Study Club and South Charlotte Study Club. His passion for dentistry and service has

taken him extensively throughout North America, Africa, Australia and Europe.

Outside of the office Dr. Picot is a board member of the Charlotte Rotary Club, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and a

Board Member of the Young Affiliates of the Mint Museum. In his free time Dr. Picot enjoys family, fitness, playing the

saxophone, chess and travel.

Mr. Bradford Picot, DDS, PAPresident, SouthEnd DentistryPanelist SponsorVoted a 2011 Top Dentist in Charlotte, 2012Best Dentist by Elevate Lifestyle Magazine


Carolyn Flowers is Chief Executive Officer/Director of Public Transportation for Charlotte Area Transit System.

She is responsible for leading bus and rail service in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County.

Previously, she was the Chief Operations Officer for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation

Authority (MTA). In that role she was responsible for leading Metro Bus operations, Freeway Service Patrol and SAFE call

box programs. She also served as the Executive Officer of Operations Administration with responsibility for administrative and

budget oversight for all transit operations. Previously at the MTA, Ms. Flowers held the posts of Executive Officer of

Administration and Deputy Executive Officer for Finance.

Prior to joining the transit agency, Ms. Flowers held financial positions in both the public and private sectors.

She served as budget director for the City of Beverly Hills, as a financial manager at Wang Laboratories, and as a financial

analyst and budget officer at Rockwell International Automotive Operations. She was formerly a member of the City of Los

Angeles Quality and Productivity Commission and a member of the City of Los Angeles Proposition Q (Public Safety

facility construction) Citizen’s Oversight Committee. She has served as a director on union Health and Welfare Funds and was

a member of the Pension Investment Board at MTA. She is a member of the National Forum of Black Public Employees and

Women Transportation Seminar. She currently serves the vice-chair of the American Public Transportation Association

(APTA) Diversity Committee and is also a member of the American Public Transportation’s “Passenger Transport” publication advisory

committee, Leadership, Legislative and Awards Committees.

In 2007, she received recognition as the Tom Bradley Alumnus of the Year by the UCLA Black Alumni Association. In 2008,

she was named as the Woman of the Year, by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar. She also

received the Ambassador award for her volunteer work with the American Stroke Association and was given a special recognition

award by the Greater Los Angeles African-American Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Flowers was a member of the APTA

Transportation Leadership class of 2003 and has participated on the fall 2005 international study project for the National

Association of Sciences sponsored by the Eno Foundation for Transportation Studies. She also participated in Executive

Development Program sponsored by the Eno Center for Transit Leadership. She is a member of Johnson C. Smith University

Board of Visitors, ITRE Board member and WIE Advisory Council.

Ms. Flowers has a BA from UCLA in History and Political Science and a MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Ms. Carolyn FlowersCEO & Public Transit DirectorCharlotte Area Transit System


Mr. Sellars founded Technology Project Management, Inc. (TPM, Inc.) in 1994. TPM, Inc. is an information technology and

management consulting firm that provides highly trained and experienced resources for its clients most critical and complex

technology and operations initiatives.

Mr. Sellars is also the Managing Partner for StoneHunt, LLC, a real estate development firm based in Charlotte.

Additionally, he has primary ownership in two other firms and an investment interest in other entities.

Prior to establishing TPM, Inc., Mr. Sellars was with NCNB/NationsBank (now Bank of America) responsible for enterprise

project management of large technology/operations projects.

Before NationsBank he served in the U.S. Air Force were he developed, implemented, and supported secure telecommunications

systems worldwide.

Mr. Sellars is a native of Burlington, North Carolina and grew up on a farm for most of his first 15 years and has been in

Charlotte for 18 years.

Mr. Stoney SellarsPresident, Technology Project Management, Inc.


Jeff Feemster is President / COO and Co-Founder of E-Z Parking, Inc., the largest African American Owned full service

commercial parking company in the United States.

E-Z Parking, Inc. headquarters is in Charlotte, NC and has conducted business in Texas, Missouri, Florida, Georgia,

Virginia and Maryland as National Parking Associates. E-Z Parking, Inc. currently manages 36 locations and has 115

full-time and part-time employees in Charlotte North Carolina and South Carolina. Jeff Feemster, as E-Z Parking

President and Chief Operating Officer, brings broad parking management and consulting expertise in connection with

approximately 35,000 parking spaces in the Charlotte Center City. During more than 18 years in the industry, Mr. Feemster

has handled operations for such prestigious locations as the Hearst Tower, Seventh Street Station, Wake Forest University

Center, Fifth Third Center, Gateway Village Parking Facility, Gateway Center, ImaginOn Parking Garage, Carolinas Medical

Center, both the new and old Charlotte Convention Centers, the Mint Street Parking Facility, Richardson Sports locations

utilized for Panther games and other Stadium events, the former Charlotte International Trade Center, One Independence

Center, the Charlotte Marriott City Center, the Government Center Parking Deck, and the Interstate Tower Parking Deck.

Mr. Feemster also provided ground floor construction stage functional design and operational consultation for the Gateway

Village Parking Facility. In addition, Mr. Feemster brings an extensive background in staff management, giving him a

well-rounded approach to providing high quality service in all endeavors undertaken by the company.

Jeff is a graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina where he earned a BS in Business Administration

with a concentration in Information Systems and Business Management. He is an Advanced Training Parking Management

graduate and member of the International Parking Institute. He has served on the Board of Advisors and as a member of the

Diversity Committee for the Charlotte Chamber, has served on the Mayor’s Business Advisory Board, volunteers for several

community non-profit organizations and is also involved with several local boards.

Mr. Feemster is married to Dr. Sophia Paige-Feemster and they have one daughter Paige Ruth.

Mr. Jeff FeemsterPresident / Chief Operations Officer / Co-FounderE-Z Parking, Inc.


Eric Watson is Vice President of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion for Delhaize America, which comprises the Food Lion

Family of Banners (Food Lion, Harveys, Reid’s), Bottom Dollar Food, Hannaford Brothers, and Sweetbay Supermarkets.

He is responsible for the development and implementation of Delhaize America’s diversity and inclusion business strategy.

He is also responsible for leadership and associate development, and measuring progress in the areas of culture and

environment, diverse supplier development, minority recruitment and retention, education and training, and assisting in

growing and sustaining a diverse market presence. In October 2003, Watson joined Food Lion as Vice President

of Diversity and Inclusion. From 2007 through 2009, he also served on Food Lion’s Executive Committee and led the

Talent Acquisition department. In February 2010, he became Vice President of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion

for Delhaize America.

Watson has 29 years of experience in operations management, including more than 18 years in the field of diversity.

Watson has developed strategies to impact business success by creating a vision to manage diversity, designing leadership

mentoring programs to promote diversity and establishing an accountability system for business diversity. In his prior

experience, he held the position of Executive Director of Diversity and Workforce Capability at the Williams Companies Inc.,

and was Vice President of Global Diversity for the St. Paul Companies Inc. He has received the following recognitions for

his community and diversity & inclusion work: Corporate Diversity Champion Award from Pride Communications, Thurgood

Marshall College Fund-Award of Excellence, Kappas of Charlotte-Man of the Year Award, Diversity & Inclusion Champion

Award from The Diversity Forum, National Council of Negro Women – Brotherhood Award, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Middle Eastern Province Man of the Year Award, induction into Livingstone College’s Leaders’ Hall of Fame, La Noticia

Excelente Award for Non-Latin Person Most Supportive of the Latino Community, Uptown Media Group’s Charlotte Catalyst

Award, the Next Generation Network – Paula Banks Award, Savoy Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate

America, and Uptown Professional Magazine’s Top 100 Executives in America.

Watson currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), and the Next Generation

Network (NGN). He serves on the Board of Directors of the University of North Carolina-Center for International

Understanding, and the Urban League of Central Carolinas in Charlotte. He is the Board Chair of The Diversity Forum in

Charlotte, NC. He is a member of the Board of Visitors and the Corporate Alliance Program at Johnson C. Smith

University, the Board of Visitors at Livingstone College, the Leadership Team of the Community Building Initiative (CBI),

the North Carolina NAACP Youth & College Division Advisory Board, Board of Directors of The Park in Charlotte, NC, Lead

Corporate Advisory Partner of the East Carolina University - Equity, Diversity & Community Relations Corporate Advisory

Partner Group, a member of 100 Black Men of America – Greater Charlotte Chapter, and a member of the Charlotte Alumni

Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Watson holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C.

Mr. Eric WatsonVice President, Diversity & InclusionDelhaize America


Michelle Horton is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of YOUniversity Drive, LLC and is passionate about encouraging

students to take accountability for their own success. Her belief in personal responsibility has fueled her own success and is the

inspiration behind the organization. YOUniversity Drive encourages students to “get behind the wheel of your own success…

You Drive!”™

Michelle’s professional experience includes developing marketing strategies for leading brands as a Marketing Director for

RJ Reynolds. Her experience spans managing national event marketing programs and developing national advertising campaigns.

She transitioned from the boardroom to the classroom in the spring of 2009 as a Marketing and Retail Management professor

at Johnson C. Smith University. At JCSU, she has had the opportunity to utilize both of her passion points, mentoring and

marketing, to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders. Currently Michelle serves as the Director of Experiential Learning and

Leadership Development for Wake Forest University’s School of Business. In this capacity she develops hands on educational

programs and mentors students to enhance their leadership preparedness, conflict resolution and management skills.

In addition to her career achievements, Michelle is active in the community - serving on the Board of Directors for Project

One Scholarship Fund, being a member of the Rho Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Charlotte

Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., serving as a mentor for young women, and speaking at local colleges, universities,

civic organizations and churches.

Most recently, Michelle placed as First-Runner Up – Social Enterprise Segment in the 2012 Charlotte Venture Challenge

Competition, was chosen as one of the Charlotte Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2011, was featured in the March

2011 issue of Uptown Magazine’s “Finest” section for up and comers in Charlotte, and was the recipient of the

2011 Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award for the College of Professional Studies at JCSU.

Michelle received an undergraduate degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from Wake

Forest University where she was a recipient of the Babcock Award – an honor given to students who demonstrate exceptional

scholastic performance, leadership, and integrity.

Professor Michelle HortonFounder / CEO, YOUniversity DriveWake Forest University


2012 Gray Classic Golf Tournament

2012 Gray Classic Women’s Brunch

Brought to you by

Brought to you by

Dr. Tonya McLeod

• Approximately 1,000 participants throughout the weekend• Ages 24-60• Over 200 golfers ages 24-50+• Ethnicity 88% African-American 12% Other• Gender 65% Male 35% Female• Over 125 women attend the Women’s Empowerment Brunch• Over $30,000 raised for the 100 Black Men’s Movement of Youth

EVENT DEMOGRAPHICS

Special Acknowledgments | 2012 Gray Classic DonorsDr. Cheryl Nicholas, InnerVisionDr. Leeya F. Pinder, Greater Carolinas Women’s CenterMr. Bobby Crandall, Burger KingDr. Anver Classens, Central Piedmont Community CollegeMr. Bill CouncilMrs. Nancy Stroud, First Legacy Credit UnionMr. Bobby Vaughn, MarriottTanya Dial-Bethune, Mechanics and Farmers BankDr. Eunice Dudley, Dudley ProductsMaria Kuklinski-Long, Novant HealthSonya Caldwell, Lowe’s Home ImprovementKaren Bentley, Presbyterian HealthcareMr. Ivan Lowe, York Technical Community CollegeMr. Mony Sao, Sam’s ClubMrs. Willie Thornwell, Soft Sheen Carson ProductsMr. Sokoni Scott, Wells Fargo AdvisorsMs. Joy Paige, Johnson C Smith UniversityTrevor Allison, MD

2012 Gray Classic CommitteeMr. Herb GrayMr. Steven MyersMrs. Felicia GrayMs. Jina O’neillMrs. Michelle HortonMs. Michaela DuckettMr. Brian WillisMrs. Angie WillisMr. John HamMrs. Cynthia HamMr. Solomon T. Franklin



Charles R. Bridges, MD, ScD, a renowned heart surgeon and scientist, is the Chair of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular

Surgery at Carolinas HealthCare System’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute.

Dr. Bridges joined Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute in summer 2011, leading one of the most comprehensive and experienced

cardiothoracic surgery programs in the region, which is affiliated with one of the largest healthcare systems in the nation. His career as

a cardiovascular surgeon and a translational clinical scientist brings an unparalleled level of expertise to the organization, enhancing

the overall organizational structure of the cardiovascular program, and showcasing new techniques and innovative research in

the area.

With a $3 million, four-year grant from the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Bridges, who invented the concept of “molecular cardiac

surgery,” will investigate novel molecular and regenerative therapies as a means to improve heart function in patients

with advanced heart failure. This research has the potential to address the shortage of organs available for donation by empowering

scientists to reinvigorate the patient’s own organs, and to one day grow tissues and organs in laboratories that can then be safely

implanted when the body cannot heal itself.

Dr. Bridges and his team also offer “transfusion-free” or “bloodless” cardiac surgery that historically has been performed on

patients, such as Jehovah’s witnesses, who have certain religious beliefs that do not allow blood transfusions. Dr. Bridges has

successfully performed these complex and intricate surgeries with excellent results, and has helped design some of

the processes and techniques used nationally and internationally.

Dr. Bridges graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University at age 19 with a degree in Engineering and Applied Physics.

He continued with graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) while in medical school at Harvard, where

he graduated with honors and added a Doctor of Science degree from MIT in Chemical (Biomedical) Engineering.

His post-graduate medical training occurred at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston as a Braunwald resident and at the

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He has more than 100 published original manuscripts, chapters and reviews, has been

recognized as a “Top Doctor” in Thoracic Surgery in Philadelphia Magazine for eight consecutive years, and is listed among the

Top Doctors in America. He was recently elected to serve on The Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons.

Besides his teaching and research responsibilities, he currently serves as a consultant to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Circulatory System Devices Panel and is a regular member of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Bioengineering, Technology

and Surgical Sciences Study Section.

Dr. Charles BridgesChair of the Department ofThoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery,Carolinas HealthCare System’sSanger Heart & Vascular Institute2012 Gray Classic Honorary Host


Harry L. Jones, Sr., began serving as the fourth County Manager of Mecklenburg County, N.C., in October 2000, after being appointed

to the position in August of that year. As County Manager, Jones is responsible for recommending an annual budget to the Board

of County Commissioners and for the day-to-day operations of Mecklenburg County government and its 4,400 full-time employees.

Mecklenburg County serves more than 900,000 residents and has an annual operating budget of $1.3 billion. Prior to being named

County Manager, Jones had served as Assistant County Manager since 1991.

Jones has had a long and varied career in public administration. Prior to joining Mecklenburg County, he was housing compliance director for

the City of Dallas, Texas. He also held several other positions for the City of Dallas, including assistant city manager, director of court

services, and director of housing and neighborhood services. He was community development director for the City of Charlotte from

1981-1984; executive director of the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority from 1978-1981; and, assistant director for operations

for the City of Raleigh Housing Authority from 1976-1977.

Prior to beginning his public service career, Jones was a sales representative with Procter and Gamble in Atlanta, Georgia. Jones holds

two degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: a 1972 bachelor’s in political science and a 1980 master of public

administration. Additionally, Jones received his Associate in Arts degree from Sandhills Community College located in Pinehurst North

Carolina in 1970. Additionally, Jones has been a participant in and graduate of the following leadership programs; Leadership Charlotte,

Leadership Dallas, American Leadership Forum, Public Executive Institute through the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of

Texas, and the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia.

Jones has been active in many civic and professional activities which include: Board member and campaign chairman for the United

Way of Central Carolinas; board member for Urban League of the Central Carolinas; board member for KIPP Charlotte; board member

for the National Forum for Black Public Administrators; board member for the Sisters of Mercy Foundation; board member for Champions for

Education; board member for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont; board member for the Metro-YMCA of Greater Charlotte;

board member for the Arts and Science Council; co-chairman and board member for the Critical Needs Response Fund task force

through the Foundation for the Carolinas; and, board member for Charlotte Center City Partners. In March 2005, Jones was elected

president of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, a 2,500-member organization. He was re-elected president

in March 2006. He was elected to the National Academy of Public Administration in November 2006 and to the University of North

Carolina Board of Visitors the same year.

Jones currently serves as President for the North Carolina City and County Managers Association. Jones has been recognized through-

out his life and career with various awards that include: Leadership Charlotte’s Schley R. Lyons Circle of Excellence Award and the

Marks of Excellence for Public Service Leadership Award from the National Forum for Black Public Administrators in 2012; The University of

North Carolina at Chapel Hill Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2010; the 2009 recipient of the Harvey E. Beech Outstanding

Alumni Award given annually at the UNC Black Alumni Reunion; 2006 Pride Magazine Public Service Award;

Mr. Harry JonesCounty ManagerMecklenberg County, North Carolina2012 Gray Classic Honorary Host

Morehouse Alumni Association Community Service “Beacon of Light” Award, 2002; the Charlotte Post “People of Prominence” Award,

2001; 2008 Father of the Year Award by the Charlotte Father’s Day Council, an affiliate of the American Diabetes Association; 2008

Whitney M. Young Award from the Urban League of the Central Carolinas;2009 Man of the Year Award from the Charlotte Club of the

Negro Women and Professional Women; and the 2006 Citizen of the Year Award from the Charlotte Black Women’s Caucus.

While a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, Jones was inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece (the University’s oldest and highest honorary

society), the Order of the Grail and the Society of Janus. At Sandhills Community College, he was elected Student Government

Association president and was the recipient of the school’s R.P. Beasley Award for outstanding student leadership. In 1991, he received

Sandhills Community College’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Jones is a native of Southern Pines, North Carolina. He and his wife, Becky, have four children and five.


Welcome...............................................................................Felicia Gray

Greetings...............................................................Curtis Osborne, Esq.

“Empowerment within the Room”

Introduction..........................................................................Sonja Gantt

Blessing....................................................................Rev. Adrian Harper

BRUNCH is served

“Empowerment within the Room”

Discussion............................................................................Sonja Gantt

Acknowledgements

• Belk

• Dr. Tonya McLeod

• CBS Radio

Door Prize giveaway

Ms. Sonja GanttNews Anchor / ReporterWCNC-TV2012 Women’s Empowerment Brunch Host

A Charlotte native, Sonja joined WCNC-TV as anchor in October 1997. She is a broadcast veteran, bringing with her over a dozen

years of experience and background in reporting health issues.

Sonja is the lead anchor for the hour-long 4 p.m. newscast and co-anchors the 6 p.m. with Dave Wagner. Previously, Sonja was the

co-anchor of Chicago superstation WGN’s morning news and the station’s medical reporter. She joined WGN in 1993 as a weekend

anchor and general assignment reporter. Before heading to the “Windy City,” Sonja was the health reporter for WBTV in Charlotte where

she received the Heart and Torch Media Award from the American Heart Association in recognition of her reporting. Sonja launched her

career as a general assignment reporter for WBTW-TV in Florence, SC.

Sonja earned a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the daughter of former Charlotte Mayor

Harvey Gantt. Sonja and her husband, Mitch, have two children and reside in Charlotte.


2012 Women’s Empowerment Brunch

2012 gray classic

Documents

golf club

golf pavilion

golf facilities

golf world

golf resort

golf digest

golf enthusiasts

golf tournaments outings