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 Charlotte > Charlotte International Cabinet > Get Involved > The Cabinet
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The Cabinet
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The Executive Board The Cabinet Staff
The Executive Board
Dr. Maha Gingrich, Chair
Professional Association: Central Piedmont Community College
Personal Information: Dr. Maha Gingrich is certified by the former President of India, Sri. V.V. Giri, as one of the most prominent artists of India. After training since childhood under eminent gurus in Kuchipudi, Bharatha Natyam and Kathak dance styles, Dr. Gingrich emerged as a classical dancer of repute. She was honored with the Best Dancer award by UNASCCO International, and was awarded a Certificate of Outstanding Performance by the Festival of Science at Discovery Place. She was also honored by Dr. S.S. Mathur, Minister of Education and Culture, in Washington, D.C. Her performances have received many thundering ovations in both Indian and US cities. She is known and respected for her choreography and her ability to propagate Indian culture through various schools, colleges and associations.
Professional Information: Dr. Gingrich is the Assistant to the Executive Vice President at Central Piedmont Community College. She received her Ph.D. in Education Leadership at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and also holds two Associate degrees, two Bachelor degrees, and a Masters in Business Administration. She is also a National Collegiate Computer Science Award winner. Dr. Gingrich hosts the TV show “Charlotte, a City of International Success” on CPCC’s television network and co-hosts the Indian show “Nazar." She is also a regular contributor to the “Dances of India” column in Saathee, a feature magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas. She is very active in the community promoting the ‘unity in diversity’ theme.
Charles Lansden, Vice Chair
Professional Association: Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP
Personal Information: Charles Lansden was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has lived and worked abroad in the United Kingdom, Germany and the Czech Republic. He and his wife, Tammy, have two children, Sarah and James.
Professional Information: Charles Lansden is a partner in the real estate department at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. His practice is focused on commercial mortgage lending, property acquisitions, and commercial leasing.
Dale Gillmore, Treasurer
Professional Association: Boatsman Gillmore PLLC
Personal Information: Dale and his wife Laurie have 2 children, Laila Anne and Sydney Sky. He enjoys golfing, fishing, and is a sports fanatic. Dale volunteers his spare time with the Charlotte Rescue Mission and Classroom Central. He holds membership with the Charlotte Rotary, ASAC, CFMA, and the US Green Building Council. He and his family are active members in the Methodist Church.
Professional Information: Dale is a CPA and the founding partner of Boatsman Gillmore PLLC. He leads the firm’s manufacturing and construction practices. His specialization is working with distressed companies to assess, value, and ultimately turn around nonperforming assets and operations. He has 14 years of experience supporting mid-sized corporations. Prior to starting the firm, Dale was with the Charlotte office of Ernst & Young, LLP. While at E&Y, Dale was a project manager within the tax consulting service, specifically serving manufacturing, construction, and utility clients. Dale has a BSBA from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science in Taxation from Walsh College.
Isis Hanna, Secretary
Professional Association: Charlotte Area Health Education Center
Personal Information: Isis was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt and was formerly employed at State Information Services for twelve years as a translator. She currently lives in Charlotte and serves on the Charlotte International Cabinet as an appointed member, and also as a former appointed member of the Community Relations Committee and a past board member of the Diversity Council of the Carolinas. Isis is an active member of St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, the International Orthodox Church Council, the Middle-East Council, The Alliance for Continuing Medical Education, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Society for Intercultural Education Training, and Research USA. In 2006, Isis was named as one of Charlotte Business Journal’s Diversity Catalysts. Isis earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Foreign Languages from Ain Shams University in 1977 and a Master of Arts degree in Intercultural Relations at University of the Pacific/Intercultural Communication Institute in 2007.
Professional Information: Isis Hanna is the Director of Continuing Medical Education (CME), Quality Initiatives, Diversity & Health Careers for Charlotte AHEC, a Carolinas HealthCare System. In this role, Isis oversees the Office of Continuing Medical Education (CME) which coordinates varied learning opportunities for physicians including regularly scheduled conferences, single course activities, enduring materials, and practice-based learning and improvement initiatives. Isis was instrumental in establishing the Cultural & Language Diversity Education Department with the Charlotte Area Health Education Center at Carolinas HealthCare System. This department offers a wide variety of workshops and educational programs that help our community and its immigrants bridge the barriers of language and culture. These activities also serve to improve the diversity and cultural competence of the health care workforce, and assist public service providers in understanding issues which affect their service delivery. One of the accomplishments of this department is co-chairing the planning committee of Carolinas HealthCare System Annual Diversity Conference. Isis has obtained the Cent ACS Big Five Certification in 2001, an Organizational Development Certification in 2002, a Cultural Competency in Healthcare Certification in 2005, and an Intercultural Development Inventory Certification in 2007. Isis has been with Carolinas HealthCare System for thirteen years and has grown through the ranks as an interpreter and cultural facilitator, instructor, diversity specialist, assistant director, and Charlotte AHEC Director.
Timothy Jones, Executive Board
Professional Association: Allegra
Personal Information: Timothy Jones was born in Puerto Rico and lived there until moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee in his early teens. He attended school and worked in Chattanooga for over two decades before moving to Charlotte three years ago to become co-owner of Allegra Print & Imaging. Mr. Jones became very involved with the Scouts program while in Tennessee and served as a Whitewater Committee Representative for the Scouting program. He earned his A.A.S. in Electro-Mechanical Engineering from the State University of New York and his B.S. in Organizational Management at Covenant College in Chattanooga. Mr. Jones speaks fluent Spanish and has an impressive background working with information technology systems.
Professional Information: Mr. Jones is the co-owner of Allegra Print & Imaging in Charlotte, a position he has held for five years. Before opening his business in Charlotte, Mr. Jones worked for several years as an Information Systems manager for Magellan Behavioral Health in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In his current capacity and in his previous work experience, Mr. Jones has extensive knowledge of information technology and project and personnel management.
Rory McNicholas, Executive Board
Professional Association: International Teacher Exchange Services
Personal Information: Born in England, Rory McNicholas graduated from The Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth as an officer on the British Royal Navy. He moved to the Charlotte in 1999 and lives with his wife Suzi and two children, Jack and Maddy.
Professional Information: International Teacher Exchange Services (ITES) is a designated sponsor organization of the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program. As such, ITES provides opportunities for schools across America to host highly qualified international educators. Many of these educators come to the U.S. to teach their native language in local schools as well as to share their experiences, knowledge and cultures with their students, fellow teachers and their new communities.
Cynthia Barnes, Executive Board
Professional Association: Allen Tate Company
Personal Information: Cindy’s family includes two daughters who are married and live in Charlotte. Katie graduated from Chapel Hill, has two young sons, and runs a non-profit play group. Angie graduated from State and works for Compass Group. Aside from work and family life, Cindy enjoys travel, entertaining, music and running. She has a B.A. in English and German from Iowa State University and completed course work at the Goethe Institute in Passau, Germany.
Professional Information: A Charlotte resident for 28 years, Cindy Barnes is in the top 5% of Allen Tate real estate agents, with over 175 million in sales during her career. She represents buyers and sellers in North and South Carolina, and also trains Allen Tate agents throughout the region. In addition to her involvement with the Charlotte International Cabinet, she is currently serving on the board of the SouthPark chapter of the Chamber of Commerce. Her previous board work includes two terms as chairperson for Charlotte Chamber Music and several terms as vice-president of the Charlotte chapter of North Carolina World Trade.
The Cabinet
Karim E. Azar, Global Express Services
Personal Information: Karim Azar was born in Lebanon and graduated from the American University of Beirut. He has worked and resided in numerous countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and the United Kingdom. He and his wife, Leena, and daughter Sofia have called Charlotte home for the past ten years.
Professional Information: Globe Express Services is an international logistics provider operating in over 35 locations around the world, including 20 in Asia. Charlotte has been the company’s Americas headquarters since 1990, and is proud of their North Carolina heritage. Globe Express Services employs over 100 staff in its Charlotte headquarters. The founder and managing partners of the privately-held share a strong belief in corporate philanthropy and volunteerism that they work to infuse in the employee culture. The firm practices the mantra “Think Globally, ACT Locally,” encouraging staff to independently engage in their local community’s volunteer opportunities. As a global company, the collective local efforts of their staff combine to make a worldwide impact.
Paul Carr, Asian Senior Center
Personal Information: Mr. Paul Carr was born in Saigon, Vietnam where he attended a four-year military academy. Mr. Carr also served as a Liaison Officer in the 2nd Brigade/4th U.S. Infantry Division and was the ARVN/ Company Commander during the Vietnam War. He was captured in action in early 1975 and was a POW of the North Vietnamese Army for five years. Mr. Carr was successful in his escape and relocated to Boston 1980 where he graduated at Wenworth Institution of Technology in Massachusetts in 1984. For his outstanding service in the Vietnam War and his continuing commitment to the community, Mr. Carr received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. He enjoys swimming and being involved in community activities.
Professional Information: Mr. Carr founded the Asian Senior Center three years ago. His goal of the center is to provide a place for the elderly who have led heroic lives and reward them for their generosity. Mr. Carr is also the founder of VNs Veteran Association in Massachusetts. He is involved with the VN Community in Charlotte, the U.S. Army Volunteer Brigade, and is a partner of Pho-Hoa Restaurant Worldwide Incorporation.
Maryanne P. Dailey, Better Business Bureau Consumer Foundation
Personal Information: Mrs. Maryanne P. Dailey was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Social Work. She also went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Human Development and Learning. Mrs. Dailey enjoys weight lifting, boxing, and learning to play golf.
Professional Information: Mrs. Dailey serves as the Executive Director of the Better Business Bureau Consumer Foundation as well as the chairperson of the 2010 Census Complete Count Committee for the Homeless, Older Adult and Social Service Area. She has also created the Elder Fraud Prevention Program with a focus on reducing the number of older adult victims of consumer fraud and financial exploitation through advocacy and direct intervention. Moreover, Mrs. Dailey has created the Latin American Outreach Program to help educate and prevent consumer fraud and was the recipient of the 2002 North Carolina Consumer Fraud Task Force award for outstanding service in educating the public of fraud and scams. This year, Mrs. Dailey was also named as 1 of 50 Most Influential Women in Mecklenburg County by The Mecklenburg Times.
Larken Egleston, Republic National Distributing
Personal Information: Larken's main interests center around trying new restaurants and cuisines as often as possible. Traveling, playing basketball, and cheering for the Panthers, Bobcats, and Wake Forest sports teams are a few of the other activities he enjoys in his spare time.
Professional information: Larken Egleston is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University's Culinary Arts program who is originally from Winston-Salem and has lived in Charlotte for over six years. A fixture on the local entertainment scene, Egleston's 10-year affair with food and beverage hot spots has landed him roles with the Charlotte Observer, Elevate Magazine and Creative Loafing, among others. He is currently employed by Republic National Distributing as the Remy Cointreau Brand Ambassador for the state of North Carolina. As founder of the Charlotte Culinary Club, he serves as the unofficial authority on dining out in the Queen City, sharing up-to-the-minute restaurant news and coordinating local culinary events. He also serves as a member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Carolinas Chapter Board of Directors, a board member for the Charlotte Taste of the Nation/Share Our Strength fundraiser, a member of the City Council's Charlotte International Cabinet, and is the Vice President of the Johnson & Wales Charlotte Campus Alumni Association board.
Dr. Adelheid Eubanks, Johnson C. Smith University, Center for Integrated Studies
Personal information: Adelheid is a native of Cologne, Germany. She is married to David A. Eubanks and has one daughter, Krista Kay Eubanks.
Professional information: Adelheid R. Eubanks received an M.A. in Germanic Languages and Literatures and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and French from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Adelheid Eubanks has taught and done administrative work at Coker College in Hartsville, SC, from 1995 through 2008, and has joined Johnson C. Smith University in January of 2009 to direct the Center for Integrated Studies. She has presented at conferences and published on a multitude of subjects. In addition to her education in Germany and the United States, she has worked or studied in Paris, France, Oslo, Norway, Shanghai, China, Québec City, Canada, and Rome, Italy. She regularly conducts study abroad experiences with students and teaches courses on literature as well as German, French, Italian, and Latin.
Sean Gautam, Intelligrity Capital Management, LLC
Personal information: Sean resides in SouthPark, Charlotte with his wife, Magali, a native of France who holds a Ph.D. in Financial Economics. Sean and Magali have two American-born children, ages 7 and 3. Sean is an avid motorcyclist and enjoys painting, photography and traveling.
Professional information: Sean Gautam is the President & Founder of Intelligrity Capital Management, LLC, an investment advisory firm catering to middle-class families and professionals. Intelligrity is located in SouthPark, Charlotte (www.Intelligrity.com). Sean founded Intelligrity Capital to make professional investment management accessible to middle-class families, not just the ultra-wealthy. Sean has devised and manages risk-specific globally-diversified investment portfolios with low fees and account minimums. Prior to founding Intelligrity, Sean served as the CFO of a national financial services firm in D.C., where he devised and implemented financial strategies for a decade. Sean is also the author of the investment guide ‘Advanced Portfolio Strategies’. A graduate of Georgetown University Law School, Sean also holds an MBA (Finance), LL.B. (Law) and B.Com (Accounting) degrees. Sean is FINRA Series 65 licensed, and has previously held Series 7 and 6.
Steve Goldberg, Strategic Consulting Services
Personal Information: Mr. Goldberg is a native Charlottean with a longstanding interest in international relations. He received a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Georgia and has studied additionally in International Marketing at Georgia State University. His career in journalism and media consulting has provided Mr. Goldberg with many opportunities to work and travel internationally, including to numerous Olympic, Paralympic, and World Cup competitions. Mr. Goldberg traveled to Beijing to cover the 2008 Paralympic Games.
Professional Information: Mr. Goldberg has served for the past thirteen years as a Managing Director with Strategic Consulting Services, specializing in marketing, media, and public relations consulting with a focus on brand relationships with entertainment and sports properties and the disability marketplace. Mr. Goldman has covered the Paralympic Games, the Olympic Games, and World Cup Soccer as a media consultant and journalist. Soccer has profoundly impacted his life for the past 35 years, and he is now closely affiliated with organizations such as the International Paralympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee, and FIFA.
Molly Hedrick, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Senior Director of Communications
Personal Information: Ms. Molly Hedrick was born in Auburn, NY. She graduated from State University of New York at Canton. Whether it is being involved with one of several committees in Charlotte and surrounding areas or volunteering with one of her children’s classes, Ms. Hedrick is committed to the community. She enjoys time at the Y, spending time with friends and extended family and most of all with her kids.
Professional Information: Ms. Hedrick is the Senior Director of Communications with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and began with the organization ten years ago. After moving to Charlotte in 1987, she worked eight years with the Charlotte Chamber and enjoyed three years of running her own business. Molly is on several area boards and committees, including the CIC, the Belk Carolinas Carrousel Parade board, First Night Charlotte board, Charlotte Regional Sports Commission communications committee and more. Ms. Hedrick received the Woman Extraordinaire Award recognized by Business Media Magazine in December 2010.
James Jewell, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Supervisory Special Agent
Personal Information: He received his undergraduate degree in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama in 1987 and obtained a Masters in Accounting from Louisiana State University in 1993. Special Agent Jewell is a Certified Public Accountant licensed by the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy.
Professional Information: Supervisory Special Agent James E. Jewell joined the FBI in 1996, and reported to the Charlotte Division of the FBI in January 2007. Special Agent Jewell is assigned to the Division's Intelligence Program with supervisory responsibility for dedicated intelligence programs and personnel located throughout North Carolina. Prior to his arrival in Charlotte, Special Agent Jewell served previous assignments with FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C. from June 2003 to December 2006 and with the FBI's Houston Division from November 1996 to May 2003. During his time at FBI Headquarters, Special Agent Jewell served as a Program Manager within the Directorate of Intelligence's Career Management Section and as a Congressional Appropriations Liaison within the FBI's Finance Division. While assigned to the Houston Division, Special Agent Jewell served successful periods on both the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Enron Task Force. He primarily investigated matters involving financial institution fraud, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and international terrorism. In recognition of his professional experience and leadership, Special Agent Jewell was awarded a LEGIS Fellowship in 2003 by The Brookings Institution, Washington D.C.
Prior to his employment with the FBI, Special Agent Jewell worked as a Senior Litigation Consultant within Coopers & Lybrand’s Financial Advisory Services Group in Birmingham, Alabama from September 1995 through July 1996. He also worked as a Senior Consultant within Ernst & Young’s Dispute Resolution & Litigation Services Group in New Orleans, Louisiana from January 1994 through September 1995. Special Agent Jewell is a former Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy, having served on active-duty from 1988 - 1992 and in the naval reserve from 1992 - 1996.
Marcelo Lima, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Development Division
Personal Information: Marcelo Lima is a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Having spent his early childhood in Sao Paulo, he relocated to the West Virginia with his family. Marcelo holds a B.S. in Aviation Management from Ohio University and a M.S. in Aviation from the University of North Dakota. While obtaining his undergraduate degree, he completed his Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument flight rating in Ohio.
Professional Information: Since moving to Charlotte, Marcelo has worked for the City of Charlotte’s Aviation Department for over five years. During the first three years at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, he had worked for the Operations Division. Since 2008, Marcelo has worked as an Associate Planner in the Development Division, managing the Airport’s Grant Programs, assisting in project development and updating operational plans and programs for the Airport.
Tin Thanh Nguyen, Law Office of Tin Thanh Nguyen
Personal Information: Attorney Nguyen was born in Nome, Alaska on March 5, 1980. After living in Alaska for ten years, his family moved to Pensacola, Florida. In 1993, Attorney Nguyen’s family relocated to Charlotte, NC where they have lived ever since. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) where he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in International Studies and Asian Studies in 2002. He received his juris doctorate from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law in Durham, NC in December 2006.
Professional Information: Tin Thanh Nguyen is the founder and managing attorney at the Law Office of Tin Thanh Nguyen, PLLC, located in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC). His law firm mainly provides legal services to the underrepresented Vietnamese and Southeast Asian communities in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas. The law firm handles criminal and civil matters, but primarily concentrates on immigration cases such as detention and removal, naturalization, immigrant visas, and adjustment of status. Attorney Nguyen is an active member of the Vietnamese community in Charlotte, NC. He serves as legal counsel to the Vietnamese Association of Charlotte. He regularly publishes articles in various Vietnamese language newspapers on legal issues affecting the community. Attorney Nguyen is admitted to the North Carolina and Mecklenburg County Bars, a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and sits on the Board of Directors for the American Civil Liberties Union – North Carolina (ACLU-NC).
Judith F. Osei Tutu, African Clothing Liberty Services & Fabrics
Personal Information: A native of Ghana, West Africa, Judith Osei Tutu graduated from University of Maryland-Baltimore County in May 1995 with undergraduate degrees in Marketing, Management & Business. Thereafter, she began her Masters in International Languages and Banking from Johns Hopkins University, where she is only a few credits shy of graduating. Her education led her to stay in the state and become the Branch Manager for the Harbor Bank of Maryland, where she worked for a few years. However, after marrying in 2001, she relocated to Charlotte, NC where she looked to help and serve the community. Her support for the Charlotte community includes participation and leadership with the Kumasi Committee of the Charlotte International Cabinet and the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Toast Masters International Club. She is also currently in preparation to become an Ordained Minister.
Professional Information: Mrs. Osei Tutu established her own business after arriving to Charlotte, by the name of African Clothing Liberty Services & Fabrics. In addition to selling colorful and comfortable African clothing, Judith operates a business with prepaid credit cards, prepaid phones, home phone services, and many others. In line with her passion for service, she donates clothes for Fashion Shows in Charlotte and creates awareness about the African Culture and the similarities through her fashions. Her fashion shows have grown in popularity, resulting in television appearances every year.
Shelley Pendleton, Huntington Learning Center
Personal Information: Ms. Pendleton initially became involved with Charlotte Sister Cities by attending sponsored events and moved to contributing to the International Artisan Shop program and working with the Baoding Committee. Ms. Pendleton and her husband have also home hosted many international visitors who have come to Charlotte on Sister Cities exchanges. Ms. Pendleton is from Northern Minnesota and grew up figure skating.
Professional Information: Ms. Pendleton is currently retired, is a past Center Director of Huntington Learning Center and owned her own business from 1987-1997. She taught at Wake Forest University, was a researcher for the Agriculture Dept in Washington, DC, and earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from UNC-Chapel Hill. Ms. Pendleton also taught figure skating in ND, MN, WI and NC.
Reinaldo “Panico” Peres, SABO and No Borders Consulting
Personal Information: Reinaldo Panico Peres was born in Brazil and graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from FEI – a top tier university in Sao Paulo, Brazil in the 1st semester of 1984. Less than a year later, he was invited by his employer’s largest customer to move to Dallas, TX. The move took place in September 1984 and in December 1985 he went back to Brazil to marry his high school sweetheart, Lenise, in order to bring her to their new country. In those days, he used to travel extensively (over 100,000 miles a year) and, since Lenise enjoyed joining him on many of these trips, they decided to wait to have children. In 1997 they were blessed with twin-daughters, Isabella and Julianna, who were born in Dallas, TX about the same time that dad earned his MBA from the University of Texas. In July 2000 he and Lenise became American citizens and later that year they moved to Detroit, MI as Panico joined Sabo USA Inc. as their North America Director. In 2006 his Board summoned him to a meeting at their headquarters in Sao Paulo, Brazil to ask him to select a location for Sabó’s first manufacturing facility in North America. After a long and sophisticated search process, which included visits to several states in the US and Mexico, he decided on the Charlotte Region – Lincoln County. The plant was built in 2007 and he moved here with his family. He speaks Portuguese (his native language), Spanish, and English.
Professional Information: Reinaldo Panico Peres has over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. He is currently the Executive Vice President of Sabo USA Inc. and OEM & Aftermarket Corporate Director of the Sabó Group – a global automotive supplier company with 4,200 employees and $350 million in revenue. Mr. Peres joined Sabo USA in September 2000 when its office had only two other engineers and revenues were $6.3 million. In 2010, Sabo USA has 70-plus employees in its Lincolnton, NC plant, 4 engineers in the Detroit, MI area, and revenues of $42 million a year. Before he joined Sabo USA, Panico had worked for Enginetech, Inc. in Dallas, TX for 17 years. He was Vice President of Engineering and International Business (Export and Import). He started when the company had 3 product lines with 2 vendors in Brazil and had yearly revenues of just below $1 million. He left the company in late 2000 with 15 product lines and 10-plus vendors in South America, Mexico, Middle East, and Asia, and yearly revenues surpassing $20 million. Finally, in July 2010, he launched his own a consulting firm. He is President and CEO of No Borders Consulting Group. His firm helps – primarily, but not exclusively – Brazilian firms “flatten the learning curve” as they enter the US market and it also facilitates the entry of foreign firms into the growing Brazilian market.
Yolanda Perry
Personal Information: Yolanda has been heavily involved in community based organizations, seeking to bring together people from all cultural backgrounds and assisting them their needs, endeavors and career paths. Yolanda and her husband, Anthony, have been married for 24 years, and started a musical production, Mixing of Souls, Inc, which incorporates individuals from various ethnicities to demonstrate all aspects of the performing arts as one body – music, poetry, dance, comedy and other areas. Yolanda and Anthony have 3 children, Taurean, Anthony Simone and Michaela.
Professional Information: Yolanda is a veteran in the Staffing and Recruiting industry with over 15 years of experience and has been in numerous roles during her career. She began as a representative for skilled labor and light industrial positions and her career progressed into a Regional Recruiting Manager for Southeast, and then progressed to a corporate recruiting role for AAA Carolinas and she then returned to Staffing where she thought she would be able to assist a larger population of individuals with their career search. She sits on several committees to include the Employer of Choice Committee, was given the 10-year Service Award for community service from the Charlotte Area Fund and currently serves as a board member for the Employer Network Roundtable and the NC Business Leadership Network along with other agencies.
Nadine Russell, Central Piedmont Community College
Personal Information: Mrs. Nadine Russell was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the United States as a child. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in accounting and became a CPA. Mrs. Russell enjoys running, racquetball and traveling.
Professional Information: Mrs. Russell is the program chair for international business at Central Piedmont Community College. She is also an instructor for international business and accounting courses. Annually, she leads a study abroad program course to China. Mrs. Russell has also worked with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and overseas with GE Capital as a Finance Manager. She is also involved with the World Affairs Council and NC Association of CPA’s.
Gail VanDerVeer
Personal Information: Gail VanDerVeer was born in New Jersey and grew up in the Chicago area. Gail is married to Craig, a neurosurgeon, and is the mother of three adult children and spouses. Her interests include playing the violin in Queen City Community Orchestra, golfing, and travel. Her interest in foreign languages and cultures can be attributed to her Dutch grandparents as well as her father's occupation of being a salesman of specialty foods and coffees imported from around the world.
Professional Information: Gail received her BA from Calvin College in German and English. As a high school teacher, she sponsored and escorted students on trips to Europe and was awarded a Fulbright Grant to study in Germany. Current volunteer activities include serving on the board of CMRW and involvement with the Mecklenburg Medical Alliance and Endowment. Gail recently completed a Masters of Theological Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary.
Ron Zurinskas, Bank of America
Personal Information: Ron was born in Connecticut and he attended undergraduate and graduate studies in Philadelphia, PA. He has lived in Charlotte for 10 years. Married to Natalie Amalong and have two children, Hannah and Julian. He is an avid cyclist, competitive runner and enjoys yoga. Has a special appreciation for Asia and does speak a little Mandarin. He also teaches group exercise classes at the Charlotte Athletic Club and the YMCA.
Professional Information: Mr. Zurinskas has worked for the Bank of America Corporation for the past 9 years in Operations, Marketing and Strategic Relationship capacities. Most recently he was worked within a partnership with a large Chinese Bank which had him travelling extensively to Asia from 2008 – 2010 focused on Private Banking and Electronic Commerce. He now manages a large portfolio of global improvement projects for the Chief Financial Officer Office. Prior to Bank of America, Mr. Zurinskas held leadership positions at General Electric, Tenant Health Care, Macy’s and JP Morgan. He is a Six Sigma Black Belt, has been awarded the BAC Award of Excellence, Best of Six Sigma award and the GE Everest Award.
Staff
Sharon Reed, Executive Director
The child of a geologist, Sharon grew up internationally, and has lived and traveled extensively throughout Asia-Pacific and Europe, instilling a deep passion for multiculturalism from an early age. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Stephen F. Austin State University and an M.A. in International Affairs from Florida State University. Prior to joining the Charlotte International Cabinet, Sharon spent almost twelve years in various business and economic development roles with an industry concentration in the energy sector, and continues to serve as an active business and community advocate for global literacy in North Carolina.
She currently serves as International Service Chair for the Rotary Club of Davidson, and was honored with the club’s first Distinguished Rotarian award. Sharon also serves as an Associate and Rotary partner for World View, is a former volunteer with the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, and a member of the NC Sustainable Energy Association. She is an active alumnus of KPMG LLP, past co-chair of the Texas Economic Development Council’s International Committee, and has served in various leadership roles with the L’Alliance Francaise de Houston, the French-American Chamber of Commerce (Houston), and Business Volunteers for the Arts. She is the proud mother of two children, Michael and Allison, and resides in Davidson, NC. Sharon will assume this new role beginning Monday, October 24, 2011.
Alexis Gordon, Program Director
Alexis Gordon is the Program Director for the Charlotte International Cabinet. Before working with the Cabinet, she lived in The Netherlands where she completed her Master in International Relations and Diplomacy at Leiden University and The Netherlands Institute for International Relations, Clingendael. Gordon’s Thesis, The Cosmopolitan Metropolis: Why Cities Vie for a Role in the International System compares the international activities of The Hague to those of Charlotte, NC. While in the Netherlands she was a communications intern at the Global Secretariat for the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC), an international organization based in The Hague. Gordon created an awareness campaign toolkit to be used by GPPAC members in 15 different regions across the globe. Prior to graduate school, Gordon worked as a News Producer for WCCB—FOX Charlotte.
Gordon, born in Honolulu, grew up in a military family. Moving from state to state and living in several foreign countries (including Germany, Japan and Italy) instilled a great love of travel and devotion to fostering a peaceful global community. This adventurous spirit led her to Antarctica where she filmed a documentary on mankind’s influence there. Her father’s work during the Tsunami relief efforts inspired her to leave her job as news producer for FOX Charlotte, go back to school to become more involved in the international community. Gordon graduated cum laude from Winthrop University with a B.A. in Political Science and Mass Communication—Broadcast Journalism and quickly adopted the Carolinas as her home. In her free time she paints, reads historic fiction, and writes short stories.
Kim McMillan, City of Charlotte Staff Liason for the CIC
City of Charlotte, Director of Corporate Communications & Marketing
As Director of Corporate Communications & Marketing for the City of Charlotte, Kim McMillan is responsible for developing internal and external communications programs and handling the City’s media relations. She oversees a 19-member staff with responsibilities including strategic communications, media relations, web services, creative services, video production and GOV Channel (Cable 16) operations.
As a member of the senior leadership team, she works closely with the City Manager’s Office, Budget & Evaluation, Human Resources and City Attorney’s Office. Her major accomplishments include leading a citywide branding effort, conducting a communications audit and developing web-based communication resources for City Staff, elected officials and the community. McMillan is also proud of the media training she designed to better manage and improve the City’s media relations.
McMillan joined the City of Charlotte in April 2007. She has more than 24 years of experience in public relations, marketing and advertising. She began her career in communications with the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, History and Landmarks Foundation and worked as a copywriter and account executive in agencies in upstate New York and south Florida. In Charlotte, she has served as Director of Marketing Communications for Presbyterian Healthcare System, Marketing/Product Manager for KoSa, Vice President of Communications for the Arts & Science Council and Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations for the Allen Tate Company.
She received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ohio University in Athens.
McMillan is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and its Charlotte Chapter and a past president of the local Chapter. She is a member of 3CMA, an association of local government agencies. In 2000, McMillian received the Infinity Award for outstanding practice in the field of public relations from the Charlotte PRSA Chapter. She was named one of the Top 25 Executive Women by the Charlotte Business Journal in 2006, and she has received numerous awards for healthcare and real estate marketing, including a prestigious Telly Award.
She served as Co-chair for the NASCAR Hall of Fame grand opening and is currently serving on the Executive Committee and chairing the Marketing and PR Committee for Communities in Schools. She enjoys public speaking and making presentations. She lives in Charlotte with her husband, Bill, and two daughters, Carson and Shealy.
Consuls and Honorary Consuls in North Carolina
www.northcarolinaconsularcorps.org
The Cabinet also works very closely with the North Carolina Consular Corps. For more information on honorary counselors in our area please visit their website.
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Charlotte International Cabinet • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center • 600 East Fourth Street • Charlotte, NC 28202 • Tel: 704.336.2174 • Fax: 704.632.8349 • Email: cic@charlottenc.gov
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