🏆 Introducing The Ledger's 40 Over 40 winners 🏆

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The Charlotte Ledger is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, presented by U.S. Bank.

The awards celebrate local unsung heroes aged 40+ who are doing great things in our community.

This year’s group was chosen by a wise and independent panel of former 40 Over 40 winners, who reviewed many impressive nominations — awe-inspiring and thought-provoking stories of innovators and problem-solvers who toil humbly to lift others up, or find gaps in systems and work to fill them.

They are making Charlotte a better place in a variety of ways, all over the city.

➡️ Award celebration: Help us celebrate these folks on April 23 at Project 658. It’s at 3646 Central Ave., near Plaza Midwood. It will be a fun celebration!

Tickets are on sale now! (Early-bird pricing ends Wednesday, March 25)

But let’s get right to this year’s winners, with summaries from their nominations:

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Dr. Matt Anderson, Senior Vice President and Chief Physician Officer, Advocate Health (Atrium Health) - Dr. Anderson is changing how healthcare is delivered, expanding virtual care, rural access and hospital-at-home programs across Advocate Health. Under his leadership, Atrium Health has brought hospital-level care into patients’ homes, launched 24/7 virtual primary care and adopted new AI tools that free clinicians to focus more fully on patients.

Mike Barnes, PE, Principal/Regional Director, Thomas & Hutton - Mike has spent more than 30 years helping shape the Charlotte region through civil engineering, construction management and long-range infrastructure work. Just as important, he gives back in practical ways, from supporting children through Beds Equal Dreams to community gardens, stream cleanups and clean-water missions abroad.

Oscar Barzuna Hidalgo, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Business Analytics, Queens University of Charlotte - Oscar bridges academic theory and real-world opportunity for Charlotte entrepreneurs. Through Queens University and his volunteer leadership with Prospera, he has helped Hispanic business owners access micro-grants, create jobs and move from early ideas to lasting growth.

Ike Belk, Co-Founder and Co-Owner, United States Performance Center - Ike has helped position Charlotte as a hub for elite sport and performance innovation through the U.S. Performance Center. He also led the successful effort to bring the 2027 Military World Games to Charlotte and continues a strong legacy of philanthropy through youth sports access and charitable fundraising.

Michael Blanco, President, Charlotte Economics Club - Michael has turned the Charlotte Economics Club into a stronger civic platform for conversations about growth, innovation and Charlotte’s economic future. A veteran and mentor, he also opens doors for students and transitioning service members, connecting them to ideas, networks and real opportunity.

Michelle Boudin, Founder/Chief Storyteller, Embolden Creative - Michelle has spent her career using storytelling to create tangible change in Charlotte, from journalism that helped change laws and raise awareness to work that has supported nonprofits, small businesses and everyday residents. Through Embolden Creative, she now helps mission-driven organizations tell stories that move people to act.

Dr. Val Brown, Chief Education and Strategic Partnership Officer, Levine Museum of the New South - Dr. Brown has reshaped how history, education and community engagement come together in Charlotte through her work at Levine Museum of the New South. From launching the Catalyst Fellowship Program to creating early-learning programs for young children, she has built a broad pipeline for civic learning across generations.

Jada Charley, CEO, Crittenton of NC - Jada leads Crittenton of NC with both compassion and strategy, strengthening support for women and children working to break cycles of poverty and trauma. Her leadership has brought trauma-informed frameworks, housing partnerships, culturally responsive services and innovative staff policies that support both clients and the people serving them.

Dana Draa, Director of Outreach and Blind Services, Lions Services, Inc. - Dana leads a life of service as a veteran and advocate for blind and visually impaired communities. At Lions Services, she has launched standout initiatives including the Charlotte Braille Trail, Lions HEART and Lions DENN, all aimed at expanding access, independence and health equity.

Jolaine Elien, Founder & Principal, Blueprint 4 Good - Jolaine works behind the scenes to make mission-driven organizations stronger, smarter and more sustainable. Through Blueprint 4 Good and volunteer service with groups including the YWCA, Sustain Charlotte and Habitat Charlotte, she helps nonprofits and businesses improve operations so they can do more good with greater staying power.

Pablo Espin, Vice President of HR, ScentAir Technologies LLC - Pablo is a corporate executive, veteran and mentor whose leadership centers on opening doors for others. At ScentAir, he has supported programs like workplace ESL and a veterans resource group, helping employees grow in confidence, expand career opportunities and move into leadership.

Mary Gallivan, Founder, Joyline Consulting - Mary has built a career around helping organizations and leaders work better, first through philanthropy and now through consulting and AI education for small businesses and nonprofits. In Charlotte, she shares that knowledge generously through workshops, media appearances and long-standing community involvement.

Nicole Gardner, Founder & Member, Gardner Skelton PLLC - Nicole has redefined what a high-performing law firm can look like by building Gardner Skelton around both excellence and humanity. Her leadership has fueled strategic growth, a culture that rejects outdated firm norms, and meaningful community service through mentorship, nonprofit support and volunteer legal work.

Stacy Gatto, Executive Director, The Village on Morehead - Stacy has dedicated nearly three decades to enriching the lives of older adults, including 28 years in Charlotte’s senior living sector. At The Village on Morehead, she has paired strong operational leadership with mentorship, helping residents thrive while also guiding the next generation of professionals in the field.

Veronica Getz, VP, NC/GA Division Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical, Advocate Health (Atrium Health) - Veronica is known for leading with both big-picture vision and genuine care for patients and team members. At Advocate Health, she has helped expand lung screening and navigation programs and is launching new tobacco cessation and screening strategies focused on rural and lower-income communities.

Aivel Gordils, CEO & Co-Founder, Gortin Group, LLC - Aivel has made her mark in construction by pairing strategic leadership with a people-first culture. As CEO and co-founder of Gortin Group, she has built trust with clients, held high standards for quality and accountability, and created a workplace that values wellness, balance and long-term impact.

Rachel Guzman, Director, Regional Recruiting, Allied Universal; President, Windsor Park Neighborhood - Rachel is a steady force in east Charlotte, leading neighborhood-level change that has strengthened civic engagement, school partnerships and community pride in Windsor Park. Whether advocating at City Hall, organizing resources for families or rallying support for Windsor Park Elementary, she consistently turns neighborly care into real results.

Melissa Hall, Executive Director, Fields of Hope - Melissa leads Fields of Hope with vision, urgency and compassion for survivors of sex trafficking. She has expanded the organization’s reach through stronger partnerships, public education, fundraising and strategic growth, while helping build the long-term systems needed for healing, housing and restoration.

Denise Hammond, Owner/Director, My Farm Camps; Community Engagement Officer, Samaritan’s Feet - Denise has spent decades serving young people and vulnerable families through business, church and nonprofit work. Her hands-on support with Fields of Hope, including mentoring survivors, organizing essentials and providing animal and garden-based therapy, reflects a deep commitment to practical, compassionate care.

Dr. Patrick Harmon, Medical Director, Providence Family Psychiatry - Dr. Harmon chose purpose over prestige, leaving a lucrative leadership track to return to relationship-centered psychiatric care. Through Providence Family Psychiatry, he offers thoughtful, whole-person care while also creating scholarships, sliding-scale access and partnerships that expand mental health support for underserved families.

Greg Hatcher, Managing Partner, Hatcher Law Group - Greg has built a distinguished career in family law while also giving significant time and expertise to Charlotte nonprofits and civic organizations. Known for asking hard questions and investing deeply in others, he supports causes focused on children, families and survivors of domestic violence.

Caleb Holloway, Attorney, Robinson Bradshaw - Caleb is a respected employment attorney and a consistent advocate for inclusion, accessibility and dignity in the workplace. Beyond his legal practice, he has helped shape a more supportive Charlotte through leadership with LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts, local bar associations and Brave Step’s work with survivors of sexual violence.

Dr. Tamesha Hughes-Frazier, Executive Director, Hughes Elite Scholars Inc. - Dr. Hughes-Frazier has transformed access and opportunity for first-generation and underserved students through Hughes Elite Scholars. A nationally respected education leader, she has secured millions in funding, built strong college-access systems and become a trusted advocate for families navigating disability services, policy and postsecondary success.

Mollie James, Executive Director, Wayfinders - Mollie has led Wayfinders through remarkable growth, expanding the organization from a camp-focused program into years-long mentorship and family support for under-resourced children. Colleagues describe her as deeply humble and encouraging, a leader who sees potential where others see barriers.

Stephanie Jenson, PMO Director, JLL - Stephanie’s career is a story of grit, resilience and steady advancement. After becoming a young mother as a teenager, she put herself through school, built her career from the ground up at JLL and rose through five promotions to become a project management leader who inspires others by example.

Nikki Keith, Chief Executive Officer, Freedom School Partners, Inc. - Nikki has brought both heart and momentum to Freedom School Partners, helping hundreds of Charlotte-Mecklenburg students find joy, belonging and confidence through reading and summer learning. Her leadership also creates workforce opportunities for young adults who help bring the program to life each year.

Judy La Pietra, Executive Director, The Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education - Judy has pushed Holocaust and antisemitism education in Charlotte into a bold new chapter. As executive director of The Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center, she has expanded the organization’s reach and is leading the effort to establish the Holocaust Museum of the Carolinas in Charlotte.

David LaFranque, Owner/CEO/Franchise Owner of Smoothie King and i-9 - David balances entrepreneurial success with meaningful civic leadership, running local Smoothie King and i9 Sports franchises while promoting health, youth development and strong team culture. His service with Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County reflects the same commitment to building stronger communities that defines his business leadership.

Collin Lane, Executive VP of Professional and Support, Advocate Health (Atrium Health, The Pearl) - Collin has played a major role in shaping some of Charlotte’s most significant health care and development projects, including The Pearl and several major Atrium Health expansions. His work extends beyond construction and operations, with leadership that also supports affordable housing and broader community impact.

Jessica Lefkowitz, Founder and Executive Director, Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition - Jessica built Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition from the ground up, doing housing-focused street outreach long before funding arrived. Her work is defined by persistence, dignity and action, helping unhoused neighbors access housing, health care and support while refusing to let bureaucracy stand in the way.

Dr. Kelly R. Little, Founder and President, Urban Institute for Strengthening Families - Dr. Little has spent more than two decades building programs that strengthen fathers, children and families in Charlotte and beyond. Through the Urban Institute for Strengthening Families, he has created spaces for healing, parenting support, economic mobility and youth development that reach hundreds of families each year.

Camille Maara, Co-Executive Director, Charlotte Angels - Camille helps lead Charlotte Angels with a clear focus on building sustainable support for children, youth and families impacted by foster care. Through partnerships, advocacy and community mobilization, she has helped deepen the organization’s local reach and strengthen its long-term impact.

John J. Martin, Founder/CEO, Martin Sloane International (MSI) & MSI Global Campus (MSIGC)- AfterAfter decades in enterprise strategy roles, John has devoted his work to helping communities thrive through stronger organizations. Through MSI and MSIGC, he brings big-company strategic thinking to nonprofits, small businesses and underserved communities that need practical systems for growth. decades in enterprise strategy roles, John has devoted his work to helping communities thrive through stronger organizations. Through Martin Sloan International and MSI Global Campus, he brings big-company strategic thinking to nonprofits, small businesses and underserved communities that need practical systems for growth.

Meg McElwain, Founder, Mitchell's House - After losing her son Mitchell to leukemia, Meg turned profound grief into support for other families facing serious childhood illness. Through Mitchell’s House, she has become a tireless advocate for children, siblings and parents who need counseling, care and community during unimaginably hard moments.

Samantha Nevins, Executive Director, Disability Rights & Resources - Samantha leads Disability Rights & Resources with compassion, authenticity and a fierce commitment to inclusion. Since taking over the grassroots nonprofit, she has built new partnerships, expanded funding and become a strong public voice for people with disabilities across Charlotte and the state.

Laura Renegar, Special Projects Director, Primax Properties; Co-founder, Pink Smiles Promise - Laura has spent years turning her own experience with breast cancer into life-saving advocacy for other women. Through Pink Smile Promise and her long service with the American Cancer Society, she has supported women in Charlotte and Jamaica with screenings, education, mentorship and direct care.

Rochelle Rivas, CEO & Co-Founder, Ember Group Consulting - Rochelle is a standout business and community leader whose career spans building, scaling and selling one consulting firm and launching another in Ember Group Consulting. Just as notable is her civic impact: through board leadership, fundraising, mentorship and philanthropy, she consistently uses her influence to connect people, open doors and strengthen Charlotte.

Gina Sheridan, Chief Communications and Advocacy Officer, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority - For 25 years, Gina has helped shape how Charlotte presents itself to the world. Through strategic communications and advocacy at the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, she has played a major role in growing tourism into one of the city’s leading industries while also supporting workforce and leadership development across the region.

Danyae Thomas, Director of Partnerships & Community, The Park Community Development - Danyae has built a career around connecting schools, nonprofits, residents and businesses to expand opportunity in Charlotte. At The Park Community Development Corp., she helps lead efforts that support youth, families and seniors while advancing community voice, equitable development and long-term neighborhood strength.

Emily Wheeler, CEO, Dress for Success Charlotte - Emily has led major transformation at Dress for Success Charlotte, expanding services, increasing client engagement and broadening the organization’s role in women’s economic mobility. Her leadership has paired research, strategy and storytelling to grow programs, deepen community partnerships and create a stronger long-term home for the organization.

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Each year, when we read about these winners, we’re amazed at the breadth of all the different ways people are making Charlotte better. Hats off to all of them — and to everyone else who cares about our community and strives to improve it.

This is no snoozy awards banquet — it’s a lively celebration! Come have a fun night out with our group of award winners and supporters. Early-bird general admission price ($95+fees) ends Wednesday (3/25).

Details:

This celebration wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous event sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: U.S. Bank
Silver Sponsor: Waste Connections
Name Tag Sponsor: AC Creative Collective
Supporting Sponsor: Charlotte Toolbank

(Sponsorships are still available — if interested, contact [email protected])

➡️ Find out more about The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 awards here.Share

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Do you know someone who didn’t make the final cut, or whom you’d like to nominate for next year? Hang onto that thought for next year’s Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 contest, which we’ll announce at the start of 2027.

Congratulations again to all of the award recipients, and a big thank you to everybody making this celebration a success: all the nominees, all the people who took the time to nominate somebody, our volunteer judges — and a special thanks to Ledger operations manager Brie Chrisman, who coordinated this year’s awards.

We hope to see you at the celebration on April 23!