Board of Directors
Executive Committee
President
Melissa Boone (33)
Managing Partner
CohnReznick
Board Term Expires 2026
President Elect
Lakeisha Temple (40)
Southeast Workplace Community Co-Lead
The Hartford
Board Term Expires 2026
Secretary
Mia Comeriato (33)
Chief Human Resources Officer
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
Board Term Expires 2027
Treasurer
David Wallin (45)
Partner
Grant Thornton LLP
Board Term Expires 2028
VP/Alumni & Events
Sabrina Clark (40)
Children & Families Specialty Plan Statewide System of Care Manager
Elevance Health
Board Term Expires 2027
VP/Marketing
Jeff Bundy (38)
Client Activation Director
Hearst Media Production Group
Board Term Expires 2027
VP/Partner Relations
Chris Shade (39)
Executive Search Consultant
Coleman Lew Canny Bowen
Board Term Expires 2026
VP/Programs
Candice Smalls (39)
Private Banking Product Management
PNC Bank
Board Term Expires 2028
Past-President
Ibrahim Nasmyth (35)
SVP, Enterprise Channel Strategy
Digital & Contact Centers
Truist
Board Term Expires 2026
Ex Officio
Patricke Ward (34)
Senior Underwriter
Sompo International
Board Term Expires 2026
At-Large Board
Erin Culbert (44)
Managing Director, Communications
Duke Energy
Board Term Expires 2028
Jelani (J) Hill (45)
CEO
The BrandUscript Agency
Board Term Expires 2028
Steve Meier (37)
Attorney
Meier Law
Board Term Expires 2028
Bill Mitchell (35)
Retired Business Executive & Business Owner
Board Term Expires 2028
LEADERSHIP CHARLOTTE STAFF
Winta Brehane
Program Specialist
Prior to this role, Winta was the Training Specialist at Catalent Pharma Solutions for 5 years, where she managed the Learning Management System, facilitated various courses such as New Hire Orientation and Train the Trainer, and developed training content and curriculum for a site of 350 employees. She has previous experience in the nonprofit space working at the Stratford Richardson YMCA in an administrative and volunteer program support role and as the Program Assistant for the Institute for Nonprofits during her undergraduate career, which encouraged her passion for serving others and supporting community development.
Winta is a first-generation Eritrean-American, who received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and minor in French from North Carolina State University. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. In her spare time, Winta enjoys exploring the world through travel and has visited 18 countries so far and hopes to see many more in her future.
Elizabeth McKee
Executive Director
Elizabeth McKee has led Leadership Charlotte since 2007 as Executive Director. She is a proud graduate of Leadership Charlotte Class 25. During her interim, she has guided and facilitated the organization’s programs for thousands of leaders. For the past twenty-five years, she has worked as an educator and leader for non-profit organizations. As former Director of Leadership Initiatives at McColl School of Business, Queens University of Charlotte, NC, she developed and implemented leadership curriculum programs for both undergraduate studies and MBA programs.
She continues to develop her own leadership skills through travel and challenge. Elizabeth and her husband, William, trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp, in 2012, with Vertical, S.A. and summited Mount Kilimanjaro with them in September 2017.
A native of Lumberton, NC, Elizabeth received a B.A. from Elon University and an M.A. from Appalachian State University.
Erica Stanczuk
Program Specialist
Erica Stanczuk is a dedicated educator with 13 years of experience in the field, including a long tenure with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. She is known for her passion and commitment to learning . Erica brings a wealth of experience supporting program curriculums, creating new materials, group facilitation and program event planning. She has an exceptional work ethic, and a heartfelt commitment to education and community service. Her personal and professional values align closely with her belief in the power of education and community engagement. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Catawba College, as well as Certifications in Instructional Design and Academically and Intellectually Gifted Education.
Outside of her professional life, Erica loves reading and exploring the outdoors. She is deeply invested in the Charlotte community and her dedication to service and community involvement highlight her commitment to making a positive impact. She was a collegiate basketball player and still loves all things sports. You can catch her watching college football, basketball, and of course our hometown Panthers! Erica is married and has two children, who are a constant source of motivation and joy.
Lauren Swindler
Executive Assistant
Lauren Swindler is a Metro Atlanta resident who contracts as the virtual executive assistant to Elizabeth McKee. She graduated in 2016 from Thomas Edison State University with a major in Organizational Leadership. She is passionate about helping others succeed and managing all the behind-the-scenes details. Working with Elizabeth and Leadership Charlotte has been an exciting opportunity to not only support an impactful organization but also grow her professional skillset. When she’s not working, she spends time with her husband and little boy, baking, exercising, and going to Disney World.