Luncheon Summary

June 2025 Luncheon: “Soaring to New Heights: American Airlines Real Esate Leaders Driving CLT’s Aviation Powerhouse into the Future”

Submitted by Stephanie Jenson, JLL and Amy Jones, HDR

The CREW Charlotte June luncheon featured American Airlines’ Airport & Government Affairs and Corporate Real Estate teammates Tracy Montross, Amanda Zhang, and Reshma Soni. American Airlines, the 5th largest employer in Mecklenburg County, continues to demonstrate substantial economic influence in the region. The panel discussion included cost comparisons across major US airports, positioning CLT favorably among peers like LAX, SFO, and ATL.

Recent and upcoming facility developments showcase American Airlines’ commitment to Charlotte:

• American Regional Training Center – Opened March 2024
• PSA Back-Up Operations Control Center & Transition Headquarters – Opened September 2024
• PSA New Headquarters – Coming January 2026

The team emphasized the importance of efficient flight operations and facility modernization to enhance passenger experiences “from curb to gate.” American Airlines maintains strong development momentum at CLT, focusing on long-term growth strategies despite industry challenges.

For CRE professionals, these projects represent significant opportunities, signaling stable anchor tenancy from a major employer and driving demand for adjacent real estate development along transportation corridors serving these facilities. The airport continues to generate substantial revenue for North Carolina while creating commercial real estate opportunities throughout the Charlotte region.

CREW Charlotte’s 2025 Signature Luncheon “Leadership Lessons from Captain Sandy of Bravo’s Below Deck: Navigating Troubled Waters in Changing Times”

Submitted by Amy Jones, HDR

Captain Sandy, from Below Deck, shared her inspiring journey and leadership insights with CREW Charlotte at our Annual Signature Luncheon. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Captain Sandy discussed the challenges she faced and emphasized the importance of women pursuing their career goals while balancing family commitments. She highlighted the significance of women supporting each other in the workplace, citing her own experience of working with a female broker for her commercial real estate property.

During the event, Captain Sandy recounted her experience of working on a yacht for the wealthiest man in Dubai, where she was chosen for her expertise and knowledge rather than her gender. She emphasized the importance of acquiring skills and demonstrating competence, regardless of gender. Captain Sandy encouraged the women juggling motherhood and growing careers that they are a super-power, drawing from her own journey of starting from washing boats and learning from a mentor to now being a house-hold name with countless opportunities beyond her fame on Below Deck, including owning her own commercial real estate property, authoring a book, and speaking engagements around the world.

Captain Sandy shared her personal principles for success, including self-awareness, self-control, self-confidence, and resilience. She highlighted the importance of self-discipline and emotional intelligence in leadership and stressed the value of building relationships with team members. She emphasized the significance of music in her daily routine, using it as a tool for self-leadership and mental preparation before facing challenging situations.

In closing, Captain Sandy emphasized the importance of creating a positive work environment where people feel valued and respected. She encouraged leaders to prioritize communication and empathy, and to lead by example. Captain Sandy’s message resonated with the audience, inspiring them to approach their work with passion, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth.

March 2025 Luncheon with Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio

Submitted by Dianne Jones, JLL

At CREW Charlotte’s March Luncheon, Dena Diorio, the first woman to serve as Mecklenburg County Manager, shared her journey and insights and it happened to be Women’s History Month! Reflecting on her 18-year career here in the Queen City, Dena described her path from Chief Financial Officer to County Manager, overcoming odds to secure the position despite initial preference for external candidates.

As County Manager, she focused on improving communication, transparency, and accountability while restoring public trust. Dena highlighted Mecklenburg County’s growth, now home to 1.2 million residents with a $2.5 billion budget. She recounted major challenges faced during her tenure, including the 2008 financial crisis, a 2017 ransomware attack, and the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the county’s resilience and adaptability. Among her proudest achievements, Dena cited the implementation of the Meck 3-k program for early childhood education and the strategic use of ARP funds to support community initiatives.

As she approaches retirement in June, she stressed the importance of addressing economic challenges and poverty, particularly among women. She offered leadership advice, emphasizing the value of surrounding oneself with a diverse, invested team and maintaining authenticity while learning from admired leaders. Dena Diorio’s legacy will endure in Charlotte through her unwavering commitment to community well-being and equity throughout her impactful career.

February 2025 Luncheon: “Shaping Charlotte’s Future: Economic Growth, Industrial Trends & the Riverbend Preserve Project”

Submitted by Keiko Pace, Stephens Office Systems

At CREW Charlotte’s February Luncheon, industry experts Cliff Brumfield (Lincoln County Economic Development Association), Gretchen Carson (Charlotte Regional Business Alliance), and Natalie Ceva (JLL) discussed Charlotte’s booming economy, industrial real estate trends, and the transformative Riverbend project.

Charlotte remains one of the nation’s fastest-growing metro areas, bolstered by its business-friendly environment, extensive connectivity, and top-tier research institutions. With one of the world’s busiest airports and some of the lowest corporate tax burdens in the Southeast, the region continues to attract companies and talent.

Charlotte’s industrial real estate sector remains strong, with a 7.7% vacancy rate and an 82% increase in rental rates since 2018. Currently, over 5.6 million square feet of industrial space is under construction, contributing to a market that has grown by 30% since 2010 as manufacturing companies increasingly choose the Carolinas.

A highlight of the discussion was the Riverbend Preserve, a decade-long public-private collaboration set to bring 800+ homes, millions of square feet of industrial and office space, and a shared tax base between Gaston and Lincoln counties. This development aims to balance residential expansion with industrial growth, ensuring sustainable economic development for the region.

January 2025 Luncheon: Fireside Chat with Bank of America’s Kieth Cockrell

Submitted by Keiko Pace, Stephens Office Systems

Kieth Cockrell, Bank of America’s Charlotte Market President, kicked off our 2025 luncheons by speaking about his family, his career with Bank of America, and how Charlotte’s growth and development is making the region an attractive place for companies and families to move.

He was bullish about the Charlotte region, stating that our industry growth and financial banks have helped make Charlotte the 2^nd largest financial capital in the US. He said Charlotte needed to “continue to be bold and outrageous”, meaning that we needed to continue to attract companies, create entertainment districts for people to gather and enjoy, and make Charlotte not only a livable city, but a city people view as a destination with attractive shopping districts.

Bank of America’s mantra is to “Deliver profits with a purpose”. The banking company engages their employees and the clients to be the best that they can. He feels Charlotte is on the same track with record levels of people moving to Charlotte everyday and becoming not only a financial hub but a medical hub with Wake Forest School of Medicine being constructed in a mixed use development called The Pearl.

Kieth credited the Charlotte Business Regional Alliance for their hard work in helping Charlotte grow as they serve as a voice for business growth and development. When asked about DEI practices at Bank of America that could be used in other businesses and practices, he said that they listen to their employees on how to make things better. They take their advice and suggestions and are constantly strategizing ways to improve processes. Bank of America’s ability to stay focused on their employees and clients contribute to their success.

He believes Charlotte needs to continue to invest in our youth and education and provide a safe environment where they can continue to grow life skills. Kieth’s heavily involved in a lot of organizations and non-profits because he wants to engage in the community and broaden his impact by building deeper relationships. Building those deep relationships help create more business.

Kieth’s family is extremely important to him and while he has many successes in his career, it was evident that his proudest success is his family. He spoke of his loving, supportive wife, Serena who helped him raise 3 grown and very successful children. Serena placed a high priority on education and Kieth wanted his children to get involved in something they were passionate about. His motto to his kids were: “If you are going to do it, do it well.” Kieth was very proud of Bank of America’s role in sponsorships of various sports organizations around town. They just recently announced their partnership and sponsorship for the Men’s World Cup in men’s soccer for 2026 and spoke of ACC moving their headquarters to Charlotte. He understood that Charlotte needs a strong center city with entertainment and shopping districts.

He concluded the discussion saying that his family is his biggest accomplishment and his children are his legacy. His career advice is to go deep: learn as much as you can and put everything into it.

December 2024 Luncheon: “Cultivating Prosperity: Development Insights from Cabarrus and Iredell Counties”

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

Grant Miller, Executive Vice President at Colliers, moderated an engaging panel discussion on economic development and key projects in Cabarrus and Iredell Counties during CREW Charlotte’s final luncheon of 2024. Miller was joined by Jay Blanton, Managing Partner at Insite Properties, LLC; Jenn Bosser, President & CEO of the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation; and Irene Wong, Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Kannapolis.

The panel highlighted the recent growth in the thriving northeastern communities within the Charlotte MSA. Jenn Bosser shared how Iredell County has prioritized industrial product development over the past five years, noting that they were “in the right place at the right time” with strong support from elected leaders. Similarly, Irene Wong emphasized that Kannapolis has experienced its most significant economic development project announcements in history within the last few years. With major additions like Eli Lilly and Red Bull, Cabarrus County is flourishing. Meanwhile, Jay Blanton detailed how his team at Insite Properties capitalized on this growth by acquiring property surrounding The North Carolina Research Campus and proposing substantial residential development on many of the adjacent parcels.

A common theme among the panelists was the importance of collaboration in making communities attractive for development. They emphasized strong relationships with governmental bodies, including economic development organizations, permitting offices, and elected officials. Additionally, they discussed how existing and planned infrastructure improvements—including utilities—have been and will continue to be a key driver of growth in these communities.

The insights shared by the panel underscored the importance of strategic planning, collaboration, and visionary leadership in shaping the future of these vibrant communities. Cabarrus and Iredell Counties hold tremendous potential for continued growth, further strengthening the Charlotte Region as a dynamic hub for business and development.

October 2024 Luncheon: Inspiring Fireside Chat with April Simpkins on Mental Health and Suicide Awareness

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

April Simpkins, a dynamic advocate for mental health, spoke at CREW Charlotte’s October luncheon. April is certified in QPR Suicide Prevention Training, Mental Health First Aid, and Emotional CPR. After the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, who battled depression, April co-authored the deeply moving memoir By The Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness, now a New York Times bestseller. At the luncheon, April shared powerful insights from her story and highlighted important mental health resources.

April emphasized that there were two emotions she refused to allow on her grief journey: guilt and blame. “You cannot blame an illness,” she explained, focusing instead on gratitude for the 30 years she had with Cheslie. She also addressed the coping mechanism of staying “busy” and the importance of transferring grief from the mind to the heart, urging the audience to truly feel their grief in order to heal. April credited empathetic women leaders and her close-knit community of friends for supporting her through her grief, reminding us all not to be afraid to lean on others.

April stressed the importance of speaking openly and frequently with children about mental health, ensuring they feel seen and heard. She advised against talking at your children about your own experiences, which may not resonate with the challenges they face today. Instead, she encouraged teaching children that it’s okay not to be okay, while guiding them toward healthy coping strategies, such as expressing their emotions and identifying next steps.

To best support others, April recommended familiarizing yourself with helpful resources, such as:

– National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

– Dial 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

– Emotional CPR resources on AprilSimpkins.com

CREW’s August Luncheon – Fireside Chat with Laura Mae Martin, Executive Productivity Advisor at Google

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

Laura Mae Martin, Executive Productivity Advisor at Google, joined CREW Charlotte to discuss her book UPTIME: A Practical Guide to Productivity and Wellbeing. Notably, she is one of the first women to author a productivity book, as the top 20 productivity books are predominantly written by men. During her talk, she shared several tips and tricks on how to accomplish more while maintaining well-being.

UPTIME is divided into five sections: “What to Do,” “When to Do It,” “Where to Do It,” “How to Do It Well,” and “How to Live Well While Doing It All.” Martin emphasized the importance of setting your Top 3 Priorities—both personal and professional—and revisiting those priorities every three months. She also discussed the value of saying no while preserving relationships, using strategies like “No, because…”, “No, but…”, asking more questions, or redirecting the request in a different way. Martin suggested imagining how your future self would feel in both “no” and “yes” scenarios to help make decisions.

Martin also highlighted the significance of recognizing your “low peak” hours, which are just as crucial as identifying your “Power Hours” when you are most productive. She explained that creativity often peaks during low-energy times, so it’s essential to align your tasks with your most productive and most creative periods to achieve your UPTIME.

Where you work is as important as what and when you work. Martin introduced the concept of creating “Hot Spots,” designated areas where you consistently perform specific tasks, and “Not Spots,” which are safe zones protected from work-related activities.

Additionally, Martin discussed the “list funnel” technique to manage all your to-do lists effectively, ways to overcome procrastination, how to theme your days, and strategies like using email “laundry baskets” to organize your inbox. She stressed the importance of caring for your “future self” by setting yourself up for future success and happiness.

Laura Mae Martin’s insights on productivity and well-being offer practical strategies for balancing work and life in a more intentional and effective way. Her book provides a comprehensive approach to managing tasks, priorities, and personal growth. Her innovative techniques empower readers to take control of their time, align their actions with their values, and ultimately, set themselves up for long-term success and fulfillment.

June 2024 CREW Charlotte Luncheon “Reimaging Vintage Office Design”

Submitted by Ashleigh Mellon, Geo Hydro Engineers

At the recent CREW Charlotte June luncheon, attendees were treated to an insightful discussion led by James LaBar of Center City Partners. The focal point? Maximizing the potential of vintage Uptown office space. Rooted in a recent community-wide design competition, the conversation aimed to ignite creativity around existing office buildings in Uptown Charlotte, with the overarching goal of bolstering Uptown as a regional asset brimming with diverse destinations and economic activities.

The panel, comprising representatives from the two winning projects – Brooklyn & Church by Asana Partners/MRP Realty and 301 South College Street by Progressive Companies/Childress Klein – brought forth innovative approaches and future-oriented visions.

Reed Kracke of Asana Partners unveiled the Brooklyn and Church project, an ambitious endeavor involving the conversion of office towers into a mixed-use space blending retail and multifamily units. This transformation, complemented by the construction of a new retail building, promises to infuse 55,000 square feet of retail space into the area, fostering a vibrant “downtown neighborhood” ambiance and enhancing walkability within the coveted Brooklyn Village East West Corridor.

Ryan Doherty of Progressive Companies and Amy Clement of Childress Klein delved into their design concept for 301 South College, emphasizing the aim to inspire future possibilities for the project. Their proposal revolves around activating the street level with an array of retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment venues, while also leveraging the presence of the light rail to create a dynamic experiential space.

The broader context of the discussion touched upon the evolving nature of downtowns nationwide, transitioning from traditional Central Business Districts to more dynamic Central Activity Districts. This shift brings with it a set of challenges, particularly concerning vintage assets predominantly constructed before the turn of the millennium. However, the panelists and attendees alike recognized this as an opportunity to spearhead revitalization efforts and transform Uptown Charlotte into a thriving, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.

In essence, the CREW Charlotte luncheon served as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and forward-thinking initiatives aimed at reimagining Uptown as a vibrant urban hub. By harnessing the potential of vintage office spaces and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the vision of a revitalized Uptown Charlotte as a bustling epicenter of activity inches closer to reality.

CREW Charlotte May 2024 Signature Luncheon with Dominique Dawes “Success is a Journey, Not a Destination”

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

Photo Credit: Jo Hayes

Dominique Dawes won Olympic gold, but for her, success has been about more than just medals and accolades. It’s something she worked hard to achieve every day on her journey to Olympic glory. Her career in the sport of gymnastics spanned 18 years, reaching its peak at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta as part of the “Magnificent Seven,” where the US Women’s Gymnastics team won gold for the first time in history.

Reflecting on her experience, Dawes explained that gymnastics is an individual sport, and initially, each member of the 1996 US Women’s gymnastics team came to training camp with individual mindsets. However, a shift occurred during training that brought them together as a team. This shift in mindset, Dawes emphasized, led them to adopt the motto “Together Everyone Achieves More.” As a result, team members began to genuinely support one another, setting aside their egos, which allowed them to gel as a team and ultimately win Olympic Gold.

Dawes attributes her success not only to her talent and hard work but also to her ability to shift focus away from herself and to check her ego, which is all about control. This mindset has enabled her to become a successful business owner of gymnastics training locations, the first of which was founded during the global pandemic. She stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety and happiness of the gymnasts.

Additionally, Dawes highlighted the significance of family as the most important team, emphasizing the need to check one’s ego within the family unit. She believes that getting one’s home life right, with the most important team, sets the foundation for success in all other aspects of life.

From her gymnastics career to becoming a successful business owner and prioritizing her family, Dawes overcame inevitable obstacles, challenges, and doubts on her life’s journey. She stresses that focusing not only on achievements and accolades but on what’s real and lasting is the key to a successful and happy life.