Industry leaders discuss technology, workforce and infrastructure development at Invest: Charlotte 5th Edition summit
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Writer: Eleana Teran
March 2025 — As Charlotte continues to cement its status as one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, regional leaders gathered to discuss the city’s future, focusing on the intersection of technology in financial services, healthcare and education access, and real estate and infrastructure during the Invest: Charlotte 5th Edition Leadership Summit.
The event, held on Tuesday, March 4, at the Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, brought together over 250 industry executives, elected officials, and business leaders for a morning of networking and actionable discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the region.
In her opening remarks, Abby Lindenberg, founder and CEO of caa, reflected on the company’s decade-long journey and its commitment to fostering growth and collaboration in Charlotte and beyond. “Charlotte is a great place for anyone trying to pursue endeavors in business because it is an environment where growth and support of each other is natural,” she said. “Our panels today are reflective of the key issues that are impacting the landscape both today and down the road.”
Lindenberg also emphasized the role of caa in driving meaningful conversations and providing insights that empower the business community. “Our team is determined to continue providing the insights and analysis that help the business and investment community push the conversation forward and lead to even greater success,” she said.
The opening panel, “Tech overload: How technology in financial services presents opportunities and risks, and how leaders are navigating the future,” delved into the digital transformation of the financial sector, including the impact of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity challenges, and the balance between innovation and regulation. Moderated by Abby Lindenberg, the panel featured Ron Everett, SVP platform relationships and servicing process leader at Synchrony; Ted Wolfe, president of TowneBank; and Leigh Hayes, national tax partner at Forvis Mazars.
Panelists explored how technology is reshaping the financial services industry, from the rise of cashless transactions to the growing demand for personalized customer experiences. Wolfe highlighted the importance of balancing technology with a human touch. “Technology is a given — we’re all in. But we view it as a tool to enhance, not replace, our member service. As a result, the role of the relationship manager will continue evolving into a more consultative approach,” Wolfe said.
The second panel, “Greater access: Healthcare and education leaders’ strategies for expanding healthcare access through partnerships and workforce programs,” explored innovative collaborations between healthcare providers and educational institutions to address workforce shortages and improve community health outcomes. Moderated by Caroline Warren, head of the Charlotte office at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, the panel featured Dr. Mark Collins, chief strategy officer at OneHealth; Lisa Moran, dean of health sciences at Central Piedmont Community College; Dr. Jeffery Johnston, chief science officer at Delta Dental; and David Hudson, chief nursing officer at Johnson & Wales University.
The discussion centered on the critical role of partnerships in bridging gaps in healthcare access and workforce development. “One of our eight pillars is education and mentorship — both a challenge and a major contribution. We take training the next generation very seriously. The healthcare system is broken, and without strong collaboration between education and healthcare, we won’t be in a good place over the next decade,” said Collins.
The final panel, “Charlotte 2030: What’s in store for Charlotte real estate over the second half of the decade, and how industry leaders are taking action,” took center stage as experts explored the city’s rapid growth, infrastructure needs, and the role of innovation in shaping its future. Moderated by Bobbi Jo Lazarus, real estate shareholder at Elliott Davis, the panel featured Zach Pannier, business unit leader at DPR Construction; Wade Miller, founder of Copper Builders; and William Haygood III, managing partner at Boundary Street Advisors.
Panelists discussed the challenges of sustaining growth while preserving Charlotte’s quality of life. “Growth is great for projects, but without aligning key outcomes, it will be difficult to sustain while preserving the lifestyle we love,” said Pannier. “Investing in rail, roads, and bus infrastructure is critical — if we overlook these, we risk falling behind.”
Closing out the event, Shain Collins, caa’s senior executive director, thanked attendees and reflected on the growth of the Invest: Charlotte publication. “To be able to share our collective story, I want to thank all the leaders in the room who opened their doors and allowed us to showcase the ‘rising tide lifts all boats’ mentality that defines this region,” Collins said.
To access the Invest: Charlotte 5th Anniversary Edition report, click here. (Subscription required.)
For conference panel discussions, please subscribe and stay tuned to our YouTube Channel as those videos are released in the coming week.
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About caa & Invest: Charlotte
caa is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest:Insights.
Invest: Charlotte is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing the region’s economy, featuring the exclusive insights of prominent regional leaders. Invest: Charlotte is produced with two goals in mind: 1) to provide comprehensive investment knowledge on Charlotte and the greater region for local, national and international investors, and 2) to promote Charlotte and the greater region as a place to invest and do business.
The report conducts a deep dive into the top economic sectors in the region, including real estate, construction, infrastructure, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education and tourism. The publication is compiled from insights collected from more than 200 economic leaders, sector insiders, political leaders and heads of important institutions. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.
For more information, contact:
Ryan Gandolfo
Senior Editor
305-938-0293
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