Spotlight On: January 2023

Every year Capital Analytics has the chance to interview 1000s of the nation’s top-level executives and leaders. Our SpotlightOn series is an exclusive opportunity for readers to receive these leaders’ thoughtful insights and perspectives that ultimately help to inform the editorial in our publications.

[spacer height=”25px”] Vincent Carrodeguas, President & CEO, Banyan Health Systems

December 2022 — With increasing waiting lists, the massive exodus of employees, the rise in wages and a coming recession, the healthcare industry in South Florida is in trouble, Vincent Carrodeguas, president and CEO of Banyan Health Systems, told Invest:. Still, his outlook is positive. “We will continue to grow; we will have significant growth and we will achieve our goals,” he said. Read more

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Patrick Walsh, CEO and Managing Partner, Withum

January 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Withum CEO and Managing Partner Patrick Walsh discussed recent highlights across Withum and the Whippany office, the booming shift in demand propelled by technology, what makes New Jersey a great place to live and do business and key challenges for the State. “As a life-long resident of NJ, it’s been exciting to see the opportunity that exists for business owners, employees and their families. I’ve started a businesses and raised a family here, and think it’s as strong a market, if not better, than anywhere else in the country to do so,” he said. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Ron Nirenberg, Mayor, City of San Antonio

January 2023 — San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg sat down with Invest: and discussed the latest developments in the city’s economic resilience strategies, including building a workforce development pipeline and bolstering the local transit and transportation infrastructure. “We are being bold about investment and doing what is necessary to achieve it,” he said. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Molyna Richards, Executive Director, Waltham Chamber of Commerce

January 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Molyna Richards, executive director of the Waltham Chamber of Commerce, talked about the booming restaurant industry in Waltham, opportunities for further development and the necessity of establishing connections between local professionals to address the workforce shortage. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Melvin Carter, Mayor, City of Saint Paul

January 2023 — Melvin Carter, mayor of Saint Paul, spoke with Invest: and shared his strategies for aiding members of his community. With projects addressing economic growth, housing accessibility, public safety and urban development, Carter said he is working toward a decisively better future for Saint Paul. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Keith Poettker, Chairman & CEO, Poettker Construction

January 2023 — Invest: spoke with Keith Poettker, chairman and CEO of Poettker Construction, to discuss the major shifts that are occurring across the industry and why the Charlotte region is ripe for immense development growth. “Charlotte, and the Southeast broadly, is becoming a strong logistics hub across the entire United States,” he said. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Kevin Greiner, President & CEO, Gas South

January 2023 — Gas South sees a bright future in its core natural gas marketing business and its emerging initiatives in renewable energy. The company is now providing renewable natural gas sourced from agricultural waste and landfills and owns solar projects. “We are on the road toward investing $50 million in community solar projects by the end of 2023,” Kevin Greiner, the company’s president and CEO, told Invest:. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Gerry McLaughlin, Executive Managing Director, Newmark

January 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Newmark Executive Managing Director Gerry McLaughlin reflected on the firm’s 2022 milestones and achievements in the Greater Pittsburgh region. McLaughlin also spoke to the performance of key asset classes, including the continued demand for industrial and the ongoing evolution of the office market, attributed to the prevalence of hybrid working models and the uncertainty employers are facing. Despite current market conditions, McLaughlin remained optimistic about the future, “We’ve had to recalibrate our expectations about the next 12- to 24-month period, the market isn’t going to bounce back overnight, but come 2024, we can reasonably expect to see some good growth.” Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Charles Foschini, Senior Managing Director, Berkadia

January 2023 — Invest: spoke with Charles Foschini, senior managing director at commercial real estate firm Berkadia, about the firm’s method for success in a booming South Florida real estate market. “I always tell people we make money on deals we turn down because it frees us up to do the transactions we can close,” he said. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Abel Harding, Executive Vice President & North Florida Market President, First Horizon Bank

January 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Abel Harding, executive vice president and North Florida market president of First Horizon Bank, talked about the outlook for the banking industry in Northeast Florida and the Jacksonville area, the role of the banking sector, the customer experience and opportunities for expansion. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Mason Ailstock, President & CEO, Rowen Foundation

January 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Mason Ailstock, president of the Rowen Foundation, which is overseeing a new mixed-used knowledge, community development in Gwinnett County, talked about the development and the growth it will provide to the overall state of Georgia as it hopes to attract companies big and small in industries that include agriculture, medicine, robotics, AI, advanced materials, precision agriculture, biotech, energy, life sciences and the environment, while also offering low-barrier access to businesses and residents. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Brenda Arce, Vice President & Branch Director, Robert Half

January 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Brenda Arce, vice president and branch director of the Miami office at talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half, shared that employers are looking for candidates with digital fluency, the value of contract work and its possible transformation into permanent employment. Despite the expected downturn, she believes the job market is still resilient. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Jennifer DeCubellis, CEO, Hennepin Healthcare

January 2023 — Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that offers primary and specialty care, homecare, hospice and rehabilitation with a nationally recognized adult and pediatric trauma care center. Invest: spoke with CEO Jennifer DeCubellis about the system’s recent milestones, strategies to mitigate workforce challenges, how the system addresses affordability and Hennepin Healthcare’s priorities going forward. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]John Capone, Office Managing Partner, Boston, KPMG US

January 2023 — In 2023, the economy is heading toward a slowdown but, according to John Capone, office managing partner at the Boston hub of KPMG US, the downturn in the region is going to be short-lived as a result of the strength in sectors like life sciences, healthcare and alternative power sources. Capone spoke with Invest: about this and other issues facing the region. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Andrew Pearl, Vice President & Division Manager Northeast Region, Swinerton

January 2023 — Invest: spoke with Andrew Pearl, vice president and division manager of national construction company Swinerton, to discuss the firm’s outlook as it sets up shop in the Northeast, which he considers a thriving region for construction services. “We like to think of ourselves as a community builder,” he said. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Heather Kesner, Branch and Small Business Regional Executive for the East Region, U.S. Bank – Charlotte

January 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, the East Region’s Branch and Small Business Banking Regional Executive at U.S. Bank, Heather Kesner, talked about how the company is focusing on small businesses and community work, the shift in customer demand for economic stability and how new application features are being rolled out to give customers a seamless and enjoyable banking experience. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Michael Huwar, President, Peoples Gas

January 2023 — Invest: spoke with Michael Huwar, president of Peoples Gas in Pittsburgh, about the company’s focus on safety and reliability and its efforts to reduce leakage and emissions. “The primary focus of our business is the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas. We do it in a way that is environmentally responsible for the communities that we serve,” he said. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Nader Farhat, Office Managing Partner, PwC

 January 2023 — Invest: spoke with Nader Farhat, managing partner of PwC’s Jacksonville office, about the growth of Jacksonville in the past two decades, how it has transformed into a global city, the firm’s approach to building partnerships with clients and the frequent changes in tax legislation. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Jeff Brouillard, South Texas Commercial Banking Market Executive, Wells Fargo

 January 2023 — Wells Fargo is an American multinational financial services company with deep roots in Texas. Invest: spoke with South Texas Commercial Banking Market Executive Jeff Brouillard about recent company highlights and opportunities for the banking industry in the San Antonio and South Texas region, how the bank leverages technology and top priorities for Wells Fargo going forward. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Theresa Scepanski, President & CEO, Community First Health Plans, Inc.

 January 2023 — Community First Health Plans, Inc. (Community First) was established by University Health in 1994 to provide healthcare coverage to the citizens of Bexar and the surrounding counties. Invest: spoke with President and CEO Theresa Scepanski about its partnership with the community and other community-based organizations, the rising cost of healthcare and its role in educating community members on the significance of preventive care. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Yesenia Sanchez, General Manager – South Florida & Caribbean, Cigna

 January 2023 — Yesenia Sanchez is the general manager of South Florida and the Caribbean for Cigna. She sat down with Invest: to discuss the determinants of how healthcare will be delivered in the future, the role of insurance in making that happen and how South Florida’s evolution is affecting the healthcare industry. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Darrel German, Minnesota Regional President, Huntington National Bank

 January 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Darrel German, Minnesota regional president of Huntington National Bank, discussed the bank’s commitment to being a go-to bank and serving the community’s needs. “We are a people-first organization and we pride ourselves on bringing a white-glove approach to the region and being there for our clients when they need us,” German said. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Jeff Deane, Partner, FORVIS

 January 2023 — Greater Pittsburgh’s diversified local economy is an authentic CPA firm boon. Jeff Deane, partner at FORVIS, shared why a foothold in the area is a no-brainer and a sure bet for CPA firms looking to unlock sustainable growth. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Marty Meehan, President, University of Massachusetts

 January 2023 — The University of Massachusetts is a top public education institution spread over five campuses with an enrollment of over 75,000 students annually. Invest: spoke with University President Marty Meehan about maintaining diversity, working with the Massachusetts business community to provide high-skilled labor, and how to deal with the aftereffects of the pandemic. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Brannen Edge, President & Chief Executive Officer, Flagship Healthcare Properties

 January 2023 — Brannen Edge, president & CEO of Flagship Healthcare Properties, spoke with Invest: about his role in the niche field of outpatient healthcare real estate and its impact on healthcare. He also shared his views on growth in Charlotte, company culture and the future of healthcare as an industry. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

 January 2023 —In an interview with Invest:,  Deborah Visconi, President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discussed how healthcare has changed since the pandemic. She also emphasized the focus on her community and expanding accessible healthcare. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Brendan Kelly, President, University of West Georgia

 January 2023 — President of the University of West Georgia Brendan Kelly sat down with Focus: to discuss how the university is adapting to an evolving higher education sector, strategic planning initiatives and unique ways he is interacting with the local business community. “If you are willing to change, be dynamic and fail to succeed, which I believe the University of West Georgia is, then you will be successful,” he said. “We are going to be different than we are today in the future, and we will be successful as a university in 2030, 2040 and 2050.” Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Bo Bartholomew, CEO/Partner, EvidenceCare/Rockmont Investments

 January 2023 — EvidenceCare is a unique clinical decision support system (CDSS) driving better care decisions. In an interview with Invest:, Bo Bartholomew, CEO of EvidenceCare and partner at Rockmont Investments, discussed the impact of the company on the regional market, the role of technology in addressing inefficiencies in the healthcare industry, and celebrating the wins, partnerships, and upcoming trends. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Ty Morgan, Executive Director, Cypress Village Retirement Community

 January 2023 — Ty Morgan is the executive director of the Cypress Village Continuing Care Community. In an interview with Invest:, he discussed the challenges the senior living sector has been facing and how his team is addressing them, as well as what retirement living and care will look like going forward. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Michael Thurmond, CEO, DeKalb County

In an interview with Invest:, Michael Thurmond, CEO of DeKalb County, discussed key highlights for the county from the past 12 months, issues faced by businesses and constituents in the region and the defining features of the Atlanta region. “The fact that we’re welcoming to people of different races, colors, creeds and religions has set the table for what we are experiencing but, more importantly, for what will happen in the future,” he said. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Colin Reed, Executive Chairman, Ryman Hospitality Properties

 January 2023 — Colin Reed, the Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties, is optimistic for the future of both his company and Nashville. Focusing primarily on tourism and entertainment, he shared with Invest: how his organization is making up losses from COVID, bringing in new ideas and the importance of navigating growth carefully. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Richard Staiti, Commissioner, Norfolk County

 January 2023 — Norfolk County Commissioner Richard Staiti spoke with Invest: about his role in shaping the county’s economic and cultural development. He shared the strengths of Massachusetts, hopes for the future and what sets the area apart. “I’ve always told my kids that they live in one of the best states in terms of what is available, from top hospitals in the world to some of the finest universities located in the region,” he said. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Jennifer Christiaansen, Managing Director & Principal, Perkins&Will

 January 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Jennifer Christiaansen, managing director & principal at Perkins&Will discussed the firm’s commitment to equity and sustainability and how it permeates into its projects. At the same time, she shared new trends in the architecture realm and the importance of data-driven design to fit the client’s needs. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Donald Scarinci, Managing Partner, Scarinci Hollenbeck

 January 2023 —Invest: spoke with Donald Scarinci, managing partner at law firm Scarinci Hollenbeck, about the reasons behind its reduction of office space, its focus on the quality of life in the workplace and why it embraced a work from home modality. “The law firms that try new things will be the ones that you hear about in the next generation,” he said. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Eulois Cleckley, Director & CEO, Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works

 January 2023 — Invest: spoke with Eulois Cleckley, director and CEO of the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works, about the department’s Smart Plan, which has a focus on expanding the region’s sustainable and environmentally friendly bus infrastructure, including its BRT electric bus system that “will be the longest BRT and all-electric system in the country.” Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]Paul Marden, CEO of New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Delaware, UnitedHealthcare

 January 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Paul Marden, CEO, employer and individual at UnitedHealthcare of New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Delaware, discussed the steps that they are taking towards affordability with products such as Surest, NavigateNow and Vital Medication Program that reduce the financial burden whenever clients need access to the healthcare system. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”] Gris Bailey, President & CEO, Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte

 January 2023 — Invest: spoke with Gris Bailey, president and CEO of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the profound impact the Latino workforce and small businesses have on the Charlotte economy. “Our current national GDP study shows Latinos are at $2.8 trillion in GDP, meaning we’d be the fifth most powerful in the world if we were a country,” she said. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]J¢lie Cohen, Group SVP & Head of Global Talent, The Adecco Group

 January 2023 — J¢lie Cohen is the Group SVP and Head of Global Talent for the Adecco Group, the world’s leading talent advisory and solutions company. With its Business Center based in Jacksonville, Cohen sat down with Invest: to discuss how the office is setting the precedent in modernizing the workplace, preparing for Gen Z and Millennials to make up the bulk of the workforce by 2030 and more. Read more

[spacer height=”20px”]David Tawil, Managing Partner – Texas, Private Wealth Asset Management

 January 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, David Tawil, managing partner for Texas at Private Wealth Asset Management, talked about the importance of education in wealth management. He also discussed how people view financial freedom and the biggest challenges the industry is facing. “The biggest thing right now is the economy and markets. This has been a tough year, and no one will tell you otherwise,” he said. Read more