New Members 2024 -- 2025
Welcome Diana Gbalah!
Diana Gbalah is an accomplished IT Systems Analyst from West Africa with a Master's Degree in IT Management and over a decade of experience across various industries. Known for her compassion and commitment, she's passionate about helping people, spreading lover, and supporting her community. A dog mom and travel enthusiast, Diana also enjoys singing and sharing joy wherever she goes. Having graduated summa cum laude at just 19, she's now channeling her expertise and big heart into opening a home care agency to make a difference in people's lives.
Welcome to CNR Diana!
Greetings Sheri Lowe (center left) and
Larry Key (center right)!
District Governor William Bradley (extreme left) and CNR President Kim Darden (extreme right) induct new members Sheri Lowe (center left) and Larry Key (center right) into the Charlotte North Rotary Club at The Rusty Bucket.
Sheri Lowe was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She moved to Florida after her high school years and received her BS in Public Relations at the University of Florida. She began her work in healthcare, specifically hospice, in 2002 and has been a passionate advocate of end-of-life care ever since.
Sheri relocated to North Carolina in 2012 and has been a Manager of Business Development with Novant Health Hospice for nearly 9 years. She received her Masters in Leadership from Grand Canyon University and works at applying her Servant Leadership education daily with her business development, bereavement and volunteer services team in her current role.
Sheri is the proud mom of 3 rescue doges. She enjoys time outdoors and finding opportunities to support her community through volunteering and giving back.
Larry Key is a native Charlottean. He attended Independence High School and after graduation enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for three years. After that time, he continued servicing in the Army Reserve for an additional twelve years. In 1977, he started a career at the United Parcel Service (UPS) where he worked for 40 years. Now, he finds himself embarking on a new journey -- exploring and thinking, how he can make a difference for the betterment of our society in this, our ever-changing world. As luck would have it, he met James Young who hired him and his new adventure has allowed Larry to be of service to others, which gives him great fulfillment. Larry has been married to his wife, Vanessa Taylor, for 43 years, has three wonderful kids; all of which are very accomplished professionals, and a beautiful granddaughter who lives in Charlotte.
Welcome to CNR Sheri and Larry!
Welcome Stanford Mitchem!
Stanford Mitchem, a Charlotte, NC native, first fell in love with the art of cooking as a young boy helping his grandmother Bessi out in the kitchen. While having no formal culinary education, Stanford studied under famed Chef Adrian Williamson, and was thrilled to jump straight into his career path when the two decided to open and co-own Chef Adrian's Real Smokehouse BBQ in Myrtle Beach, SC. Stanford later returned home to North Carolina and began shadowing personal chefs who curated dining plans and schedules for special dietary needs and preferences, before eventually starting his own endeavor "Cooking With Stanford" where he helps men bring more romance into their relationships with simple, elegant and tasty meals. Stanford has traveled extensively to offer his culinary expertise throughout the entertainment industry. He is also a personal chef and consults with catering companies helping them innovate and succeed. Today, Stanford continues to offer his services far and wide. He takes pride in continuing to educate himself with new techniques, recipes, and approaches on a regular basis, and is always looking to get outside his comfort zone. As his career moves forward, Stanford hopes to be able to provide teaching and training to share his wealth of knowledge with his community.
Welcome to CNR Stanford!
Greetings Sparkle Young!
CNR Member James A. Young presents his wife and new member, Sparkle Young, with a Rotary Pin.
Sparkle Young is a native of Wilmington, NC. She is married to the love of her life, James A. Young. Sparkle graduated from Leeward Community College in Honolulu, HI with an associate's degree in liberal arts. She has been employed by the federal government for over ten years in different capacities. Her current capacity is as Lead MSA, working at South Chardotte.
She has been awarded two civilian achievement medals from the Department of Defense during her tenure with the federal government. Sparkle is the owner of Queen City Express Notary and Owner of Redi Lift, LLC, a non-emergency medical transportation business.
Sparkle enjoys traveling to exotic locations throughout the world with her husband. She also enjoys shopping, movies, sports and reading books. A fun fact about Sparkle is she was named after the moving Sparkle.
Welcome to CNR Sparkle!
Welcome Antoine Southern!
CNR President Kim Darden presents Antoine Southern with a Rotary pin.
Antoine Southern was born and raised in Houston, TX. After graduating from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL, he attended Harvard Law School in Cambridge, MA. Following Law School, he moved to New York City to practice law in 2017. He practiced Corporate Transactional Law at some of the top law firms in large acquisition finance transactions. Following a brief summer in Charlotte during the pandemic to escape NYC, Antoine moved to Charlotte in 2023. He is currently Co-Founder and President of Common Area Credit Inc., a private lender to homeowners' associations and a former client.
Welcome to CNR Antoine!
Greetings James A. Young (left) and
Adolphus Bethune (right)!
James A. Young is a native of Staten Island, NY. He has one son, Giovanni Young, and a wife, Sparkle Young. He has resided in South Charlotte since September 20, 2023. James is a 24.5 year veteran of the United States Army. He retired in 2017, with the rank of First Sergeant. He has been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he earned numerous awards including two bronze stars. James attended Howard University, Tarleton State University, Central Texas College, and Leeward Community College. His education includes four associate degrees in culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, general studies, and business administration. His GPA afforded him an opportunity to become a member of the Epsilon Delta Pi and Central Texas Business and Marketing Association.
He went on to become an adjunct instructor for the University of Phoenix, Central Texas College, and the University of Maryland -- University College. He is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the National Association of Minority Contractors, The Killeen IBCC, Disabled American Veterans, and he is a Veterans Administration volunteer. James is also the founder and co-owner of two trucking companies, AOT and Always Moving Freight Incorporated. He also has a real estate business in Killeen, TX.
Lastly, James has been a Rotarian for roughly two years in another state and has led major projects in sport of RYLA for his previous club.
Adolphus Bethune is a distinguished entrepreneur, veteran, and dedicated family man with a rich background marked by service leadership, and innovation. Born and raised in Richmond, VA, and Miami, FL, Adolphus began his academic journey at Virginia State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) and then pursued a Master of Science in Management and Administration (MBA) from Troy University. He served 26 years as an engineer with the Department of Defense, the United States Army, and both is deployments and career have taken him around the world with many different military and government organizations.
In 1998, Adolphus founded Bethune-Gibson Marketing/Consulting Group (BGMG) which specializes in online marketing, defense contracting, and problem-solving. In addition, Adolphus is a licensed Legal Shield insurance service provider and specializes in small business, group/employee benefits, and identity theft protection. Beyond his professional and military accomplishments, Adolphus served as an Associate Professor at North Carolina A&T State University, where he shared his knowledge and experience with the next generation of engineers and leaders. Currently, Adolphus works as a Small Business Consultant and is passionate about empowering others and sharing his journey, insights, and experiences through his podcast, "Who Are You with Adolphus Bethune". The podcast aims to inspire listeners to pursue their own paths to greatness by highlighting stories of perseverance, leadership, and success. Adolphus is a published author, dedicated military veteran, and remarkable professional while also being a devoted husband and father to six young men and two young ladies.
Welcome to CNR James and Adolphus!
Welcome Charles Lewis Jr.!
Charles Lewis Jr. Charles Lewis Jr. recently retired after 28 years at Wells Fargo in the IT department. He currently volunteers at the Blumenthal theater and VA in Charlotte.He is married to Lisa of 29 years and has 2 sons Brandon and Christian and likes to read, cook, travel, general conversation and golf. He is interested in Rotary for the opportunity to serve his community.
Welcome to CNR Charles!
Greetings Dr. Devon Hairston!
Dr. Devon (Da'Vaughn) Hairston Devon M. Hairston was born in South Carolina and in 1998, she started with the N.C. Army National Guard 30th Engineer Brigade to help with her fund college. During that time, she became an administrative specialist after four months of training. she transferred to the U.S. Air National Guard and worked to obtain a flight nurse certification, serving in the U.S. Air Force/Air National Guard in Charlotte, NC. She is a retired disabled veteran of 21 years in service, with the last rank of Major (O-4). Dr. Hairston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Johnson C. Smith University, and Bachelor (2004) and Masters (2010) of Nursing from Winston-Salem State University. In 2013, she obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chatham University, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. She has served as a part-time virtual faculty member at Walden University in the School of Health Sciences Nursing Department and later taught in the Master of Nursing (MSN) program. Professionally, Dr. Hairston has worked as a community-based counselor, at Carolinas Medical Behavioral Health Center, as a nurse practitioner in occupational and psychiatry medicine, a hospitalist, and in home health. Currently, she works for the federal government in the Department of Defense/U.S. Army civilian at the Military Entrance Station (MEPS) as a testing administrator in Charlotte, North Carolina. Devon is a mother of three boys and wife to husband, William, of 12 years. She loves shopping, being with her family and friends, self-care, and having alone time. She volunteers her time with Project Outpour, providing mobile showers to individuals in need and, with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools.
Welcome to CNR Dr. Hairston!
Welcome Darryl Forbes!
Darryl Forbes is a retired federal employee with the U S Postal Service having served 36 years, most recently as a Sales and Marketing Manager. Darryl is also a former CT Army National Guard veteran with six years of service. He is currently a volunteer at the Veterans Medical Center in Charlotte, NC and a volunteer tutor for Heart Math Tutoring, a non-profit educational organization here in the Charlotte area. Darryl was previously a member or leader for several safety and emergency teams while employed with the postal service. He owns a small real estate investment business with his wife.
Welcome to CNR Darryl!
Greetings Brandon Terrell!
Brandon Terrell grew up in Burlington, North Carolina. Brandon received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Pfieffer University. Brandon served in the U.S. Air Force for seven years. Brandon has over 20 years of Business and Human Resource experience in multiple industries (Military, Banking and Insurance), consulting in an advisory role to Senior Business leaders. Brandon worked for Wells Fargo as Vice President, Human Resource Business Partner, supporting the Head of Business Banking and Sales, Chief Financial Officer, and Compliance/Risk Officer. Brandon’s last position was Senior Director, Human Resource Business Partner at TIAA. During his six-year tenure he rotated through the Corporate Functions (Compliance, Risk, Legal, Finance and Audit supporting the Human Capital strategy for each Corporate Function. Brandon lives in Charlotte with his wife Algenia and his son Nicholas.
Welcome to CNR Brandon!
Welcome Ronald Richburg!
Ronald Richburg was born in Summerton, SC on June 28, 1963. His formative years was spent in South Carolina before migrating to New York City as a twelve-year-old. He graduated from Christopher Columbus HS in 198 and attended Jacksonville College in Texas on a basketball scholarship. While in college Ronald mentored children at the local high school, helping them maintain good grades and encouraging them to further their education. He only spent a year and half there before returning to New York City where he attended BMCC and obtain a A.A.S. degree in Business Management. After graduating he started to work for TIAA-CREF in there accounting department and worked there for four years before joining the ranks of the New York City Department of Corrections (DOC) in 1988. As a Correction Officer, he worked with the youth as a mentor –encouraging them to get their education and get their lives back on the right track. Ronald also served as a member of an organization called Concerned Black Men where we mentored children from elementary age to college. After thirty years with DOC, he retired in early 2018 and relocated to Lancaster, SC later that year. Ronald’s passion is mentoring and being a role model for the youth.
Welcome to CNR Ronald!
Greetings Nicolzie N. Russell
Nicolzie Russell was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the youngest of seven children. Her birthday is December 21st, which she shares with her identical twin sister. She graduated from McNair SR High School in June 1995. She enlisted in the United States Active Navy as an Construction Electrician, of the Navy Seabees on 4 July 1995. Nicolzie was honorably discharged after seven successful years of service, January 2002.
Nicolzie next enlisted in the United States Active Army as an 25U Signal Support System Specialist, March 2002. Her job was to maintain and operate all equipment that provided communication, such as computers, radios and satellites. During her enlistment she has deployed over fifteen times, to include three tours to Kuwait and Iraq. She also acquired an Associate Degree in Network Cyber Security. Nicolzie served thirteen years in the United States Army. She accumulated twenty years of active-duty service in the United States Navy and United States Army, and retired October 2015.
Nicolzie relocated from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Charlotte, North Carolina February 2016. She has volunteered for Daniel Stowe botanical garden, University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s botanical garden, Habitat for humanity, Red Cross and various other agencies around Charlotte. She spends her spare time volunteering, working out, pickleball, laughing and traveling. Nicolzie has a 28-year-old daughter, Emonii. She also has a 3-year-old labradoodle, Cody.
Welcome to CNR Nicolzie!
Welcome DeMario Caldwell
DeMario Caldwell hails from Enterprise, AL. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and wireless engineering from Auburn University, and an MBA from Florida Institute of Technology. With over 12 years of residence in Charlotte, NC, he serves as a Business Development Manager at Columbus McKinnon, covering the Carolinas, Virginia, and Eastern Tennessee. Additionally, he is the Owner of Ready to Smoke Mobile Lounge, Vice President and basketball coach of the Charlotte Jets Basketball Club, and Worship Master of King James Lodge #190 in Charlotte. He is also affiliated with the National Society of Black Engineers and Urban League of Central Carolinas. In his leisure time, he enjoys travelling, grilling, fishing, and socializing with friends and family.
Welcome to CNR DeMario!
Greetings Eric Elizondo
Eric Elizondo lives in Des Moines Iowa but will be traveling to Charlotte probably on average every 6 weeks. He has over 15 years experience developing and implementing New Energy Sustainable Technologies on the international stage and recently national stage. Hence, he ventured out on his own and developed a patent on a modern gutter for the modern home. His startup company is called Avail Gutter Solution (AGS) and he will be traveling for his company. Eric believes he can help represent Charlotte North well as a former Rotarian, Rotaractor and Interactor. He can do a brief presentation about Charlotte North and Rotaract when visiting other Rotary Clubs.
When Eric moved to Charlotte, NC in 2010, he participated in events with the Rotaract at Pfeiffer University. Later, Eric would help start a community Rotaract Club called South Park Rotaract that was sponsored by Charlotte North Rotary. The club lasted for around 4 years and did service events about once a month. Later as he aged out, he joined the Charlotte North Rotary club and became the community service officer.
Eric left Rotary in 2017 due to focusing on developing AGS while working for a company where he was not traveling all the time. Fast forward to 2025, he has a family and new business partners and will start selling AGS products in Charlotte this year. He has 20 plus years experience with Rotary. Rotary International has helped fuel his passion for giving back whether through volunteer service or professionally.
Welcome Back to CNR Eric!
Welcome Marcus Alford
Marcus Alford relocated to Charlotte from Williamsburg, VA in 2022. He has worked in corporate banking for Bank of America since relocating. He attended grade school in Dillon, SC, and joined the military after graduating.
Marcus served in the U.S. Army for thirty years, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. He served at 15 duty assignments around the world and has 5 combat deployments. His primary job in the military was Human Resources, and he has served in Special Operations, Inspector General, Recruiting and Retention assignments. He received an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources from Columbia Southern University while on active duty.
Marcus’ hobbies include running with various running clubs, volunteering to help the assist others, serving as a literacy tutor to school aged students, and being a life coach.
Welcome to CNR Marcus!
Greetings Lisa Huey
Lisa Huey has been an entrepreneur throughout her entire career. In 1987, she enrolled in Chef Training at Central Piedmont Community College and in 1989, enrolled in Rutledge College majoring in Micro Computer Operations and minoring in Business Administration. After graduation, she started her first catering company focusing on weddings and special events.
In 1996, she worked in Human Resources Employee Relations as a specialist for a nonprofit organization and in 2000 created a second business in Interior Designs, offering both residential and commercial services. In 2002, Lisa opened her first interior design store front on N. Tryon St. and 11 years later expanded to a second shop Elizabeth Avenue. In 2013, she wanted to travel and see the world, so she became a flight attendant which also offered her the opportunity to extend her interior design services outside of North Carolina. While working as a flight attendant, in 2018, she created a third business in Event Planning: designing and coordinating weddings and special occasions.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 pandemic put a hold on the event planning business as well as flight attendant job. In 2022 she was hired to complete a six month in Jamaica, a New York City borough of Queens. Lisa became a luxury professional driver in 2022 and in 2023 started working for a veteran transportation company which she truly enjoys. In this role, she has established forever friendships with veterans, their wives, and veteran volunteers.
As of January 1, 2025, Lisa is embarking on a new combine business called Reset Inc. which combines her love of event management, Interior Design, and Private Chef services. Lisa looks forward to learning more about Rotary.
Welcome to CNR Lisa!
Welcome Anthony Graham
Anthony Graham is currently a Revenue Cycle Advocate with Novant Health where he is responsible for insurance billing, prior authorizations. He reviews claims and denials for accuracy and assists patients with understandings of health benefits. Before this role in 2019, he was Clinical Administrator Manager for Novant Health Lakeside Primary Care Physicians Clinic. During that time, he managed the Clinical Operations for budgeting and financial planning for the clinic practices.
Prior to that, he worked for the Department of Corrections at Dannemora Correctional Facility in New York as well as served in the US Army. Rank Sergeant (E-5), MOS 35E during the Gulf War Tours of Duty Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. He volunteers with the Veterans Bridge Home and Veterans Business Resource Group for Novant Health Corporation that provides services for our residents and communities of Charlotte and surrounding areas.
Anthony recently accompanied a veteran on the Queen City Honor Flight. His goals include learning and living experiences with the Veterans Bridge Home and Novant Health to continue to build on life experiences in language, and community services. He is an avid skier, hiker, scuba diver movie goer and loves spending time with his wife, kids, family, and our dog Angel, and traveling to Greece and other European countries.
Welcome to CNR Anthony!
Greetings Kyle King
Kyle King is a seasoned educator, seven-time published author, and professional speaker committed to empowering professionals worldwide. He champions the power of authentic storytelling, believing that every story can transform teams, schools, and organizations. Throughout his career, Kyle has guided leaders nationwide to start with heart and pursue perseverance, passion, and purpose. His diverse roles include Middle School ELA Teacher, Dean of Students, founder of an educational institution, and founder of The Writer’s Game, a publishing company dedicated to empowering educators and professionals through storytelling. Currently, he serves as the Director of School Culture and Student Advancement at Bonnie Cone Schools Network. He has spoken to audiences worldwide, transforming teams, schools, and organizations to embrace the Start With Heart philosophy. Kyle's transformational speeches inspire audiences to recognize their worth, connect deeply with others, and create meaningful change in their communities.
Welcome to CNR Kyle!
Welcome Shawn Arthur
Shawn Arthur is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of distinguished service across military, federal law enforcement, and intelligence sectors. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he served aboard the USS John Paul Jones DDG-53 as an Electronics Warfare Operator, earning multiple commendations for his dedication and expertise in defense operations.
Transitioning from military service to federal government roles, Shawn built an impressive career spanning more than two decades with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). As a senior manager and Division Operations Officer, he led large-scale security and intelligence initiatives, strategic operations, and inter-agency collaborations to combat crime and enhance public safety. His leadership extended across multiple roles, including Group Supervisor and Branch Chief, where he spearheaded operational improvements and intelligence-sharing efforts that strengthened national security.
In addition to his extensive federal service, Shawn is now focused on entrepreneurial and investment ventures that emphasize community impact and outreach. His passion for fostering meaningful change drives his commitment to initiatives that empower communities and promote sustainable development.
Welcome to CNR Shawn!