NC Emerging Leaders

North Carolina Emerging Leaders

Discover opportunities to grow, connect, and make an impact in North Carolina’s banking community.

About NC Emerging Leaders

Developing North Carolina’s Next Generation of Bank Leaders

NC Emerging Leaders connects banking professionals from across North Carolina with opportunities to develop their skills, build relationships and take an active role in the industry.

Through professional development, networking, advocacy and financial literacy initiatives, members strengthen both their careers and the communities their banks serve.

North Carolina Emerging Leaders Council
Our Purpose

Building Stronger Leaders and Stronger Communities

Vision

To develop and engage emerging bank leaders while strengthening North Carolina communities.

Our Mission

  • Promote financial literacy for North Carolina’s youth.
  • Encourage awareness and active engagement in the banking industry.
  • Foster professional development and create leadership opportunities.
NCEL Mentorship Program

Grow Through Connection

Build meaningful relationships across North Carolina’s banking community through a six-month mentoring experience designed for professional growth, perspective and connection.

Explore the Mentorship Program

Built for Emerging Leaders

  • Connect with experienced banking professionals
  • Set meaningful professional goals
  • Build relationships that extend beyond the program

Ingrid Nelson

First Carolina Bank
Triangle Region
ingrid.nelson@mfbonline.com

Sam Clark

Southern Bank
Triangle Region
clarksa8900@gmail.com

Robert Peterkin

Bank of America
Charlotte Metro Region

robert.peterkin@bofa.com 

Ryan Morgan

North State Bank
Triangle Region
rmorgan@northstatebank.com

Trey Jerman

First Carolina Bank
East Region
treyjerman@firstcarolinabank.com 

Imani Boyd

Bank of America
Charlotte Region
imani.boyd@bofa.com

Alexis Hardister

Pinnacle Financial
Charlotte Region
Alexis.Hardister@pnfp.com

Cathleen Dillingham

People’s Bank
Charlotte Region
cdillingha@peoplesbanknc.com

Juan Carlos Villalobos

Triangle Region
villajuani@me.com

Laura Keefer

Southern First Bank
Triangle Region
lkeefer@southernfirst.com 

Ben Kornegay

First Citizens Bank
Triangle Region
ben.kornegay@firstcitizens.com

Brandi Gerew

Pinnacle Financial
Triangle Region
brandi.gerew@pnfp.com

Matt Zacharias

Triad Business Bank
Triad Region
mzacharias@triadbusinessbank.com

Kassy Wilson

Carter Bank
Triad Region
katherine.wilson@carterbank.com

Eboni Johnson

Bank of America
Triad Region
eboni.johnson2@bofa.com 

Christine Kleinhenz

Carter Bank
Triad Region
christine.kleinhenz@cbtcares.com

Lacy Cross

Benchmark Community Bank
West Region
Lacy.Cross@bcbforlife.bank

Jess Jennings

HomeTrust Bank
West Region
jess.jennings@htb.com

Whitney Clayton

HomeTrust Bank
West Region
whitney.clayton@htb.com

Hillary Kestler

NCBA Liaison

hillary@ncbankers.org