Dr. Harry M. Davis, Ph.D., is a distinguished leader in banking and economics, serving as Professor of Banking and Economist for the North Carolina Bankers
Association. He has held the role of Professor of Finance and former Chair of the Department of Finance at Appalachian State University, where he has shaped the field of finance and mentored future industry leaders. His quarterly economic forecasts are widely respected and regularly featured in prominent media outlets, making him a trusted voice on banking and economic issues across the nation.

As the Dean of the prestigious North Carolina School of Banking, Dr. Davis continues to influence the next generation of banking professionals. His expertise extends to his role as an instructor at Director’s College and his contributions to financial education in both North and South Carolina.

A revered consultant and advisor, Dr. Davis has played an instrumental role in the establishment of numerous banks and continues to serve on the Board of Directors for LifeStore Bank, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to enhancing the banking sector.

Ray Grace, a distinguished public servant, formerly served as North Carolina’s Commissioner of Banks, overseeing the regulation of banks, savings and loans, trust companies, mortgage lending, consumer finance lending, and non-bank lenders. Appointed Commissioner in 2013, Mr. Grace brought decades of expertise and unwavering commitment to the role after serving as Acting
Commissioner in 2012.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Grace served with honor during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. Following his military service, he earned a B.S. in Commerce from Niagara University in 1973 and began his esteemed career in financial regulation at the NC Office of the Commissioner of Banks (NCCOB) in 1974.

Over his 40 years of service, he held key roles such as Commercial Bank Examiner, Special Supervisory Examiner, Director of Bank Applications, and Chief Deputy Commissioner. Mr. Grace’s legacy in North Carolina’s banking sector is one of integrity, leadership, and a deep commitment to safeguarding the state’s financial system. His contributions continue to be felt across
the industry.

J.J. Sansom, Jr., also called Joe, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College, a master’s degree from Atlanta University, and graduated from North Carolina Central University Law School, where he served briefly thereafter as an associate law professor.

Mr. Sansom’s banking career began on the heels of the Great Depression in 1939 at M&F Bank as a cashier with a salary of $2 a day. In 1952, he accepted the position of Manager at Wachovia Bank and Trust in Winston-Salem, becoming the first African American to hold that position. He returned to M&F Bank in 1958 as Vice President of its Raleigh branch, where he remained until being appointed President and CEO in 1978, and then chairman of the board in 1983, serving at the Durham headquarters until his retirement in 1987. The National Bar Association bestowed its highest honor on him in 1987 when he was inducted into its Hall of Fame.

Mr. Sansom was politically active throughout his illustrious career and also served on many Boards, including the N.C. State Banking Commission, Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina, and the Wake County Board of Elections.

He was married to the late Vivian Merrick Sansom, whose grandfathers,
John Merrick and Dr. Aaron Moore, were founders of both M&F Bank
(1907) and the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company (1898).

Paul H. Stock served as Executive Vice President and Counsel at the North Carolina Bankers Association from 1979 to 2011, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the legal and regulatory framework governing the operations of the state’s banking industry.

Mr. Stock began his career as a staff attorney at the North Carolina General Assembly and later worked at the North Carolina Savings and Loan League. He holds a Juris Doctor with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Duke University. After retiring from the NCBA, he worked as Staff Counsel at the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks.

Mr. Stock has held numerous leadership roles, including positions on the boards of Hopeline, Inc., the United Way of North Carolina, and The Fidelity Bank. He has received several prestigious awards, including the NC’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine.