The Charleston Metro Chamber’s Opportunity Summit on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Trident Technical College is set to be a pivotal event, driving action and fostering connections to advance economic opportunity across our region. This year, we’re focusing on two critical pillars: attainable housing and entrepreneurship. We are thrilled to welcome an impressive roster of speakers—prominent leaders, innovators, and experts—who will share their insights and actionable strategies to help chart a path toward a more resilient and opportunity-rich Charleston for all.
Meet the thought leaders who will be sharing their insights at the Opportunity Summit.
Purchase your tickets by visiting the Opportunity Summit event page.
LaVanda Brown, CEO, YWCA Greater Charleston
LaVanda became the CEO of YWCA Greater Charleston in February 2016, bringing over 30 years of experience in social services focused on underserved populations. Throughout her career, she has led and advised various non-profit and for-profit organizations in areas such as behavioral health, employment and community services. Raised in a family of civil rights leaders, Brown is a passionate advocate for gender equality, diversity and racial equity, aligning her personal mission with that of the YWCA. Her community work has been recognized with several awards, including the 2021 Trident Literacy Founder’s Award and the 2018 Martin Luther King, Jr. Picture Award. Brown holds degrees in psychology and sociology from Wesleyan College and a master’s degree in counseling from Georgia Southern University. She is the mother of two and grandmother of three.
Kimberly Butler Willis, PhD, CHES, CDP
Founder and Co-Managing Director, GOODSTOCK Consulting, LLC
Dr. Kim Butler Willis is the Founder and Co-Managing Director of GOODSTOCK Consulting, LLC, specializing in strategic planning, project management and community engagement. She previously served as the inaugural Senior Vice President of Patient Care Operations at Planned Parenthood of Michigan and was the inaugural Director of Community Health at Roper St. Francis Healthcare, where her team received national recognition for high-quality care and patient engagement.
A native of Hollywood, SC, Dr. Willis is passionate about equitable health opportunities for underserved populations. She holds a Ph.D. in Health Promotion, Education and Behavior from the University of South Carolina, and is a Certified Health Education Specialist and Certified Diversity Professional. Actively involved in numerous community service and professional organizations, including the Lowcountry Food Bank and Charleston Metro Chamber board, her contributions have been recognized by SC Black Pages 20 under 40 and YWCA’s What Women Bring.
Megan Clark, Assistant Planning Director, Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments
Megan Clark, AICP, has several decades of experience working with various jurisdictions in three states in planning, zoning and government administration. She currently is serving as the Assistant Planning Director for the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG), where she leads a team that facilitates development of comprehensive plans that focus on fostering sustainable communities through revitalization, economic development and smart land use planning that minimize demand and impacts on infrastructure, while protecting the natural environment. She has been an active member of the Regional Housing Coalition and partner in the TOD Studies and will be the project manager for the Phase 3 TOD Affordable Housing Study, beginning fall 2025. She holds a BS in Urban and Regional Planning from Frostburg State University and has been a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) since 2023.
Josh Dix, Vice President of Advocacy, Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS
Josh serves as the V.P. of Advocacy for the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors®. Josh is a 2019 Leadership Charleston and 2022 Leadership South Carolina graduate. Josh is involved in land use issues across Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties. In 2024, CTAR conducted a Missing Middle housing study for the upcoming Lowcountry Rapid Transit System.
Kenya Dunn, Managing Partner, Equity Impact Partners, CEO, PFW Coaching and Consulting
Kenya Dunn, Managing Partner of Equity Impact Partners and CEO of PFW Coaching and Consulting, is a seasoned executive and community leader with over two decades of experience. She excels at guiding business growth, organizational transformation and building collaborative partnerships that benefit both companies and communities. A strategic thinker, Kenya’s expertise spans real estate development, public-private partnerships and fostering business ecosystems. She’s a trusted advisor to leaders across sectors, recognized for her pragmatic approach and work in economic resilience planning. She empowers high-visibility leaders to navigate change with clarity and impact, consistently driving sustainable outcomes.
Geona Shaw Johnson, Director, Department of Housing and Community Development, City of Charleston
Since 1997, Geona Shaw Johnson has been a key figure in the City of Charleston’s Housing and Community Development, now serving as Chief Director. She began her impactful career in small business development with the Charleston Citywide Local Development Corporation. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Shaw Johnson has successfully leveraged millions in funding to create and preserve affordable housing, enhance small businesses, redevelop Brownfield properties and foster collaborations.
Prior to municipal service, she spent seven years in banking and investments. A graduate of Columbia College, she actively serves on numerous boards, including the SC Association of Community Economic Development and Trident United Way, and helped establish the Homeless to Hope Center. Her work is driven by her strong belief in God, commitment to excellence and family values. She is married to Lt. Colonel Charles K. Johnson and adores her two children.
Jordan Jones, Senior Development Executive, The Integral Group
Jordan Jones, Senior Development Executive, serves as Integral’s Lead Developer for Integral Carolinas. He has 15 years of experience in commercial real estate development and community economic development. In the Carolinas, Jordan is focused on innovatively addressing housing affordability across the housing spectrum. Jordan is actively working on developments here in Charleston as well as in Charlotte and Durham. Jordan leads the Integral Carolinas team through an office in Durham.
Prior to joining Integral, Jordan led his own development company, Anchor & Pillar, completing more than $145M of assets by utilizing creative financing structures and public private partnerships. He also worked as a Development Advisor for the Development Finance Initiative at the University of North Carolina School of Government where he advised local governments across North Carolina on affordable housing, downtown revitalization and public private partnerships.
Wendell K. Jones, President, Wendell Jones Leadership Institute; State Representative, SC House District 25
Wendell Jones is a dedicated public servant, with a proven track record of leadership and community advocacy. With a finance degree from Wofford College and a distinguished member of Liberty Fellowships, he’s spent decades empowering others. His career spans commercial banking, entrepreneurial ventures and ministry, leading to the creation of the Wendell Jones Leadership Institute (WJLI). As a South Carolina State Representative, he focuses on education, jobs and housing, earning endorsements and committee appointments, including a recent summer conference committee role.
Natasha Lee, CEO & Founder, Floyd Lee Locums
Natasha Lee, CEO and co-founder of Floyd Lee Locums, passionately upholds core values dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare staffing, connecting clinicians to purposeful work.
With extensive locum tenens industry experience, Natasha’s authentic commitment drives the promise to serve those who serve others. She fosters an inclusive culture for employees, partners and clients, while her dedication extends to DEI&B, corporate volunteerism (We Serve) and internal benefits (We Sustain).
Recognized on Staffing Industry Analysts’ Global Power 150 Women in Staffing List and awarded “Women in Business Award” by Charleston Business Magazine, Natasha leads with unmatched expertise from previous C-suite and executive-level roles at national healthcare staffing firms.
Balancing her professional responsibilities and family life, she cherishes time with her husband, three children and three dogs in Charleston, SC.
Craig Logan, Housing Strategist,Charleston Metro Chamber
Craig Logan is a strategic leader and consultant with expertise in housing policy, stakeholder engagement and regional strategy. A native of Greenwood, South Carolina, Craig holds a B.S. in Sociology and an M.S. in Project Management from Charleston Southern University. His academic foundation and hands-on experience have positioned him as a catalyst for community-driven change across the South.
Mike Mosel, Founder and Principal, Pelarity
Mike Mosel is founder and principal of Pelarity, an organizational development consulting firm. He is passionate about helping senior leaders of growing organizations create work environments where everyone can do their best work. He combines his experience of having built, grown and exited a number of businesses together with behavioral science and data to provide the confidence and clarity they need to build the future of their business.
Dorian J. Nixon, MSW, Agency Director, Palmetto Family Home Care
Dorian Nixon, a Charleston native, is a highly experienced social worker and entrepreneur dedicated to community service. Holding a Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina, she has a proven track record in the social service, hospice and non-profit sectors, advocating for children, disabled adults and the elderly. Dorian is the owner and co-founder of Palmetto Family Homecare, Keys Career Training Center and the Palmetto H.O.P.E. Foundation, creating pathways for growth and self-sufficiency. Known for her vision and humility, she lives by the principle of “Believing in the Who, not the What,” and is driven by a mission to inspire, equip and empower others to lead purposeful lives.
Jonathan Oakman, Vice President of Development, Landmark Enterprises
Jonathan Oakman is the Vice President of Development at Landmark Enterprises, where he oversees a portfolio of industrial, office and historic rehabilitation projects from pre-development through lease-up. With a strong background in economic and community development, he previously served as Vice President for Development at Hanlan Consulting & Development. From 2009-2014, he was the City of Charleston’s Director of Business Services, where he aided small businesses, managed tax credit programs and established the Charleston Redevelopment Fund. He also has experience in affordable housing finance in New York City. Jonathan holds a Master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton University and a B.A. from Williams College.
Egbert L. J. Perry, Chairman, The IntegralGroup
Egbert L. J. Perry is the Chairman of Integral, a national urban development company he co-founded in 1993 with a mission to revitalize communities. Headquartered in Atlanta, Integral specializes in large-scale mixed-use and housing developments across the US, having created approximately 10,000 housing units. Integral’s pioneering mixed-use project, Centennial Place, became a national model for urban revitalization. Perry is a former Chairman of Fannie Mae and was instrumental in building one of the largest African-American-owned real estate firms in the country. He holds degrees in civil engineering and an MBA in finance and accounting from the University of Pennsylvania.
Kate Polcha, Lending Manager, CLIMB Fund
Kate Polcha is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in banking and finance. Throughout her career, she’s held a wide range of leadership roles—including Branch Manager, Senior Loan Officer, Regional Sales Manager, Underwriter and Assistant Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager. Today, she serves as Lending Manager at CLIMB Fund, a mission-driven organization supporting small businesses and economic growth across South Carolina.
In her role, Kate leads a statewide team of loan officers and oversees key functions including loan intake, underwriting, closings and portfolio management. Her work is driven by a passion for financial literacy, small business development and creating access to capital for underserved communities.
Originally from New York, Kate has long been an advocate for community-focused organizations like Junior Achievement and Habitat for Humanity. She’s proud to now call South Carolina home—a place deeply connected to her family and her roots. Since relocating in 2023, she’s embraced the opportunity to help grow local economies through thoughtful, inclusive lending practices.
When she’s not working, Kate enjoys time with her three children and soaking up all the outdoor experiences Charleston has to offer.
Alexis Scipio, Founder, The Thrive Point
Alexis Scipio is a seasoned sustainability strategist and the founder of The Thrive Point, a consulting firm helping businesses embed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into the heart of their operations. With over 20 years of experience in procurement and supply chain leadership at Mercedes-Benz, Cummins and other global manufacturers, she advises major automotive OEMs and their supply networks on building practical ESG strategies.
Her expertise lies in simplifying complex compliance requirements and aligning them with long-term business goals—making sustainability both measurable and meaningful. A recognized corporate responsibility leader, Alexis is a frequent contributor to the top-rated Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast and was featured at the 2024 BMW Diversity Exchange for her work in inclusive and responsible sourcing.
When she’s not serving as an unpaid Uber driver to her four kids, Alexis is an active community leader. She serves on the board of the Dorchester County Library, mentors students through Doors to Dream and contributes to the Charleston Chamber’s Regional Attainable Housing Coalition.
Kevin R. Smith, President and CEO, Community Ventures
Kevin R. Smith currently serves as President and CEO of Community Ventures, a nonprofit community development organization serving residents and communities throughout Kentucky. Since 1993, Mr. Smith has led Community Ventures from a staff of one with $450,000 in assets to today’s 60-member team in six regional offices managing over $200 million in assets. During his tenure as President and CEO, the corporation has received more than $455 million in private and public investments for its training and lending programs.
Mr. Smith has over 35 years’ experience in designing, implementing and capitalizing nonprofit programs.
Mike Tecosky, Financial Advisor and Area Manager, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Mike Tecosky serves as financial advisor and area manager for the client advisory group in the Coastal South Carolina market.
Tecosky began his career in financial services in 2002 in Charleston, SC, initially with First Union then CresCom Bank. He has worked in several capacities within the financial services industry, including operations, data processing, retail, business banking and credit. He joined Pinnacle Bank, then BNC Bank, in 2011 as a credit advisor serving Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Greenville. In 2014, Tecosky joined the commercial banking team as commercial relationship manager and then became an area manager for Coastal SC shortly thereafter.
Tecosky earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the College of Charleston and successfully completed both the South Carolina Bankers School at University of South Carolina and Lander University and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. He is a member of Leadership Charleston’s Class of 2020 and is past president of the Greater Charleston Chapter of Risk Management Association. Tecosky has served as treasurer and board member of the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, Executive Leadership Team for the March for Babies and remains active in several philanthropic and trade groups.
Tyson Wenger, Analyst, Greystar
Tyson Wenger is an Investment Analyst at Greystar, based in Charleston, SC. He supports Greystar’s global sponsor equity platform, which invests in real estate projects across the world, and contributes to the firm’s modular development strategy focused on delivering private attainable housing solutions. Tyson holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Brigham Young University and has enjoyed working alongside the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, particularly through the Regional Policy Committee and the Attainable Housing Coalition. He is passionate about leveraging private capital and creative development strategies to address housing affordability challenges.
Julian D. Williams, Founder & Master Blacksmith, Julian D. Williams Blacksmith & Co. LLC.
Julian Williams is a master blacksmith and certified welder with over 25 years of experience in metalwork and more than a decade dedicated to the specialized craft of blacksmithing. As founder of JDW Blacksmith & Co. LLC, Julian has built a business rooted in heritage, driven by precision and inspired by the enduring beauty of ironwork.
An alumnus of the American College of Building Arts, Julian refined his craft through formal training and meaningful mentorship—including time spent with the legendary Master Blacksmith Philip Simmons. That experience helped shape his passion for preserving traditional techniques while adapting them to modern design and function.
Legacy is central to Julian’s vision—not only in the timeless ironwork he creates, but also in the future he’s forging. His son, Julian Jr., is currently training to become a blacksmith, continuing the family tradition. Julian also leads a registered apprenticeship program through the South Carolina Department of Labor, where he mentors young artisans in blacksmithing, welding and entrepreneurship.
His work has been recognized in Preservation magazine by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a testament to JDW’s commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity and historic integrity.
Through JDW, Julian continues to blend history with innovation—crafting beautiful, functional works of art and empowering the next generation to carry the craft forward.
Suzanne Young, Executive Director, Gateway to Housing
Suzanne Young is a dedicated advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness and a seasoned professional in the nonprofit sector. With over 30 years of experience, Suzanne is known for her ability to approach homelessness with a strategic, solution-focused mindset, ensuring resources are utilized effectively to make the greatest community impact. Since she arrived in Charleston in January 2022, Suzanne has demonstrated her leadership and commitment to collaboration.
She is the founder and facilitator of the Roundtable Alliance. A monthly meeting of a cross-section of a variety of stakeholders that work together to create and advocate for long-term solutions for housing gaps affecting the unsheltered in Charlston County. Additionally, she has created the Gateway to Housing initiative and spear-headed the effort to launch this low-barrier housing model in Charleston. Suzanne’s ability to foster partnership and create systems rooted in dignity and compassion has positioned her as a driving force behind Charleston’s efforts to address homelessness and build a more inclusive community.
