Senior Scholars at Queens

How Music Impacts Society with Joe Kendrick
2025-01-17 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211
TOPIC: Songs of Solidarity, Songs of Protest, Songs of Hope Amidst Struggle: A Brief Survey of the Impact of Music on the Radio for Social Movements
SPEAKER: Joe Kendrick, Director of Programming and Operations Manager, WNCW
An overview of songs, artists, genres and eras of music on radio that reflect and have impacted various social movements in America.

BIOGRAPHY
Public radio programmer, music host, writer, podcaster, college instructor, public speaker, event producer
My role is to envision and develop the sound and image of WNCW, create original programming and manage round the clock operations. I recruit, develop and manage our programming staff. Also I host and produce weekly music shows and a bi-weekly podcast, Southern Songs and Stories. I represent WNCW in person as well as virtually worldwide to donors and industry partners. Additionally, I am part of the team that produces the annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival in Tryon, NC.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

What a Rush! A Brief History of Mining in North Carolina with Valerie Reynolds
2025-01-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: What a Rush! A Brief History of Mining in North Carolina
SPEAKER: Valerie Reynolds, Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences UNC Charlotte
From the first gold discovered in the United States to the ultra-pure quartz fueling the semiconductor industry, mining has played an essential role in North Carolina’s economy for centuries. This presentation will provide a brief history of mining in North Carolina as well as the geologic conditions responsible for forming such valuable mineral deposits.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Reynolds earned her PhD from the University of Tennessee, then worked as a Research Assistant at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History for 2 years before beginning her teaching career. She taught at The University of the South (TN) and Colby College (ME) before arriving at UNC Charlotte in 2012. In addition to teaching, Dr. Reynolds is the Undergraduate Coordinator for the Geology and Earth & Environmental Sciences programs and is a faculty advisor for the student-led GEO club.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

International Holocaust Remembrance 2025
2025-01-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts, 2319 Wellesley Ave, Charlotte, 28207, United States
Starts: 7 pm
Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement
2319 Wellesley Ave, Charlotte, NC 28207
More Details: View Event Page

Distinguished Leaders in Action Lecture Series
2025-01-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Sykes Learning Center, 1926 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, 28274, United States
Featuring: Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer
Free Event: 6 pm to 7 pm
Sykes Learning Center, Ketner Auditorium
1928 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28274
More Details: Views Event Page

What did you say? Communication, Problem-solving, and Intelligence in Birds with Jeffrey Thomas
2025-01-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: What did you say? Communication, Problem-solving, and Intelligence in Birds
SPEAKER: Jeffrey Thomas, Professor of Biology, Queens University of Charlotte
Birds, especially songbirds, say a lot. But what do we know about what they’re saying to each other? And how do they use their communication to negotiate interactions with each other, find food, and learn about their surroundings? Birds offer a rich and fascinating opportunity to explore and define animal intelligence and the complexity of communication systems.
From mockingbirds to ravens to vultures, birds show a remarkable breadth of intelligence, but research is beginning to shed light on the connections between vocal behavior and problem solving.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Jeffrey Thomas is a professor of biology and the director of general education at Queens University of Charlotte. His research and teaching examine the intersection of ecology and evolutionary processes on animal communication systems. He has also served on the board of Carolina Raptor Center.
In his spare time, he travels, cooks, and takes his dog for long walks.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

2025 Homecoming & Reunion
2025-02-07, 2025-02-08 | Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts, 2319 Wellesley Ave, Charlotte, 28207, United States
Two Campus Traditions, One Royal Weekend
More Details: View Event Page »

The Future of US-China Relations with Keren Zhu
2025-02-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: The Future of US-China Relations
SPEAKER: Keren Zhu, Assistant Professor, Davidson College
U.S.-China relations have emerged as the most consequential dynamic in contemporary international relations, profoundly influencing global politics, economics, and security. This lecture will explore the evolution of U.S.-China relations since 1949, examine the key factors shaping the future of this relationship, and analyze how their competition extends to and impacts other regions.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Keren Zhu is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Davidson College. She teaches courses on Asia Pacific international relations, the rise of China, and policy analysis. Her research focuses on Chinese foreign policy, the Belt and Road Initiative, and global infrastructure development. She holds a B.A. from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, an M.Sc. from the University of Oxford, and a Ph.D. from the Pardee RAND Graduate School.
Dr. Zhu has published extensively on China’s global engagement and U.S.-China relations. She also co-hosts “The Belt and Road Podcast” and is currently working on a book about the global impact of Chinese infrastructure projects. Prior to Davidson, she held academic and research positions at the RAND Corporation, University of Southern California, Boston University Global Development Policy Center, and The New School India China Institute.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

Curriculum Committee Meeting - February 12
2025-02-12 13:15 - 14:00 | Zoom Registration Required
Curriculum Committee Meetings are open to Membership.
Join our monthly Curriculum Committee meetings, via Zoom, to hear about upcoming speakers/events or to suggest speakers you know (or have heard speak) and believe would be of interest to your fellow Senior Scholars.
These meetings are always held on the Zoom platform.

New Member Orientation - February 14
2025-02-14 09:00 - 09:30 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211
All members old and new are invited to attend our New Member Orientation meeting in person.
Learn more about the organization including how to meet people, join events and how you can help the organization – the best way to meet new people!
In person meeting, in Room 106 in PUMC.
Click the RSVP button for an email to tell us you’re coming!

Medicare Fraud with Austin Caton
2025-02-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Medicare Fraud
SPEAKER: Austin Caton, Aging Program Coordinator, Centralina Area Agency on Aging
Austin is an Aging Program Coordinator for the Digital Navigation Program providing assistance with technology and training for older adults in our region.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

America and Changing Economic World with Jay Bryson
2025-02-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: America and Changing Economic World
SPEAKER: Jay Bryson, Managing Director, Chief Economist, Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Bank
Dr. Bryson will present his annual analysis of financial markets and macroeconomic developments in the global economy.
He will also provide an outlook for the next two years including forecasts of GDP growth rates, inflation rates, and interest rates in the major economies of the world.

BIOGRAPHY
Details coming soon.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

How PBS Charlotte Shines the Spotlight on our Region with Amy Burkett
2025-02-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: How PBS Charlotte Shines the Spotlight on our Region
SPEAKER: Amy Burkett, PBS General Manager
Amy will share interesting statistics and behind the scenes production details woven in and out of video clips of local documentaries as well as our signature Emmy winning news magazine Carolina Impact.

BIOGRAPHY
Amy has been honored to lead the renaissance of PBS Charlotte since 2013. She’s grateful that over that time the station has seen over a 400% increase in community support. In addition to the wonderful national content the station has five weekly local shows the newest Unspun is a political program that helps you know what politicians are often thinking but not saying hosted by former Charlotte mayor and governor Pat McCrory. Amy has led the station for five Emmy awards during her time year brining her total to 11 Emmys during her more than 30 years in broadcasting. She’s published two leadership books.
The 7D’s to Your Destiny and The Dirty F-Word: Lessons From our Failures

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

The Shadow of Alzheimer's Disease with Dr. Adam Law
2025-03-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: The Shadow of Alzheimer’s Disease
SPEAKER: Dr. Adam Law, Visiting Scientist, Cornell University
This talk will explore Alzheimer’s Disease from a personal, professional and research perspective, as a physician who, in retirement, is participating in a laboratory investigating its molecular mechanisms.

BIOGRAPHY
Adam Law is a Londoner by birth and emigrated to the USA at the age of thirty-one. He moved to Ithaca 34 years ago and has lived in the same home in North East Ithaca where he and his wife Jane Marie raised 3 Ithacan children.
He trained in medicine and molecular medicine at the University of London. He was a post-doctoral researcher at UCSF and Cornell University in molecular biology and genetics. He was the only endocrinologist in Tompkins County for most of his 28 year career in medical practice in Ithaca and also was a primary care physician.
During this time when he was president of the medical staff at The Cayuga Medical Center, he was responsible for bringing medical students and residents to Ithaca from Weill Cornell, where he was a clinical assistant professor.
He has co-founded 2 non-profits. In 2010 Physicians, Scientists and Engineers for Healthy Energy (PSE) in his living room, currently board president and in 2021 Artists with Evidence (AwE), currently board treasurer.
He retired from clinical medicine in 2022. Currently, he is a visiting scientist in the Lis lab in the Biotechnology Center at Cornell University researching Alzheimer’s disease. His hobbies are learning the guitar, studying Brazilian Portuguese, running and cycling.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

Curriculum Committee Meeting - March 12
2025-03-12 13:15 - 14:00 | Zoom Registration Required

Critical Thinking – A Quick Course
2025-03-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Only
TOPIC: Critical Thinking – A Quick Course
SPEAKER: Pierce Howard, Ph.D
Beginning with a definition of critical thinking–and in the spirit of critical thinking, Pierce will offer several definitions. What it is, and what it is not.
The core is questioning, so we will explore the world of asking questions that most support critical thinking. Then Pierce will identify obstacles to thinking critically, followed by qualities that foster critical thinking.
This all leads up to identifying System I (instincts) and System II (processes) mental functions, what Daniel Kahneman described in his Thinking, Fast and Slow (2013). We will close with a daily tool bag that includes five basic skills of critical thinking.
NOTE: This meeting is Zoom only. PUMC is closed on 3/14/2025.

BIOGRAPHY
Pierce J. Howard, PhD, was born in Kinston, North Carolina. Making his way through public schools, he learned to love reading, writing, mathematics, music, and nature. Four years at Davidson College stoked his passion for literature, music, philosophy, and psychology. Three years in the U.S. Army as a Military Intelligence Specialist molded his penchant for research and investigation. During graduate school at East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he changed his major from literature to educational psychology.
His first job was with the North Carolina Advancement School in Winston-Salem. Moving to Charlotte in 1977 to teach at West Charlotte, Pierce then co-founded LEAD (long E) Associates in 1979. Between arriving in Charlotte and retiring, Pierce also served as an adjunct professor at UNC–Charlotte, Pfeiffer University, and most recently the McColl School of Business at Queens University.
In 1986, along with his wife, Jane, he started a consulting company, now named Paradigm Personality Labs. Over 32 years, they offered training, team building, coaching, and personnel research to clients on six continents. In 1994, Pierce wrote and published The Owner’s Manual for the Brain, now in its 4th edition and published by William Morrow. He even appeared as a guest on “Oprah” in1995. Subsequently, he wrote more than 20 books. The Howards’ core service has been through several personality assessments that they developed: the WorkPlace Big Five Profile, the SchoolPlace Big Five Profile, the WorkPlace Values Profile, and the WorkPlace Performance 360. In 2018, Pierce retired as the Chief Innovations Officer at Paradigm, but in retirement, he’s now writing The Owner’s Manual for Critical Thinking.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Passion for Bach & Coltrane
2025-03-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts, 2319 Wellesley Ave, Charlotte, 28207, United States
The Grammy Award winning Passion for Bach and Coltrane pairs Imani Winds, the poet A.B. Spellman, Harlem Quartet, and a jazz piano trio to synthesize classical and jazz styles, highlighting the gifts of all the performers onstage. Inspired by and featuring Spellman’s poetry, Passion interweaves orated poems with music, in a manner inspired by J.S. Bach’s Passion settings. Jeff Scott selected one masterwork by each composer — Bach’s Goldberg Variations and John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme — and used each as source material to construct a mosaic tapestry around the drama and imagery in Spellman’s text. Pensive, ethereal moments are punctuated by Bach, while the tone for moody, dark passages is set by Coltrane’s work. Winner of the 2024 Grammy for Best Classical Compendium Album.

Spring Expo: March 21
2025-03-21 09:00 - 10:00 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211
Spring Expo!
March 21, 2025
9-10 am before speaker event
Exhibitors include:

The Connery on Providence – a newly built apartment community for seniors (55+)
McIntyre Elder Law Firm – information about asset protection, veteran benefits, Medicaid and wills.

International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil with Mark Kelso
2025-03-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil
SPEAKER: Mark Kelso, Professor, Political Science, International Studies & Sociology Department, Queens University
An overview of international efforts to enhance global environmental protection, with a focus on recent efforts to address climate change. Discussion of where these efforts have succeeded.
Discussion of key challenges that lie ahead.

BIOGRAPHY
Mark Kelso is Professor of Political Science at Queens University of Charlotte. His research interests focus on environmental policy and political leadership.
His most recent publication is “A Green Presidency? Barack Obama and the Environment” in Meena Bose and Paul Fritz, Evaluating the Obama Presidency (2024).
He has also published in Congress and the Presidency and Presidential Studies Quarterly. He is the 2017 winner of the Hunter-Hamilton Love of Teaching Award.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

Seelbinder Literary Arts Series: "North Putnam"
2025-03-25 18:00 - 20:30 | Ketner Auditorium, 1900 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC, 28274
The English & Writing Studies Department, in partnership with The Independent Picture House, is pleased to present Director Joel Fendelman and Producer James Chase Sanchez, who will share and discuss their film North Putnam. This documentary depicts a year in the life of a rural Indiana school district and the community it serves. Crafted with empathy, a hyper-real reporting lens, and skillfully lush cinematography, the film aims to reach across divides and to spark action-oriented conversations about the interdependence between public schools and community development.

New Member Orientation - March 28
2025-03-28 09:00 - 09:30 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211

NATO Under New Leadership with Dmitry Vovchuk
2025-03-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Under New Leadership
SPEAKER: Dmitry Vovchuk, The Cohen Group
Following NATO’s 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington DC in July 2024, the Alliance faces a new reality. The reelection of Donald Trump and his policies on NATO and Ukraine will determine the course of European security for the foreseeable future. NATO’s new Secretary General, Mark Rutte, must effectively navigate this new political environment to manage deterrence and defense against Russia, preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty, and ensure NATO remains united across the Atlantic. This timely update on NATO will be provided by Mr. Vovchuk ahead of NATO’s next Summit, taking place in The Hague in June.

BIOGRAPHY
Dmitry Vovchuk is a Vice President at The Cohen Group. During his time at the firm, Mr. Vovchuk has led a wide range of client teams in the defense, manufacturing, healthcare, financial, and technology sectors. In addition, Mr. Vovchuk supports The Cohen Group’s Europe practice and he leads the firm’s Ukraine working group, advising clients on sectoral implications of the war in Ukraine and its impacts on European markets.
Prior to joining The Cohen Group, Mr. Vovchuk served in numerous key roles at the US Departments of State and Defense, National Security Council, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He also held several leadership positions in financial services and management consulting.
Mr. Vovchuk served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary General of NATO from 2013-2016. In that role, he managed the transition of NATO’s combat operations in Afghanistan to its Resolute Support Mission and helped achieve key milestones in NATO’s ballistic missile defense program. Mr. Vovchuk also led the process to conduct a full review of the US integrated campaign plan as the Director for Strategic Planning in the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy to Counter ISIS.
Additionally, Mr. Vovchuk coordinated the work of the White House Task Force responsible for the 2012 NATO Summit hosted by President Obama in Chicago and served as the National Security Council Director for Eastern Europe from 2012-2013, managing the development and execution of US policy for a region stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea.
Mr. Vovchuk was selected to the Civil Service as a Presidential Management Fellow in 2006. He led the interagency process to invite new members into NATO at its Summit in Bucharest, Romania, supported the development of NATO’s renewed Strategic Concept, and managed US policy priorities for the Alliance’s International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. Mr. Vovchuk also served as a Political Officer at the US Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense during the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia.
Outside of government, Mr. Vovchuk advised global consumer goods and health care companies on organizational change and strategic alignment as a Principal with the McChrystal Group. He was a registered financial representative and served as Chief of Staff at Ally Bank, supporting the Executive Director for its auto, deposits, online brokerage, and wealth management customer care and experience division.
Mr. Vovchuk is the recipient of the State Department’s Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards, completed a five-year term membership with the Council on Foreign Relations, and taught foreign policy at Queens University of Charlotte. He received a Master’s of Arts in US National Security Policy at Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts from Drew University.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

Lunch Bunch: March 28
2025-03-28 12:00 - 14:00 | Leos Italian Social, 4720 Piedmont Row, Charlotte, NC, 28210
We have booked Leo’s Italian Social, for Friday, March 28, 11:45 a.m.
Located in the Piedmont Row development near Southpark Mall. Parking is available in the garage.
Limited space available!
If you register and find you can’t attend, please email LunchBunch@SeniorScholars.net so that we can offer your seat to another member.
Leo’s Italian Social
4720 Piedmont Row
Suite 150
Charlotte, NC 28210
980-237-6880

Royal Easter Egg Hunt 2025
2025-03-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Levine Center for Wellness and Recreation, 2201 Wellesley Avenue, Charlotte, NC, 28274, United States
Join us for the 27th Annual Easter Egg Hunt!
Face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny and Rex will be available at 9:30 a.m. and the hunt will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Please fill out your contact information for the event and enter in the number of total people who will be attending.
Levine Center for Wellness and Recreation
South Lawn 2201 Wellesley Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28274
United States

Distinguished Leaders in Action: Rick Schnall
2025-04-03 18:00 - 19:00 | Sykes Learning Center, Ketner Auditorium, 1900 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, 28274, United States
Join us for the Distinguished Leaders in Action Lecture Series featuring Rick Schnall, Co-Chairman & Governor of the Charlotte Hornets and Hornets Sports & Entertainment.
The Peter and Kathy Browning Leaders in Action Lecture Series provides the McColl School of Business and Queens University’s campus community an opportunity to interact with and be exposed to a variety of leaders with varying leadership styles and experiences.
The lecture begins at 6:00 p.m. and a networking reception will immediately follow.

American Foreign Policy in the Middle East with Dr. Harry Chernotsky
2025-04-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: American Foreign Policy in the Middle East
SPEAKER: Dr. Harry Chernotsky, Professor Emeritus Global Studies, UNC Charlotte
This presentation – part of the Great Decisions 2025 program -will address the continuing search for peace in the Middle East, as the region looks to move beyond the events of October 7 and confronts the realities of an uncertain future. We will review the latest developments impacting the region’s many trouble spots and will examine the changing posture of the United States under the Trump administration.

BIOGRAPHY
Harry I. Chernotsky is Professor Emeritus in Global Studies, retiring after 43 years on the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He served as the founding chair of the Department of Global Studies from 2009-2016 after spending 30 years in the university’s Department of Political Science. Previous positions included Director of International Studies and Interim Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. He is the recipient of UNC Charlotte’s Bank of America Teaching Excellence Award and its International Education Faculty Award.
Chernotsky received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Rutgers University. He specializes in international political economy and American foreign policy and has published in a wide range of professional journals. He is most proud of his work (with Heidi Hobbs) – Crossing Borders: International Studies for the 21st Century (4rd edition, 2022) – one of the first textbooks providing an interdisciplinary perspective on the field.
Throughout his career, Chernotsky was a leader in international studies education. He spearheaded numerous initiatives at UNC Charlotte, including the development of the Model United Nations program and the interdisciplinary International Studies major. He was Director of the North Carolina Great Decisions public affairs series and still lectures widely on international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. He also served as President of the Southern region of the International Studies Association (ISA) and as Chair of ISA’s International Education section. He worked for many years with the University of Cantabria (Spain) on its global studies certificate program and was Scholar in Residence at Florida Atlantic University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where he continues lecture each year.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

Field Trip: Duke Mansion Tour
2025-04-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28207
DATE: April 7, 2025
TIME: 10 am
COST: $10 donation, optional
ADDRESS: 400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte, NC 28207
CARPOOLING: Because parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged. Meet in the lower lot of Providence United Methodist Church at 9:40. Please let us know if you will be carpooling.
Tour the inside of the mansion & hear the history. The gardener will also give a tour of the gardens.
Wear good walking shoes.
The tour is free but a suggested $10 donation to the Duke Mansion would be much appreciated. Bring your donation with you that morning.
Sign up deadline is April 1. Please let us know you’re coming, click the RSVP button and fill out the form.
Duke Mansion

Curriculum Committee Meeting - April 9
2025-04-09 13:15 - 14:00 | Zoom Registration Required

New Member Orientation - April 11
2025-04-11 09:00 - 09:30 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211

Update on Mecklenburg County Initiatives with Dena Diorio
2025-04-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Update on Mecklenburg County Initiatives
SPEAKER: Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County Manager
Dena will provide an update on County projects and initiatives and answer questions.

BIOGRAPHY
Dena Diorio has been a leader in public administration since 1988. After graduate school Dena started what would be a ten-year stint with the City of New York, eight of which were in the Mayor’s Office. Serving under three different Mayors, Dena started as a financial analyst in the Departments of Sanitation and General Services where she provided financial support to various operating divisions. In 1990, she was appointed a supervising analyst at the Mayor’s Office of Operations where she rose to the level of Deputy Director in only five years. In 1995, she was appointed the Director of City Legislative Affairs and served as the Mayor’s lobbyist to the City Council. In that role she is credited with facilitating the passage of over 100 local laws included in the Mayor’s legislative agenda.
In 1998, Dena was appointed the inaugural Director of the Office of Policy and Management for the City of Stamford, Connecticut. She established a strong budget and auditing department that improved efficiency and accountability. In 2002, Dena moved to the City of Danbury, Connecticut where she served as the Director of Finance and Human Resources.
Dena joined Mecklenburg County, North Carolina in 2007 as Director of the Department of Financial Services. She is recognized for guiding the County through the fiscal crisis and implementing policies that significantly improved the financial position of the County. In 2013, she was promoted to Assistant County Manager and in 2014 was selected as the first woman to serve as County Manager for Mecklenburg County. As County Manager Dena serves as the CEO of the organization and is responsible for a workforce of 6,000 employees and an annual operating budget of $2 billion.
In her role as County Manager, Dena serves on a variety of boards including Charlotte Center City Partners, the Charlotte Sports Foundation, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Blumenthal Performing Arts, and United Way of Central Carolinas.
Dena has been recognized for her leadership by many organizations. In 2015, she was named Public Policy Leader of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners, and in 2016, she received the Leadership in Action award by Career Mastered. In 2018 she was named one of the 50 Most Influential Women by the Mecklenburg Times, and in 2019 a Most Admired CEO by the Charlotte Business Journal. In 2020, Dena was chosen as the Businesswoman of the Year by Queens University, the first woman from the public sector to receive the honor. In 2021, she was awarded the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Centralina Regional Council, received a Woman in American History Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Pegasus Award from the Public Relations Society of America, which honors someone from outside the public relations profession for embracing the strategic use of communications. In 2023, she was awarded the Whitney M. Young award by the Urban League of Central Carolinas that honors those that have made significant impacts in the black community.
Dena earned her bachelor’s degree in social services from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. She earned a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University.
Dena lives with her husband Phil in Charlotte, North Carolina.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.
