CEOs You Should Know Powered by Thompson

Executive Director, Cain Center for the Arts Bio: Justin Dionne is the founding Executive Director of Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius, NC. Originally from Salisbury, NC, Justin attended Catawba College for Undergraduate studies and Florida State University for Graduate School. Professionally, he has spent over 10 years in arts leadership and 20 years in the sector. While in Salisbury he helped to build the Norvell Theater and then went on to spearhead efforts to renovate a 1920's warehouse into a performing arts center which became Lee Street Theater. Along with serving communities, Justin is passionate about his family, bourbon, travel, the Carolina Panthers, and the Florida State Seminoles. He has been recognized as a Charlotte 40 Under 40 Award Winner and was a finalist for the Michael Marsicano Award for Philanthropic Leadership. Justin and his family live in Huntersville.

FROM THE CAIN CENTER:

Our mission at Cain Center for the Arts is to provide exceptional visual arts, performing arts, and social experiences to the Lake Norman Region. This mission is supported by our guiding values: community, education, inspiration, and entertainment. The art made here is for all ages and backgrounds, with space and resources to express and explore our experiences with the world and each other. Please learn more about our exciting performing arts series, our innovative visual art galleries, our robust education program, and our community impact initiatives. We encourage members of the community to get involved as audience members, artists, students, or volunteers!

Located in Old Town Cornelius, the Cain Center first raised its curtain in 2023 to provide vibrant performing arts events, thought-provoking visual art exhibits, diverse arts education, and lively social experiences to the Lake Norman community and beyond. The 32,000-square-foot facility includes a beautiful gallery area, two large classrooms and a dedicated dance studio, and an impressive 400+ seat theater with balcony. The building is situated on 1.85 acres and includes a sizeable greenspace including an outdoor plaza. The facility has served as a catalyst for business and residential growth in downtown Cornelius and expands the footprint of Charlotte’s vibrant arts landscape

Scott Nowokunski is President of Boingo Graphics, a Charlotte-based printing and marketing services company serving organizations across the country. 
Boingo began in 1979 when Scott's father, Ed Nowokunski, founded Kopy Korner. Scott joined the business after graduating from Appalachian State University and became an owner in 2004. Over the years, Scott and his team transformed the company from a traditional printing operation into a diversified marketing execution partner offering commercial and digital printing, direct mail, signage and large-format graphics, promotional products, branded apparel, fulfillment, creative services, and technology-enabled company stores. 
Today, Scott remains focused on entrepreneurship, operational excellence, business growth, and building organizations where reliability and customer experience become competitive advantages. 

He is a longtime member of the Metrolina Business Council and Vistage and is actively involved in Charlotte's business and nonprofit communities. 
 
Founded in Charlotte in 1979, Boingo Graphics is a full-service printing and marketing execution company that helps organizations simplify how they manage their brands. 
From commercial and digital printing to direct mail, signage, promotional products, branded apparel, fulfillment, creative services, and online company stores, Boingo brings multiple marketing services together under one roof. 
The company serves corporations, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, retailers, manufacturers, event organizations, and other businesses throughout the United States. Boingo's technology-enabled approach combines sophisticated production capabilities with responsive personal service and a relentless focus on delivering projects accurately and on time. 
Its goal is simple: make buying and managing print and branded materials effortless. 

Founded: 1979 
Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina 
Website: boingographics.com 
Tagline: A Really Cool Printing Company 
Social Media 
Scott Nowokunski 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scottnowokunski 
Facebook: facebook.com/scott.nowokunski 
Boingo Graphics 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/boingo-graphics 
Website: boingographics.com 

Stephanie C. Lansey is an accomplished executive leader, entrepreneur, and retired law enforcement executive whose career has been defined by servant leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to people. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience spanning public safety, human resources, operations, and business ownership, she has built a reputation for leading organizations through transformation while developing high-performing teams and creating lasting community impact. 
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Stephanie retired from the Baltimore Police Department after 22 years of distinguished service, culminating in her role as Major and Commanding Officer of the Eastern District—one of the city's smallest yet most complex police districts. Throughout her career, she shattered barriers by becoming the first African American woman to command the Eastern District, the first African American woman to lead Internal Affairs, and the first African American woman to serve as Team Leader of the department's Hostage Negotiation Team. Her leadership was recognized for driving measurable operational improvements, reducing crime, strengthening organizational accountability, and fostering trust within the communities she served. 
Following her retirement, Stephanie and her partner, Brian, transitioned their passion for leadership into entrepreneurship. Together they have successfully owned and operated multiple businesses, including an Amazon Delivery Service Partner, McDonald's franchise operations, Cardinal Protection Solutions, and today, Pink Zebra Moving Charlotte & Lake Norman. 
As Owner and Operator of Pink Zebra Moving Charlotte & Lake Norman, Stephanie has quickly built a company recognized for exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and community engagement. Under her leadership, the company has become known not only for making moving fun, but for creating an experience centered on compassion, professionalism, and genuine care for every customer. Stephanie believes that every move represents a significant life transition, and she is passionate about helping families navigate those moments with confidence and peace of mind. 
Stephanie's leadership philosophy is rooted in service, accountability, and the belief that great organizations are built by investing in people. Whether leading a police district of more than 150 employees, overseeing multimillion-dollar business operations, or mentoring future leaders, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to unite teams around a shared vision while delivering measurable results. 
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Social Deviance from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Baltimore. She has also earned numerous executive leadership certifications, including the Senior Management Institute for Police, University of Maryland Global Campus, leadership training through Hamburger University, and certifications from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Louisiana State University. 
Stephanie's commitment to leadership extends well beyond the workplace. She currently serves as a volunteer with Common Heart and the Thompson Development Center, is an active member of The National Smart Set, Inc. Charlotte Chapter, serves on the Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte Programs Committee, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to mentoring others, supporting community organizations, and creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities. 
Above all, Stephanie considers her greatest accomplishments to be her family. She is the proud mother of Staff Sergeant Justin S. Anderson of the United States Air Force and bonus mom to Cameron and Brooke Kelly. She enjoys traveling with Brian, dancing, reading, and giving back through civic and professional service. 
Whether wearing a police uniform, leading a business, or serving her community, Stephanie's mission has remained constant: to lead with integrity, inspire others through action, and leave every organization and every person better than she found them.

Jeff Wanner began his PEO career at Insperity, where he quickly recognized that there was a more effective way to assist clients in finding the perfect PEO match for their unique needs. This insight inspired him to establish PairPEO in March 2019. Jeff's vision for PairPEO is rooted in his commitment to providing personalized and strategic collaborations with clients. Outside of his professional endeavors, Jeff is a devoted family man who cherishes the time spent with his growing family. He is also an avid Cleveland sports fan, passionately supporting his hometown teams. 
 
PairPEO is a PEO brokerage and advisory firm dedicated to helping businesses simplify their HR operations. By providing transparent, expert guidance, PairPEO helps companies navigate the PEO landscape to find the best-fit provider for their payroll, benefits, and compliance needs. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., PairPEO serves as a trusted partner to businesses nationwide. 

Morris-Jenkins president and CEO, Brandon Anderson, started his career with the company as an HVAC Installer, where he experienced first-hand the work of some of the very people he’d be leading 18 years later.  
Brandon understands the importance of doing things the right way and making it easy for customers. Not only from his years of experience in the field, but as he worked his way through various service and leadership roles within Morris-Jenkins. By 2011, he transitioned from installation to service, where he started mentoring other technicians before he ever officially took a leadership position. From there, he became a Service Supervisor, then HVAC Service Director. Because of his growing impact on those around him, Morris-Jenkins developed the Chief Operations Officer role for him in 2018.  
Today, Brandon continues to grow and lead Morris-Jenkins. Because of the same people-first mindset he has had since his days as an installer, Morris-Jenkins continues to have a reputation for caring for people, with over 35,000 and a 4.9-star rating to prove it.  
Morris-Jenkins started in Charlotte in 1958 and has grown into one of the area’s largest residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies. In 2026, they opened their first expansion, located in Greenville, South Carolina. The former owner, Mr. Jenkins, built the company around taking care of people and making it easy for customers. That’s still the core of Morris-Jenkins today!  
Morris-Jenkins has won Top Workplace USA and Top Workplace Charlotte year after year because their company culture. And they don’t have a big rulebook. Instead, employees are encouraged to be authentic. And because they hire the right people, everyone there is trusted to do the right thing! Throughout the years, Morris-Jenkins has grown into a household name. They’re trusted around the area because they do what they say they will, and the customer experience is like no other. 

As President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Sue Glass is committed to advancing the organization's mission of building a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. With over 27 years of expertise in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and program development, Sue is a dynamic leader focused on innovation and impact.  
 
Before joining the Charlotte YMCA, Sue led the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver, driving significant transformations in strategic planning, facilities modernization, and youth development. Prior to that, she served as Senior Vice President at the American Diabetes Association, where she spearheaded national initiatives in fundraising, program services, and operations.  
 
A passionate advocate for health, Sue has served on various boards and collaborated with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to launch the Diabetes Prevention Program.  
 
She holds a degree in Health Science from the University of North Florida.  
 
Sue enjoys spending time with her husband Jerry, their daughter Zoey, and their two dogs. A person of deep faith, she also enjoys travel, outdoor activities, and community service. 
 
The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social impact. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte—comprised of 14 membership centers, three program centers, and two overnight camps—nurtures the potential of children and teens, improves health and well-being, and inspires action to support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the Charlotte region for more than 150 years, the Y is building a stronger future by enhancing community well-being, equipping youth as the next generation of changemakers, empowering its people while advancing unity and innovation, and strengthening the resources that sustain its mission. Guided by a vision of thriving, empowered, and connected communities, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte is a proud recipient of a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. ymcacharlotte.org

Zoran Krneta was named General Manager of Charlotte Football Club in December 2019. He founded the global sports agency, Star Sports & Entertainment, in 2005 and has identified and brokered contracts for more than 150 soccer players across the globe. Krneta, who has been with the Club since its inception, oversees the Crown’s sporting department which has registered three consecutive Audi MLS Cup Playoff appearances. 
 
Charlotte Football Club is the Major League Soccer Club in the Carolinas. The Club’s mission is to be a unifying force that is bigger than one city and encourage a sense of belonging through a progressive, collective, and ambitious approach that guides efforts on and off the pitch. CLTFC is committed to driving growth through the sport and community outreach. Charlotte FC is owned by David Tepper and is a part of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, which also includes Bank of America Stadium and the Carolina Panthers. For more information, visit CharlotteFootballClub.com.

Today, we welcome Bill Alessi of Alpha Modus Holdings!

A bit about Bill: 

As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Modus Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMOD), I have 
dedicated my career to pioneering data-driven technologies that enhance the consumer retail 
experience. In 2014, I established Alpha Modus, serving as its initial seed investor and driving its 
strategic vision. Our innovations quickly gained industry recognition, with Alpha Modus being named an 
IBM Beacon Award Winner in 2016 for our excellence in AI-powered solutions. Further solidifying our 
place in the tech industry, IBM recognized Alpha Modus as its "Born on The Cloud - Start-Up of the 
Century," a testament to our transformative impact on the retail and financial sectors. My 
entrepreneurial journey began with a focus on real estate, small-cap equities, and technology markets. 
Notably, my leadership played a pivotal role in the operations of Andover Brokerage, a firm that was 
instrumental in pioneering the electronic day trading era. At Alpha Modus, we are committed to being at 
the forefront of AI-driven innovation, revolutionizing the way consumers interact with brands at the 
point of sale while striving to deliver measurable ROI for retailers and brands. Our transition to a 
publicly traded entity has unlocked new opportunities for growth, investment, and expansion into 
emerging retail technologies. Key Achievements: Founded Alpha Modus in 2014, leading its growth into 
a Nasdaq-listed company. IBM Beacon Award Winner (2016), recognizing Alpha Modus’ excellence in 
AI-powered solutions. Recognized by IBM as the "Start-Up of the Century," highlighting Alpha Modus’ 
transformative impact. Played a critical role in the operations of Andover Brokerage, a pioneer in 
electronic day trading. Guided Alpha Modus through a successful SPAC merger, positioning the company 
for sustained growth. Connect with Me: I am always interested in discussing innovative technologies, AIdriven retail solutions, and investment opportunities. Feel free to connect or reach out to me directly

We're very excited to be talking to Robert Posthauer, president of Rubbermaid Commercial Business with Newell Brands!

With over 25 years of experience as a business and industry leader, Robert Posthauer currently serves as the President of the Rubbermaid Commercial Business at Newell Brands. His portfolio includes well-known brands such as Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Mapa®, Spontex®, and Quickie®, which cater to the demanding needs of commercial facilities globally. 
 
Before joining Newell, Rob served as Senior Vice President of Global Merchandising at Lowe's Companies, overseeing Private Brands, Product Development, Quality, and Global Sourcing. He also held various leadership roles at General Electric Appliances, culminating in his position as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Rob holds a degree from the School of Management at Purdue University. 
 
Rob is deeply committed to promoting the cleaning industry. He led efforts to create the "Behind the Scenes of Clean" campaign to honor custodial and maintenance professionals worldwide. This initiative, now in its third year, has celebrated over 17,000 professionals through more than 200 events. Rob is also passionate about corporate responsibility and community impact, evidenced by partnerships with organizations like Charlotte Football Club, Louisville Soccer Club, Davidson Elementary, and local festivals supporting U.S. manufacturing plants. 
 
In addition to his professional work, Rob has been a guest speaker at the University of North Carolina, providing students with insights on global economics in a tariff-driven environment. His leadership and business acumen have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2022 Newell CEO Leadership Award for outstanding performance in revenue, profitability, and operational excellence, the 2023 Leadership Award for sales revenue growth, and the 2024 Executive Contact and Vendor of the Year Award from Grainger. 
 
Rob remains active with Purdue University, managing a scholarship in honor of his mother, and is a dedicated supporter of his local community. He and his wife Heather, married for 16 years, enjoy traveling with their children, Beau (15) and Ruby (12).