James Cass is a corporate lawyer at Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson, where he primarily represents financial institutions and companies in a wide variety of financing and capitalization transactions.  He was born and raised in Connecticut, later graduating from the University of Connecticut in 2006 with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics and from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2009 with his J.D. James has been excited to witness the development and growth of Charlotte since moving here in 2009 and is dedicated to ensuring that it continues in a sustainable and people-focused way.

Joel Olsen, CEO, O2 Group Ventures

Olee Joel Olsen is the CEO of O2 Group Ventures as well as the founder of O2 emc and O2 energies, which are headquartered in Cornelius, North Carolina. O2 Group Ventures is the holding company for subsidiaries that design, develop, procure, and operate clean energy installations across the Southeast. Its subsidiaries have raised more than $400 million in project financing since 2009. As a native Charlottean that is fluent in Norwegian and Japanese, Joel brings both a local and international perspective to the organizations he serves. In addition to his service on the Sustain Charlotte Board, Joel has served on the executive committee of the North Carolina Clean Energy Business Alliance, the Z. Smith Reynolds Community Leadership Council, the US Norway Fulbright Foundation, and as a board member of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association. Joel is a recipient of the Charlotte Business Journal Energy Leadership Award, and the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association Business Innovation Award.

Jolaine Elien, Director of Finance and Administration at Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, Inc.

Director of Finance and Administration at Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, Inc., where she leads people across accounting, human resources, administration, and IT functions. Prior to joining the organization, she was the Accounting Manager at Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region and spent several years in public accounting. Jolaine attended Queens University for her undergraduate studies and recently earned her Master of Business Administration from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. She is also a member of the Queen City Rotary Club.

Joni Adams, Vice President Program Manager, Bank of America

Joni joined Bank of America in 2009. Currently, she is a Program Manager in Global Risk where she supports program strategy and implementation in risk management. In addition to her role, she’s a career development mentor and serves on the Global Risk Management Employee Engagement, Development and Inclusion Council. Joni was raised in Augusta Georgia and earned a BA in Political Science from Hampton University 2003. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, running and kickboxing.

Keith Alyea, COO of Commodities, Sales, and Trading, Wells Fargo 

Keith Alyea moved to Charlotte 14 years ago after spending childhood, college, and early professional years in the New York and Philadelphia areas. A graduate of Drexel University, Keith worked in electric power at Accenture before becoming a partner at Market Reform, a small consulting firm that provides services related to energy markets. Market Reform’s clients include companies located in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Charlotte. More recently, Keith became COO of Commodities, Sales, and Trading at Wells Fargo. Keith is an active member of the Charlotte community, having been a sponsoring member of the Charlotte Farewell To Summer committee for six years, which hosts an annual event to raise funds for regional LGBT organizations. He also has served as co-chair for corporate sponsors for the Human Rights Campaign Charlotte Gala Dinner, a fundraiser for LGBT rights advocacy. Keith was also a participant in Charlotte’s Dancing with the Stars for the Charlotte Pink House in 2017, helping raise funds to provided services for women battling breast cancer.

Michael Gander, Vice President and Commercial Market Manager, Carter Bank & Trust

Michael Gander is a Vice President and Commercial Market Manager with Carter Bank & Trust, a regional community bank with local operations on Morehead Street, where he specializes in commercial real estate lending. Michael is passionate about facilitating smart growth for the greater Charlotte region. He is a proud graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in finance and banking. Michael enjoys spending his free time with his twin boys, Landon and Jackson, and his wife Tara. Michael’s motto is "Try to be a positive influence every day in what you do."

Niketa Mittal, Project Management Consultant, Wells Fargo

Niketa works in the area of Business Process management and holds a masters degree in international business. She has been a resident of Charlotte for the past 20 years. She is a very well-connected social activist and is deeply involved with various non-profit organizations. She is a driven leader with a passion for community engagement. Niketa currently serves on several boards: Young professionals at the International House; Charlotte International Cabinet; Framework for Future; International Women's Day Committee; and Festival of India. Niketa is married to a wonderful husband, Manish, and blessed with two beautiful daughters, Nandini and Megha, ages 16 and 13.

Philip Otienoburu, Director of Food Systems Finance, Self-Help Credit Union & Ventures Fund

Philip Otienoburu is Director of Food Systems Finance at Self-Help Credit Union & Ventures Fund. Prior to joining the organization, he was tenured Associate Professor of Biology and Sustainability at Johnson C. Smith University and Director of the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainability. His current work involves developing a strategy for financing sustainable and equitable food systems through investments in low-income communities. Philip enjoys traveling with his family, playing soccer, and cycling when he is not attending class at Kenan-Flagler business school.   

Ray Addison, VP and CMO, Go-Station