ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS.

JEFF WISE

CEO | Whitewater Center

Charlotte

Staying out of the public eye and employing an unusual marketing strategy, Charlotte native Jeff Wise has led development of the self-described "World's premier outdoor center."

More than 1 million visitors show up annually at the not-for-profit enterprise in west Charlotte that sports the world's largest recirculating artificial Whitewater river. Complementing the rafting are hiking and biking trails, climbing challenges, ropes courses, live music, concerts and various athletic competitions.

Though not the center's original visionary in the early 2000s,

Wise used his business acumen to turn an idea into a thriving enterprise that employs about 1,000 full- and part-time workers. The project was initially financed with $38 million from local government and private sources, led by the late Alan Dickson, whose family controlled the Harris Teeter supermarket chain that is now owned by Kroger.

The center also operates independently of Mecklenburg County's parks department and the VisitCharlotte tourism bureau, reflecting Wise's focus on running it as a business. Revenue soared from $16.9 million in 2020 to $28 million last year, he says. Net income was about $9 million in 2022, slightly lower than the previous year, partly because of higher labor costs.

The center opened a lodge in Mills River, about 30 miles from Asheville, and four houses in a rural area 30 miles from Charleston, South Carolina. Charging from $350 to $450 per night, the lodging targets outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore either the western N.C. mountains or South Carolina's Lowcountry.

What do you listen to on your commute: "Good Fellows" (A podcast sponsored by the Hoover Institute.)

Career highlight: Working with Alan Dickson (the late CEO of Charlotte-based Ruddick Corp.)

Favorite hobby after work: Biking or running

Best advice to industry newcomer: Drive and positive attitude are under our control. Make them your focus.

TERA BLACK

COO | Charlotte Checkers

Charlotte

The California native joined the team as a vice president in 2006 before taking her current post in 2008. She was the first female to have her name on the American Hockey League's championship trophy when the team won in 2019. Her husband, Jamie, is a former pro hockey player and the team's director of finance.

MARK BRAZIL

CEO | Wyndham Championship/ Piedmont Triad Charitable Foundation

Greensboro

After directing Greensboro's annual Professional Golf Association tournament since 2001, the Baylor University graduate was named CEO in 2021. He also oversees the Piedmont Triad Charitable Foundation, which raises money through the Wyndham Championship for regional philanthropies.

RICHARD CHILDRESS

owner | Richard Childress Racing

Lexington

Since founding his stock-car racing team in 1969, the Winston-Salem native has become an integral part of NASCAR. His team has revived this year with the addition of Kyle Busch, who won in his second race for RCR. Childress, 77, also built Childress Vineyards into one of the state's largest wineries. It opened near Lexington in 2004.

KRISTI COLEMAN

president | Carolina Panthers

Charlotte

Owner David Tepper named Coleman to her post in February 2022, succeeding...