Committee - Programs
Alex Roper
Alex Roper attended Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, where he received his bachelor’s degree in finance and his Master of Business Administration. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Business Administration from Liberty University.
Alex is Co-Chair of the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce's Programs Committee and a member of the Board of Directors for Money Magnets Club, and when he’s not spending time with his wife and dogs, Alex enjoys playing instruments, traveling, and is an avid Carolina Panthers fan.
Dianne Chase
Dianne is an award-winning communications executive with decades of experience working successfully with business professionals who want to elevate their communication skills, and build their leadership acumen, to achieve greater success. She is an Accredited GENIUS Business Storytelling Partner© in the Gabrielle Dolan methodology; one of only two in the world.
Her driving purpose is helping business professionals become authentic and impactful communicators so that they may attain their personal and professional aspirations.
Dianne founded her boutique communications consulting, training, and media relations firm, Chase Media and Communication, in 2000 after a distinguished career in broadcast journalism as a news director, anchor, and reporter. In addition to strategic business storytelling, her areas of expertise and services include crisis communication, media training, presentation skills training, business message development, strategic internal and external communication, executive communication consulting and coaching, and leadership brand identity.
She is a past global chair of the International Association of Business Communicators and currently serves as president of the IABC North Carolina chapter.
She is a founding member of the 20/20 Visionaries in Charlotte and serves on several philanthropic and professional boards in her mission to always find ways to add value, provide support, and give back.
Manoj Mirchandani
Manoj Mirchandani is a CPA with deep roots in the Charlotte area. He holds a Master of Accounting from UNC Chapel Hill and brings over a decade of industry experience. At previous roles, including KPMG and Deloitte, he provided audit, tax, and consulting services to diverse organizations across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
A dedicated community leader and trusted partner, Manoj has managed cross-functional teams and fostered organizational growth across multiple industries. He remains committed to continuous learning and actively engages with the local business community. Outside of work, Manoj enjoys traveling and refining his golf game while seeking new experiences and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Pete Fernald
Pete Fernald is the Business Owner of Atlantic Database. With over two decades of experience in CRM consulting, he is volunteering with the Chamber to plan events, programs, and workshops so small business owners can maximize their membership strategies.
With a background in sales and marketing, Pete built the Atlantic Database where it helped increase revenue by 2x in the past year. His meticulousness and efficiency support the Chamber’s commitment in providing resources for small businesses to improve their operations.
Pete joined the Programs Committee because he believes in the importance of efficient business workings within his own career. From the very beginning, his dedication to empowering people with knowledge is deeply rooted in his journey.
Kristin Krupa Butz
Kristin Krupa lives in Plaza Midwood with her husband, their two daughters, Matilda and Eleanor, and their rescue dog, Trip.
Kristin is an Account Executive with Adams Outdoor Advertising. With more than 15 years in out of home advertising, she works with clients to build awareness and connect with potential clients in meaningful, memorable ways through billboard campaigns.
When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her at a local concert, curled up with a good book, cross-stitching, or spending time at home with her family.
Kristin joined the Charlotte Area Chamber’s Programs Committee to help create programming that brings Charlotte’s business community together in engaging, welcoming ways.
Andy Bahr
I'm all in on Charlotte senior living. I'm happy to help, any way I can.
Quincy Brown
“I am Quincy Brown—a Certified AI Consultant, with over a decade of experience leading enterprise security operations in highly regulated environments in Cybersecurity/Corporate Security. I help organizations/businesses use AI-Artificial Intelligence, analytics, and governance frameworks to reduce risk, improve decision-making, and strengthen operational resilience. My background includes leading global SOC teams, integrating AI-driven intelligence into security operations, and translating complex technical threats into clear, executive-ready insights. I work with Corporations/Organizations/Businesses/Local Governments of all sizes. I specialize in turning security and AI into strategic business advantages—not just IT functions.”
Edward Dramberger
POLLY OUTHAY
Ali-Polly & Associates (APA)
Ali-Polly & Associates (APA) is a Charlotte-based financial services and financial education firm dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners build, protect, and transfer wealth through strategic financial planning.
Who We Are
Ali-Polly & Associates is an Asian women-owned financial services firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The firm was founded by Laos refugee sisters Ali Bouasavatdy and Polly Outhay, who turned their immigrant journey into a mission to empower families with financial knowledge and opportunity.
With over 20 years of combined experience in accounting, banking, and financial services, APA helps clients design tax-efficient retirement strategies, protect their families with life insurance, and create long-term financial security.
What We Do
Ali-Polly & Associates specializes in:
Retirement planning
LIRP – Life Insurance Retirement Plan (tax-free strategies)
Bank-financed premium strategies, visit website askalipolly.com
Annuities and lifetime income solutions
Tax-advantaged income planning
The firm is widely recognized for its commitment to financial literacy and community empowerment, helping individuals from all backgrounds understand money, grow wealth, and plan confidently for the future.
Our Approach
APA bridges the gap between financial education and real-world strategies, guiding clients through:
Retirement income planning
Tax-free retirement strategies
LIRP (Life Insurance Retirement Plans) and legacy planning
Business owner and employee financial solutions
Community financial education programs
Our Mission
To educate, empower, and equip families with financial strategies that protect their present and build generational wealth for the future.
Visit our website: askapaagency.com
To Your Success,
Ali Bouasavatdy, Accountant, Tax Consultant
Polly Outhay, NACFF, CFEI, CRES