Committee - Young Professionals

Welcome! My background in public relations, passion for brand storytelling, and obsession with capturing amazing photography and videography led to my creation of  The Wilson Media Co. In 2019, I added photographer and videographer to my title and took a deep dive into learning everything possible about photography and videography. My joy and passion lie in capturing moments and helping people and organizations tell their stories. I'm also thrilled to announce I have joined the Charlotte Chamber's Young Professional Committee.

Eleanore “El” Wood is a Wisconsin native and is a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual. El loves helping business owners, young professionals, and professional women with all things financial planning. In addition to helping educate and empower the Charlotte community to increase their financial literacy, El enjoys spending time on the pickleball court with her husband Andrew. You can also spot her and her Corgi, Poppy, at her favorite Charlotte breweries.

James is a Local Community Manager with Custom Ink, assisting business owners, nonprofit organizers, and individuals in the Charlotte area to increase brand/organization awareness and group comraderie with custom apparel and promotional items. 

As your local Comparion licensed agent, I am dedicated to supporting you in finding the ideal insurance coverage tailored to your needs. I make the process of choosing auto, home, pet, or life insurance easier by offering customized coverage from multiple carriers.

Husband. Father. Banker. I am a North Carolina native and proud alumnus of Appalachian State University. Charlotte has been home for me and my family since 2014. By day, I am a Small Business Banker and Lender at First National Bank of PA. I am proud to represent the bank and help our business clients manage the financial aspects of their businesses. From securely holding operating funds, managing payments and receivables, and provide capital for growth and expansion of their operations when necessary, I feel like my job can make a difference. I value the Charlotte area Chamber of Commerce and its effort and ability to connect the business community of Charlotte, and I am proud to serve on the Young Professionals committee.

Hello! I’m Jakob Brost, a Financial Advisor and Branch Manager at John G. Ullman & Associates (JGUA). As part of the JGUA team, I take pride in offering a comprehensive suite of wealth management services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. I can provide guidance on a diverse range of topics, including retirement planning, estate planning, risk management, tax preparation/planning, investment management, and more. With a collaborative approach, our team of advisors, tax professionals, and investment analysts work seamlessly to cover every aspect of your financial journey. Before my time at JGUA, I completed a Master’s in Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University and a Bachelor’s in Financial Planning at Alfred State College.

Hello everyone! My name is Nicole and I have a passion for public health, sales, recruiting, volunteering, and business. In my free time, I like to do yoga, go to coffee shops, try new food, and read books. I work at the American Red Cross as an Account Manager for Biomedical Services. I believe in building connections and creating a positive community. I look forward to collaborating ideas and bringing them to life.

David Smith is a seasoned hospitality professional with 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, having worked with various local restaurant concepts throughout the Charlotte Metro area. Recently, he transitioned into the entertainment sector, where he has discovered a new passion for combining a guest-centric approach with the engaging and immersive world of games—creating experiences that resonate across diverse age groups and demographics.

Beyond his professional endeavors, David is a devoted husband and father to three daughters. As he approaches a decade of marriage, the journey of fatherhood and family life has provided him with invaluable insights, fostering personal growth and shaping his leadership style. His ability to blend empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence continues to define his success in both his career and personal life.

As the Area Sales Manager at the Dunhill Hotel, I specialize in booking guest rooms and meeting spaces for groups, ensuring every event is seamless, personalized, and memorable. With a background in hospitality and a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences, I take pride in providing attentive service and thoughtful solutions that meet each client’s unique needs.

Originally from the Outer Banks, I’ve been proud to call Charlotte home since May of last year. I’ve loved getting to know the city and all it has to offer. Outside of work, you’ll often find me on my yoga mat or hanging out with my friends. I look forward to being a part of the young professionals.

Hi everyone! I am Casey the Program Coordinator for a local nonprofit here in Charlotte Hope for Harvest Youth Center. Part of my role includes helping work directly with the underserved families in our community which is something I am passion about as well help plan and execute events to help strengthen our community and network. When I am not working you can find me playing disc golf or at a local brewery with my chocolate lab Kato.

I am the Inside Sales Manager for both The Dunhill Hotel and the Residence Inn, located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. With a strong passion for hospitality, I pride myself on being a team player who thrives on communication, collaboration, and client satisfaction—always aiming to bring a little joy to the process.

I specialize in planning intimate micro weddings of up to 60 guests at The Dunhill Hotel and managing extended-stay room reservations at the Residence Inn. Whether it's work or play, I believe in embracing both with equal enthusiasm. I’m all about getting things done, but I also want the journey to be meaningful and fun.

Born and raised right here in Charlotte, NC, I'm what locals call a "unicorn." This city is my home, and I’m deeply committed to serving my community. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering and supporting organizations that uplift and support families across Charlotte.

I have called Charlotte home for over a decade and have loved witnessing its vibrant growth. I have found a true passion in nonprofit work, supporting the upward mobility of Charlotte's future at Communities In Schools, after spending 11 years working for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. With a background in education, I am passionate about creating equitable opportunities for students and forming strong connections in Charlotte. My work is now focused on fundraising and relationship-building.  When not working, I enjoy staying active (running, hiking, walking my dog) and exploring all that Charlotte has to offer!