2026 Industry Forecast Breakfast: State of the Triad

Guest Speakers:

Cyril Jefferson, City of High Point

Mayor Jefferson is a husband, father, and award-winning social innovator whose life has been dedicated to impacting others, creating opportunities, and mobilizing resources (over $22 million) for social change.

As Founder & Principal at Change Often – Social Innovation Firm, Jefferson leads the company’s Innovation BrainTrust in solving social and economic challenges through collaborative solutions and comprehensive capacity-building services. Working in spaces where the bottom line prioritizes “lives saved over dollars made,” the Change Often team helps bring to life the ideas that impact our world for the good.

Though he has received numerous awards and honors, including a National Distinguished Service Award and being named to the prestigious Hunt State Policy Fellowship, the greatest to date came when voters in the 2023 High Point City Elections made him the youngest person to ever be elected Mayor of High Point, North Carolina.

As Mayor, Jefferson is committed to leading the city to a brighter future through collaboration and creative problem-solving while celebrating the work of its residents and embracing the belief that what we create in High Point changes the world.

Mayor Jefferson is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, holds a number of certifications related to consulting & corporate training, and has delivered keynote presentations & motivational addresses to more than 25,000 souls across the United States. Living the words of Winston Churchill, he and his wife, Raven, teach their two sons that “to improve is to change; to perfect is to change often.”

Loren Hill, Carolina Core

Loren Hill has worked for more than 27 years in economic development in central North Carolina.

• For nearly 5 years, he has worked for the Piedmont Triad Partnership as Carolina Core Regional Economic Development Director.
• He works with 19 counties and parts of adjacent counties.
• Prior to his current role, Loren served for 20 years as President of the High Point Economic Development Corporation.

Loren is a Jamestown/High Point native and served two terms as a Town of Jamestown councilman in the 1990’s.

Before his economic development career, he served as:

• Vice President of Public Policy and Communication for the Greensboro Chamber; 
• Marriott hotel eneral manager in Arizona, California, New York, Virginia, and North Carolina; and
• Governmental affairs director for five Triad real estate trade associations in the 1990’s – including the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association.

Chris Burns, Willow Bridge Property Company

Panelists:

Sarah Wolfe DuBose, McGuire Woods Consulting, LLC.

As a Vice President at McGuire Woods Consulting and the Director of Government Affairs for the Apartment Association of North Carolina, Sarah leads AANC’s advocacy before the North Carolina General Assembly and state agencies. She develops and executes strategies to advance the Association’s policy priorities and serves as the primary liaison to lawmakers, regulators, and key stakeholders.

Sarah brings extensive experience in state government relations, having worked across a wide range of industries including housing, health care, transportation, engineering, and water resources. Her background also includes working closely with governments entities, trade associations, and both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

In addition to her legislative expertise, Sarah has a strong background in public affairs, with deep skills in strategic communications, coalition building, stakeholder engagement, and issues management. She is particularly adept at translating complex policy issues into clear, accessible materials that resonate with policymakers, members, and the public.

Calvin McCrae, Greater Winston Salem, Inc.

Calvin McRae II is delighted to work in public policy with over 15 years of experience shaping strategies at the intersection of government, business, and community change. He began his career on federal and state electoral races before moving into Washington, D.C.–based consulting, where he managed nationwide policy initiatives across industries including healthcare, green energy, financial services, technology, and faith-based engagement.

Today, Calvin serves as Vice President of Public Policy at Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., where he partners with elected officials and business leaders to create one of the most competitive business climates in North Carolina. In this role, he brings subject matter expertise in economic development and a strong track record of advancing complex policy priorities into actionable results for the community.

Calvin’s leadership extends beyond his professional role. He is deeply invested in the civic and cultural fabric of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, serving on numerous boards and commissions including: Commissioner on the Forsyth County Utilities Commission; Trustee of Forsyth Tech Community College; Board of Directors for Go Global NC; Board Chair of Kaleideum; Board of Directors for Truist’s Triad Advisory Council; Board of Directors for Face to Face by Wake Forest University; and the Executive Board of the Winston-Salem Police Foundation. In these roles, Calvin is recognized for building coalitions, guiding strategy, and driving initiatives that strengthen education, innovation, and public safety.

Calvin is passionate about ensuring policy and civic leadership deliver tangible benefits for families and businesses alike. Beyond his professional and civic commitments, Calvin and his wife, Mo, love traveling the globe with their daughter Emma, “the coolest kid the world has seen.” He is also an avid supporter of Barcelona football, Carolina basketball, and enjoys fitness, good food, and walks with his very good dog.

Rachel Collins, Business High Point Chamber of Commerce

Rachel Collins, IOM, is a dynamic and accomplished leader with over sixteen years of experience in executive leadership roles. In 2023, she was named President & CEO of Business High Point – Chamber of Commerce and Congdon Yards, following a decade-long tenure as Chief Operating Officer. Throughout her career at the Chamber, Rachel has spearheaded transformative economic development and social capital initiatives, including the creation of the Congdon Yards campus.

The Congdon Yards campus, a $65 million private philanthropic investment, stands as a testament to Rachel's vision and leadership. Home to more than fifty businesses and continuing to grow, the campus was established to foster entrepreneurship, cultivate social capital, drive economic development, and revitalize downtown High Point. Under Rachel's leadership, Business High Point – Chamber of Commerce has become a pivotal force in the city's rapid growth and revitalization, serving as the leading voice for business and a crucial connector between public and private partnerships that fuel ongoing progress.

Rachel's exceptional contributions have earned her significant accolades and recognition. She is a recipient of the 40 Leaders Under 40 award, the Outstanding Woman in Business award, and has been named a Triad Power Player by the Triad Business Journal in both 2023 and 2024. On a national scale, Rachel was honored as a BizWomen Headliner by the Triad Business Journal, distinguishing her as one of thirty-nine women across the country recognized for excellence in public and private service.

With a steadfast commitment to fostering collaboration and driving positive change, Rachel Collins continues to shape the future of High Point through innovative leadership and a dedication to empowering businesses and the community. 

Moderated by:

Samantha Simpson, Brownlee, Whitlow & Praet, PLLC.

Samantha’s practice focuses on the representation of residential and commercial property owners and managers throughout the State of North Carolina and South Carolina. Samantha joined Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC in August 2018 as an associate attorney in the Charlotte office and, in 2024, became Partner and Director of the North Carolina Landlord/Tenant Department. In this role, she manages 11 attorneys and 8 paralegals. Samantha also sits on multiple committees with various local affiliates within the industry, including her seat as the Chair of PTAA’s G&IA Committee.

Samantha was born and raised in Eagle River, Alaska and attended college at the University of Alaska Anchorage before attending Charlotte School of Law. In her ‘spare time’, her and her husband operate a successful custom home building business in the greater Charlotte Area and volunteer for the local Pop Warner youth football program. When not working, they enjoy a good meal with friends or relaxing on the front porch with a bourbon.