The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is taking a look at how area businesses are solving problems within our community. Tickets are now on sale for the latest in the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal's 2024 Power Breakfast series titled “Big Challenges.”
When it comes down to it, businesses solve problems. In doing so, they improve the lives of their customers, employees and communities. People don’t normally think about how businesses can address big problems like crime, homelessness and the opioid epidemic, but those problem-solving skills can also be applied beyond business.
Join us at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden as we hear from panelists on how businesses can help with BIG Challenges.
CHIEF KEMBERLE BRADEN
CHIEF OF POLICE FOR THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE
Chief Kemberle Braden started with the Fayetteville Police Department in March 1996 after graduation from Basic Law Enforcement Training. As an officer, he worked in Patrol Operations, Narcotics Vice Suppression Unit, Special Projects Unit and the Neighborhood Improvement Team. Chief Braden was then promoted to sergeant, where he worked in Patrol Operations, the Special Projects Unit and supervised the Gun and Gang Task force assigned to address violent crime throughout the city. The task force became a full-time unit known as the Gun & Gang Violence Unit. Braden was selected to be the new police chief in late 2022 and is committed to working to make Fayetteville a safer place.
STACEY BUCKNER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF OFF-ROAD OUTREACH
Introducing Stacey Buckner, a dedicated individual with a passion for service. Stacey's profound dedication to supporting Veterans led her to establish Off-Road Outreach, a nonprofit Veteran service organization. As the Founder and Executive Director,
she continues to exemplify leadership and compassion. Recently, Stacey was presented her first ever Athena Leadership Award by the Center for Economic and Community Development for her values of leading with integrity, empathy and authenticity.
In 2023, Stacey's impact was recognized on a global scale when she was honored as a CNN Hero, showcasing
her selflessness and commitment to positive change. Locally, she received the 2023 City View Power of Giving Award, highlighting her work with homeless Veterans in the community.
LOUIS C. LEAKE JR.
CLINIC DIRECTOR FOR THE CAROLINA TREATMENT CENTER OF FAYETTEVILLE
Louis Leake is a retired U.S. Army Veteran and after leaving the military became a program director for a year-long faith based therapeutic community program. He has led successful men’s prison ministries and received his Certified Substance Abuse Counselor certification in 2010.
Leake has worked at Carolina Treatment Center in medication assisted treatment for individuals that struggled with opioid use disorder for the past 14 years.
He is currently the clinic director at Carolina Treatment Center in Fayetteville NC, and previously served as an adjunct instructor for “Fundamental Skills of Substance Abuse Counseling” at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Louis was the recipient of the 2010 Addiction Professionals of North Carolina New Outstanding Professional Award in 2011 and the Art of Counseling Award in 2015. He was also given Acadia Healthcare’s “We Succeed as One” award in March of this year.
CRAIG MORRISON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR FAYETTEVILLE AREA OPERATION INASMUCH
Craig Morrison accepted the leadership role as the executive director at Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch on April 1, 2020. With over 20 years in the church world and almost four years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Craig is passionate about empowering the homeless and marginalized communities through coaching and leadership development. As the Executive Director at Operation Inasmuch, he oversees the strategic direction, fundraising, and operations of a faith-based organization that provides shelter, food, clothing, and other services to the homeless in Fayetteville, NC. Craig also leverages his credentials as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a Life Younique Coach to mentor and train staff, volunteers, and clients, helping them discover and pursue their God-given potential and purpose. Craig enjoys the challenge of facilitating organizational and community transformation, as well as seeing the Body of Christ show up every day to demonstrate the love of Jesus with the Inasmuch family. Prior to coming to Inasmuch, Craig served for 13 years as the Minister with Youth at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church.
-------------------------------------------------------
Tickets are available now and going fast. Order your tickets by going online to fayettevillepowerbreakfast.com.
Join us as we get to know these community leaders and learn what we can do to help them help our community.
Photo provided by magnific.comWith Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, I’d like to give a shoutout to my wonderful mom, who has done so much to shape me into the person I am today. My mom, Jeanne Meador, is a brilliant example of a selfless, in
At center, Chancellor Darrell T. Allison and Juanette Council, Ed.D., vice chancellor for student affairs, cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand reopening of Fayetteville State University's newly renovated Spaulding Building, joined by campus leaders
FCEDC has officially moved its staff and operations to 611 W. Russell St. The 35,800- square-foot center was previously home to Homemakers Furniture and Interiors. Renovations began in the fall of 2025 and are expected to be completed in the next six to eight months. Currently, FCEDC staff are working within an open 7,500-square-foot floor plan as initial improvements progress.
