Nonprofit leaders Clark, Dodson to address Wingate graduates in May

Wingate students graduating in May will hear words of wisdom from executives at a couple of Charlotte's most consequential nonprofits. Laura Yates Clark will give the undergraduate commencement address on May 9; Tracy Dodson will address graduate students on May 8.

Both ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. in the Academic Quad.

As president of Foundation for the Carolinas, Clark leads civic-engagement efforts and oversees initiatives for the fifth-largest community foundation in the U.S. Clark works closely with the CEO to set and implement the strategic direction of the organization. She previously served as president and CEO of United Way of Greater Charlotte, leading efforts to improve economic mobility and advance racial equity across four counties.

A Charlotte native, Clark was named the sixth leader in the nearly 90-year history of United Way of Greater Charlotte in August 2018. She joined the United Way team in 2016 as executive vice president and chief impact officer and led the transformation of the organization's community-impact strategy to more directly address economic-mobility challenges across the Charlotte region. Under her leadership, United Way increased its investment to expand two major community initiatives: United Neighborhoods, to drive neighborhood transformation and revitalization, and Unite Charlotte, to improve racial equity and increase social capital.

A proven leader and longtime advocate for children and families, Clark previously served as CEO of the Renaissance West Community Initiative, director of the Larry King Center at Charlotte's Council for Children's Rights, and an earlier stint with United Way as director of evaluation and community impact. She serves on the Purpose Built Communities Board of Directors and the UNC Charlotte Board of Visitors. She has also held leadership roles as chair of the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Charlotte Branch, and as a board member of NC Child and United Way of North Carolina.

Clark earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Appalachian State University and a master's degree in clinical/community psychology from UNC Charlotte. In her downtime, she enjoys reading novels, cooking, traveling to the beach, and relaxing with her rescue dog, Henry.

Dodson joined the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance in early February 2025 as chief operating officer and head of economic development. She oversees economic development, research, marketing, communications, business development, and investor relations for the organization.

A 20-year industry vet, Dodson has a wealth of experience in economic development and real estate across North and South Carolina. Before joining the CRBA, Dodson served as assistant city manager and economic-development director for the City of Charlotte, championing economic-expansion, workforce-development and upward-mobility initiatives.

Notable successes under Dodson's leadership with the City of Charlotte include the relocation of Honeywell's headquarters to Charlotte, along with significant expansions by companies such as LendingTree, AvidXchange and Lowe's, which collectively brought thousands of jobs to the region. Her ability to foster strong partnerships on the local, county, regional and state levels was a driving force in advancing Charlotte's economic prosperity.

Dodson's career also includes leadership roles at Lincoln-Harris and Charlotte Center City Partners. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a master's degree in real estate and urban development from Harvard University.

Learn more about commencement at Wingate University.

March 26, 2026