ERICA ACIE
Erica Acie is head of retail origination for Truist Financial Corporation. She oversees both the direct and retail origination teams and is responsible for the financial priority of the mortgage organization. Acie focuses on building and retaining strong talent by developing and implementing strategies for talent acquisition, training, performance standards, and promoting employee engagement. She maintains collaborative working relationships to drive excellent client satisfaction in an ever-changing digital environment. Lastly, her passion is to drive better lives and communities.
She was named a 2023 Industry Titan by National Mortgage Professionals. With more than 27 years of experience in the mortgage industry ranging from servicing, originations, compliance, fulfillment operations, and post-closing, Acie has spent the last 20 years having strategic oversight of mortgage originations including consumer direct, retail production, wealth, and home equity lending with prominent industry competitors.
DARRICK MCDANIEL
In the dynamic landscape of Cleveland’s workforce development and community engagement, Darrick McDaniel stands out as a guiding force, intricately weaving a narrative of passion, resilience, and a commitment to social justice. His multifaceted journey, rich in both public service and event management, tells a story that transcends the ordinary.
Embracing a new role, Darrick now serves as the Recruiting and Development Manager for the City of Cleveland Civil Service Commission. In this capacity, he aids job seekers in identifying and leveraging their strengths and skills to benefit the City of Cleveland, fostering individual career success. His responsibilities span recruiting, onboarding, and training on new HR technologies, showcasing a unique blend of analytical and people skills
DANIELLE MCGEE
Meet Danielle McGee, a distinguished small business advocate, entrepreneur, and Tennessee State University professor. Renowned for founding Black Business Boom, she empowers Black-owned businesses through training and mentorship. With an MBA and over 15 years of experience, Danielle has earned awards for entrepreneurship and social media influence. Her visionary leadership extends to Boomin University and Black-Owned Nashville, demonstrating her commitment to fostering business growth.
As a certified digital marketer, Danielle’s workshops and coaching sessions empower entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. Outside work, this Chicago native, now in Nashville since 2016, enjoys global travel and quality time with loved ones.
JAMES ADAMS, JR.
James Adams, Jr. is an accomplished graphic designer renowned for his impactful contributions to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Monsters. His innovative design prowess has reshaped the visual identity of both teams, leaving an indelible mark on their branding landscape. James is celebrated for co-creating the prestigious Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award, showcasing his commitment to social advocacy through design.
He played a pivotal role in crafting the iconic 1967 Cleveland Summit Table monument, commemorating a significant historical event. With an unparalleled eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, James continues to elevate the fan experience and amplify the teams’ messages through his creative vision. His dedication to merging creativity with purpose underscores his influence as a trailblazing force in sports design.
