Our Leaders: Who’s Behind the Mission 

Ascension's Board of Directors exemplifies unparalleled leadership, combining diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to the organization's mission. With visionary guidance from CEO James Scruggs, a seasoned leader in real estate development and community empowerment, and Torrey Feimster, the CEO of Ascension CDC, the board steers Ascension towards transformative impact. Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences, contributing to strategic decision-making and ensuring Ascension remains at the forefront of attainable housing initiatives in Charlotte. Their collective leadership fosters innovation, resilience, and inclusivity, driving Ascension's mission to empower communities and create sustainable change.

  • Hugh McColl Sr. III

    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    As Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Falfurrias Capital Partners, Hugh McColl Sr. III's business acumen and leadership experience provide a solid foundation for Ascension’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

  • James Scruggs

    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    As the CEO of Kingdom Development Partners, James Scruggs brings a wealth of experience in real estate development. His leadership has been pivotal in the establishment of Ascension, and his dedication to the Charlotte community is evident through his ongoing contributions to local development and housing initiatives.

  • Liz Ward

    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Liz Ward, the founder of Give Impact Advisory Services, is known for her strategic approach to philanthropy and community service. Her experience in impact advisory positions her as a valuable asset to Ascension, guiding our strategies to deliver meaningful community benefits.

  • Charles Woodyard

    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Charles Woodyard, serving as the President and CEO of Charlotte Housing Authority, offers a deep understanding of housing policy and development. His expertise is instrumental in aligning Ascension’s goals with broader housing initiatives for greater community impact.

  • Greg Kilpatrick

    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    A Partner and Chair of Securities and Capital Markets at McGuireWoods, Greg Kilpatrick's legal acumen and capital markets expertise are invaluable to Ascension. His guidance ensures that our financial strategies and governance are executed with the utmost integrity and foresight.

  • Torrey Feimster

    STRATEGIC ADVISOR

    A champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Torrey Feimster currently serves as a special advisor or "loaned executive" from Global Endowment Management (GEM) as part of Ascension’s Loaned Executive Program. With a profound background in finance and a heartfelt commitment to community advocacy, Torrey leads Ascension with a focus on bridging housing and wealth gaps through inclusive growth and generational wealth creation. His extensive experience at GEM has honed his skills in promoting equitable access to financial services. Torrey’s leadership at Ascension is characterized by his belief in diversity as an asset and his dedication to using equity and inclusion as powerful tools to unlock potential and drive meaningful impact.