2008    Michael Tarwater, CEO, Carolinas HealthCare System

2007    Glenn H. Burkins, Deputy Managing Editor, The Charlotte Observer

2006    Bertram L. Scott, Executive Vice President of Strategy, Implementation, and Policy, TIAA-CREF

2005    Roberta Bowman, Vice President of External Relations for Duke Energy

2004    Mark W. Erwin, Erwin Capital, Inc.

2003    David L. Bruner, Chairman, Goodrich Corporation

2002    H. Allen Tate, Jr., CEO, Allen Tate Company

2001    Harvey Gantt, FAIA, Partner, Gantt Huberman Architects

2000    Vicki Wilson-McElreath, Office Managing Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP

1998    Howard Haworth, Former President & CEO, Drexel Heritage Furnishings, Inc.

1997    Paul F. Betzold, President and CEO, Presbyterian Hospital and Presbyterian Healthcare System

1996    William E. Simms, President, Risk Management Products Group

1995    Marshall A. Rauch, Founder, Rauch Industries, Inc.

1994    Johnie H. Jones, Chairman of the Board, J. A. Jones Construction Co.

1993    William R. Holland, Chairman and CEO, United Dominion Industries

1992    William S. Lee, Chairman and President, Duke Power Company

1991    Joseph H. Patterson, President, Technical Fibers Group Hoechst Celanese Corporation

1990    Peter D. Relic, Superintendent, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

1989    John Lewis, Managing Partner, Arthur Andersen & Company