Triad Business Journal’s 2016 Most Influential People

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The Triad Business Journal this morning released the 2016 list of the Piedmont Triad’s Most Influential People. Started 13 years ago, the list has grown from 50 names to almost 100 this year. The designation is meant to recognize leaders who contribute significantly to the growth and prosperity of the Triad area.


Honorees include business and community leaders and philanthropic champions, representing a broad cross-section of industries and roles within the Triad economy.

Wake Forest Innovation Quarter’s mission is to drive economic growth and build vibrant community by partnering with these—and other—influential people.

Congratulations to members of the Innovation Quarter community and members of partner organizations and institutions who made the Triad Business Journal’s Most Influential People of 2016:

  • Anthony Atala, director, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine
  • Lindsay Bierman, chancellor, UNC School of the Arts
  • Dave Carroll, director, Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials
  • Gary Green, president, Forsyth Technical Community College
  • Nathan Hatch, president, Wake Forest University
  • John McConnell, chief executive officer, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
  • Cathy Pace, president, Allegacy Federal Credit Union
  • Elwood Robinson, chancellor, Winston-Salem State University
  • Eric Tomlinson, president, Wake Forest Innovation Quarter

Each of these individuals have contributed significantly to the growth of the Piedmont Triad region, and their influence is representative of many others in the community who are dedicated to improving all areas of life within the Triad.

“It’s a privilege to be included on this year’s list with such dedicated and motivated people,” says Eric Tomlinson, president of the Innovation Quarter. “That so many in or connected to the Innovation Quarter are recognized is a reflection of the impact our innovation district is having on the city of Winston-Salem and the Piedmont Triad.”

Read the entire list of this year’s Most Influential People and learn more about their contributions to the Triad.