Keynote Speakers | Annual Convention

Princess Castleberry, global speaker and author on leadership performance and behavioral risk

Princess Castleberry is a global speaker on leadership performance and behavioral risk, trusted by world-class organizations to help their teams uncover behavioral triggers and make smarter decisions — with less stress, misalignment and conflict waste. What sets Princess apart is the depth of her expertise: a rare blend of international business, instructional design and wellness counseling.

Kyle Carpenter, author and Medal of Honor recipient

In 2010, Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter threw himself on a grenade to save a fellow Marine during a Taliban attack in Afghanistan. He lost his right eye, most of his lower jaw and teeth, and his right arm was shattered. In 2014, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, making him the youngest living recipient of our country’s highest military honor. He has since published an autobiography, You Are Worth It: Building A Life Worth Fighting For, and launched his own podcast, The Kyle Carpenter Podcast, both about overcoming adversity and forging a life of joyful purpose.

Kelley Earnhardt Miller, co-owner and CEO, JR Motorsports 

Kelley Earnhardt Miller oversees the JR Motorsports race team, management team and business ventures for her brother, Dale Earnhardt Jr. In 2007, the Associated Press referred to Kelley as “one of the most powerful people in the sport of NASCAR.” She co-hosted Beyond Racing, which aired on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and released a book, Drive: 9 Lessons to Win in Business and in Life. Kelley serves as chairman and incorporating director of blueharbor bank.

Frank B. Holding, Jr., chairman and CEO, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. and First Citizens Bank

Frank B. Holding, Jr. is chairman and CEO of First Citizens Bank and its parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. He leads the largest family-controlled bank in the nation, with more than 17,000 associates and 500-plus branches nationwide. BancShares (NASDAQ: FCNCA) is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. Elected chairman in February 2009, Frank guides the company with a focus on a disciplined approach to banking, strong asset quality, a long-term perspective and attention to the needs of customers. Prior to his current duties, Holding was elected president of First Citizens in 1994. Frank currently serves as a member of the Wake Forest University Board of Trustees and the Mount Olive Pickle Company, Inc., Board of Directors. He is a past chairman of the North Carolina Chamber and a past chairman and member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Board of Trustees.

Zack Kass, Advisor, Futurist, former head of GTM at OpenAI

Zack Kass is passionate about helping individuals, businesses and governments understand and harness the power of AI. As an executive business advisor, Zack works with companies including Coca-Cola and Morgan Stanley to help their executives deploy AI at scale and navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape. In his previous role as Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, Zack led the teams responsible for sales, partnerships and customer success, turning the company’s research into business solutions.