Join other CEOs and business leaders in the Mid Atlantic area who are building great businesses for a greater purpose.

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It can be lonely at the top, but it doesn’t have to be.

We know leaders limit their potential when they lead from isolation. But, when surrounded by trusted advisors with a common goal and a biblical worldview, they can maximize performance and energize cultures. With faith as the foundation, this powerful group of peers meet in an exclusive, confidential forums around coastal North Carolina and Virginia to have their questions answered and their answers questioned.

Chairs

Business Forum Leaders in the Mid Atlantic Area

STEVE CALHOUN

At the age of 30, after being raised in a Christian home, Steve realized his relationship with Christ was not…

STEVE CALHOUN

At the age of 30, after being raised in a Christian home, Steve realized his relationship with Christ was not real and true.  Once he realized his need for Christ, Steve surrendered everything in his life to Him and thankfully has never gotten over it.  Steve has served the local church in various lay capacities including several Bible study group start-ups and was instrumental in a local church plant. A native of Rocky Mount, NC, Steve earned his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 1990 and his MBA from Liberty University in 2007.  He was a contributing author of Essentials of International Business (Satterlee, 2006) and has obtained many professional certifications in the insurance and financial services industry over the past 20 years.  Steve served the insurance industry for 18 years in various sales and service capacities with Equitable Life and NC Farm Bureau, and managed all aspects of claims service in eastern NC for Erie Insurance.  Steve also pursued his entrepreneurial spirit during the 1990’s by providing various services to local jewelry stores in eastern North Carolina. More recently, Steve and his family lived in China for three years where he primarily worked with Chinese business owners to bridge relationships with U.S. counterparts.  While in China, he explored much of Chinese culture and language all while studying the business practices of Chinese companies. His experience in China gave Steve a unique opportunity to lead and disciple Chinese believers in their walk with Jesus Christ. Many years ago, God placed a desire in Steve’s heart to combine excellent business and marketplace ministry knowing the impact that the marketplace can have in expanding God’s Kingdom.  With Steve’s varied educational past and experience in both business and ministry, he has much to bring to the table in helping C12 members, Build Great Businesses for a Greater Purpose. Steve and his wife, Beth, have been happily married for 16 years.  They have been blessed with three sons and two daughters.  Beth is a full-time mother and homemaker and enjoys homeschooling their children.

ROBERT BEAMAN

Since becoming a Christian at age 29, Robert Beaman has extensive retail business and share group facilitation experience. Robert says,…

ROBERT BEAMAN

Since becoming a Christian at age 29, Robert Beaman has extensive retail business and share group facilitation experience. Robert says, “My adventure with Christ has been the most exciting adventure imaginable.” Having served as President and EVP of large regional retail chains, Robert led significant growth initiatives in unit growth, sales expansion, expense reduction and a TQM process that saw dramatic improvement in employee morale and turnover. Robert retired from his business career in 2001 and served as Executive pastor of Englewood Baptist Church for five years. In 2006 Robert launched the C12 franchise for Eastern North Carolina. Since that launch, C12 East Carolina, now C12 Mid Atlantic, has become one of C12’s largest franchise territories now serving more than 300 Business Owners and Key Players. He says “C12 has been the most rewarding and fulfilling part of my business career”. Robert is married to Janet, his high school sweetheart. They have two daughters and six grandchildren. His hobbies include time with grand kids, rose gardening, hunting, and fishing. Robert currently serves on two boards, a local nonprofit, Your Choice Resource Center and an advisory board for a multi-state family owned business with more than 10,000 employees.

JIM STEELE

Jim comes to C12 from having served for the prior decade as VP for a midsized insurance company, where he…

JIM STEELE

Jim comes to C12 from having served for the prior decade as VP for a midsized insurance company, where he had responsibility for strategic planning, execution, P&L, and the corporate flight department. He also operated a small general aviation airport during this same period which served the needs of customers and the community. In these roles Jim’s greatest contributions were in the areas of team-building and organizational development. Preparation for those duties began in the United States Air Force where he served for 22 years in a variety of command, staff and leadership positions. Most of Jim’s career was in the operational arena, but he also gained significant experience in human resources and personnel policy matters while working at the highest levels within the Department of Defense. A devoted student of leadership, Jim has been actively engaged in small group studies and mentoring relationships for over 25 years. He holds graduate degrees in Management from Webster University and in Education from East Carolina University. He is also a graduate of the National War College where he completed graduate level studies in National Security Strategy and Policy Formulation. Although a professional aviator for more than 35 years, Jim’s passion is not flying it’s people. It’s his desire to see lives and businesses transformed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brought Jim to C12. He joined the C12 team in 2009 as an Area Chair to help further develop C12’s business as ministry service to Christian CEOs in the eastern part of North Carolina. Jim lives in Kinston, NC with his wife, Judy. They have been blessed with two terrific children, Jeff and Julie, as well as five marvelous munchkins (their code name for grandchildren).

RANDY CASE

Randy began leading the C12 Group Tidewater in 2007 to help leaders renew their minds, hearts, and vision to better serve…

RANDY CASE

Randy began leading the C12 Group Tidewater in 2007 to help leaders renew their minds, hearts, and vision to better serve God in their business. He began his career in finance working on Wall Street for Merrill Lynch, in M&A for Marshall and Co. in Atlanta, and as Chief Financial Officer for IMG Ltd, an Information Services company based in Switzerland. After turning his life to God in mid-career, Randy moved with his wife and children to Philadelphia to earn a Ph.D. at Wharton.  He taught Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy, and Leadership for the next 20 years at Wharton, Boston College, and Regent University.  As a professor, researcher, and consultant his chief passion was helping leaders take the personal and organizational risk of innovating in the face of uncertainty. Today, Randy leads C12 Groups that challenge and encourage business executives in Richmond and Coastal Virginia to change and grow: their business, their leadership in family and culture, their relationship with God. Having struggled mightily to grow throughout his life, he now has the great privilege of coming alongside business leaders and growing with them. Randy holds a BS from UVA, an MBA from Columbia and a Ph.D. from Wharton. He was trained in Transformational Leadership Coaching at Regent University and co-authored “The Christian on Monday Morning: Essential Readings for Living the Faith at Work.”  Randy and his wife, Shelley, open their home in Williamsburg to 20-somethings who want to get to know them and each other in community. Shelley is the gift God gave him that makes all the trials worthwhile. Their daughter Emily is a nurse in Charlottesville, and their son Andrew is a health care consultant in Richmond.

RALPH MILLER

Ralph brings a unique blend of credentials to his role as C12 Chair in southeastern Virginia – entrepreneurial business founder/CEO,…

RALPH MILLER

Ralph brings a unique blend of credentials to his role as C12 Chair in southeastern Virginia – entrepreneurial business founder/CEO, university Bible instructor and top gun fighter pilot. Ralph’s life purpose is to honor Christ by building Kingdom Builders in the marketplace. Ralph learned to integrate Christian faith and Biblical principles into business leadership during 15 years as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Regent University’s Graduate School of Business, where he had opportunities to teach Christian values, entrepreneurship, and international business. This role followed seven years of teaching Bible and church history at Regent University’s School of Divinity, where Ralph taught the whole counsel of God and pioneered a distance learning Bible survey course for hundreds of Divinity graduate students. Prior to this time, Ralph had 20 years of business experience, as CEO of RAM Aviation and board member of various public and private companies, as well as six years as a US Navy fighter pilot serving on USS Forrestal. During 50 years of life’s challenges and successes, Ralph learned that I can’t (didn’t), but He can (did), and He is in me and I am in Him. The pastor who led Ralph to the Lord helped him to learn this truth and gain the courage to follow the Lord in anything that would enhance the Kingdom. In roles with Regent University and C12, Ralph’s greatest contribution has been encouraging entrepreneurs to build His Kingdom by being everything they can be for Christ in the marketplace. He has been with C12 since 1999. Ralph holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia, an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Regent University, and is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Flight training School. Ralph and his wife Cathy live in Charlottesville, Virginia.

JOHN BERRY

John is a visionary high impact problem solver. He is a lifelong entrepreneur with a deep drive to build, grow,…

JOHN BERRY

John is a visionary high impact problem solver. He is a lifelong entrepreneur with a deep drive to build, grow, and maximize opportunities. John has bought sold and developed numerous businesses as well as being president of his family’s software business which he helped exit to a Venture Capital group. With decades of business experience and a Bible degree, John became a C12 Chair in 2016. He has served everything from billion-dollar enterprises to bootstrapping startups. They have spanned a wide gamut including industrial, insurance, software, manufacturing, retail, trades, professional services, non-profit, franchise restaurants, and government contracting. He has encountered virtually every business situation imaginable including multiple mergers, acquisitions, buyouts, transitions and exits, yet he would say the most fulfilling part of being a C12 Chair is “seeing life transformation in members and their families.” John has been married to the love of his life, Jill since 1992, they have two grown children, and he resides in Wilmington, North Carolina with their fur baby, Gabby. John is stirred in his heart to keep going deeper in his calling to serve others from this passage “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

ED NAYLOR

A number of years ago God encouraged Ed to live fully for Christ and revealed that worship, family, hobbies and…

ED NAYLOR

A number of years ago God encouraged Ed to live fully for Christ and revealed that worship, family, hobbies and career should be lived integrated with and revolving around Christ solely to glorify Him and His Kingdom. The first step was to use Ed’s business, a successful law practice, to further God’s purposes by engaging in marketplace ministry. Several years later, prompted by God’s call, Ed closed his law practice and entered the world of higher education, serving as Vice President of Student Affairs and Legal Affairs/ Dean of Students at a private Christian College. Ed was responsible for all areas of student life experience, including security, housing, food services, student programing, student conduct, spiritual life and others managing a budget of over 4 million dollars and leading 25 team members. The son of an entrepreneur, Ed grew up in eastern North Carolina and graduated from East Carolina University and North Carolina Central School of Law. A promising baseball career was derailed by lack of talent but lead to a lifelong passion for the sport and coaching youth baseball and soccer. Ed serves his local church facilitating study groups, teaching and serving as a Director. Ed has been happily married for 28 years to the love of his life, Sheryl, they have two adult children, Jonathan and Hannah.

DEWEY CLARK

Dr. Dewey Clark is a native of eastern North Carolina and grew up on a tobacco farm. Dewey attended North…

DEWEY CLARK

Dr. Dewey Clark is a native of eastern North Carolina and grew up on a tobacco farm. Dewey attended North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, NC, and graduated with Honors with degrees in Business Administration and History. After graduation Dewey worked for the college as Dean of Admissions for 7 years while working on his MBA from Campbell University. In 1990 Dewey went to work for the $100 million customized food distributor, MBM, Inc., as a financial analyst. Over 24 years he served as Senior Operations Analyst, CFO, Regional Director of Operations, and Vice President of Strategic Planning. By 2012 MBM had grown to $7 billion and was sold to Warren Buffett’s McLane. MBM was servicing restaurant chains like Chickfila, Arby’s, Burger King, and Red Lobster. Dewey stayed at MBM until 2014 when he became President of North Carolina Wesleyan College, his alma mater. He is married to Suzanne and has a daughter, Blakely, and a son Nick. In November 2021 grandson, Levi was added to the family.

DANIEL HENEGHAN

With more than 35 years of C-level executive marketing and sales leadership within start-up health care information, software, and services…

DANIEL HENEGHAN

With more than 35 years of C-level executive marketing and sales leadership within start-up health care information, software, and services companies, Dan’s career responsibilities have included P&L, market positioning, sales planning, product development, account management, and annual revenue sales goal achievements for various companies. Dan is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (BA-History 1979), and he and his wife Nell of 32 years have raised four daughters – Elynor, Lauren, Bridget and Annalee – and three grandsons (Teddy, Oliver and Hunters). Currently living in Wilmington NC, Dan and Nell worship at Cornerstone Baptist Church and serve & support in various capacities both local church and international mission ministries. Dan and Nell are planning to relocate to Virginia during the Fall of 2022 to support Dan’s Associate Chair opportunity as C12 expands into the Richmond and surrounding VA counties market under the direction of C12’s Mid-Atlantic cadre.  Personal mission statement: “With joy & zeal, I will glorify the Trinity – Father God, Jesus the Christ, & the Holy Spirit – in all that I think, say, and do.”

BRANDON GRAY

Brandon Gray serves as a Chair with C12 Business Forums in Eastern North Carolina. C12 is the world’s largest peer-learning…

BRANDON GRAY

Brandon Gray serves as a Chair with C12 Business Forums in Eastern North Carolina. C12 is the world’s largest peer-learning organization for Christian CEOs, business owners, and executives, serving 4,000 members throughout the United States and internationally. Brandon has been serving as a C12 Chair since 2023 and currently serves 24 members in 2 CEO forums and 2 key player forums. Before joining C12, Brandon served as CEO of Firm Software Inc., an internationally known accounting practice management software platform. Brandon is also a spirited Entrepreneur while serving as an active CPA/ Shareholder of GroupBGC, a regional CPA practice in Eastern NC. Under Brandon’s leadership, these companies experienced exponential growth while fostering a Christ-centered culture. Brandon’s background also includes experience in the construction and investment industries. Throughout Brandon’s career, he has been a sought-after coach and mentor in the areas of accounting, business development, and leadership. Additionally, Brandon actively serves various non-profit organizations, including the Eastern Wayne Sanitary District and New Hope Volunteer Fire Department where he serves as a Chief Officer. Brandon lives in LaGrange, NC, with his wife Jessica. They have 3 children, Delaney, Emalyn, and Olivia, and lots of farm animals. Brandon’s life verse is, “Be Still and Know That I am God” – Psalm 46:10

CLEVE FOLGER

Cleve Folger serves as Chair with C12 Business Forums at the North Carolina Crystal Coast. C12 is the world’s largest…

CLEVE FOLGER

Cleve Folger serves as Chair with C12 Business Forums at the North Carolina Crystal Coast. C12 is the world’s largest peer-learning organization for Christian CEOs, business owners, and executives, serving 4,000 members throughout the United States and internationally. Cleve his bringing C12 to the Crystal Coast and New Bern areas for the first time. After retiring for five years, Cleve received God’s calling to focus on Business as Ministry by bringing biblical principles to the business marketplace. Prior to retirement, Cleve was President of TriSure Corporation; a large regional insurance broker. Under his leadership, the company grew into the largest privately owned commercial insurance agency in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area. Cleve’s experience also includes management and leadership training, executive coaching and personality profile assessments. Additionally, Cleve is actively serving as Stewardship Chair at Swansboro United Methodist Church and Stephen Ministry Leader. He has served as chair of multiple non-profit boards including First Tee, Morrisville Chamber of Commerce and NC Independent Agents Association. Cleve lives in Swansboro with his wife Linda and Sassy, a five-year-old Shitzu. They have one child, Meredith, and one grandchild, Ava, who now resides in Orange Beach, Alabama. Cleve’s life verse is, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Psalms 3:5

DANNY JACKSON

Prior to joining C12,Danny Jackson served as President/CEO of Jackson and Sons, the premier HVAC service provider in eastern North…

DANNY JACKSON

Prior to joining C12,Danny Jackson served as President/CEO of Jackson and Sons, the premier HVAC service provider in eastern North Carolina. As CEO, Danny was responsible for $14 mil in revenue and 60 coworkers. Under Danny’s leadership, Jackson and Sons was recognized as an Industry leader with revenues growing from $3 mil. to $14 mil. Throughout Danny’s career he has been a sought-after coach,mentor and trainer in the HVAC industry, serving as peer advisory group chairs and speaking at national association events. Additionally, Danny has served president of the Tuscarora Council of Boy Scouts of America, Fire Chief of Indian Springs Fire Department. Danny currently serves as the Mayor of the Village of Walnut Creek, Finance Chair for Garris Chapel Church, and serves on the board of the Refuge. Danny lives in the Village of Walnut Creek, Goldsboro with Stephanie. They have 2 daughters, Jennifer, Jordan and 3 grandchildren. Danny’s life verse is Philippians 4:8.

TONY PONSIGLIONE

Tony Ponsiglione serves as a Chair with C12 Business Forums in the Richmond/Central VA area. C12 is the world’s largest…

TONY PONSIGLIONE

Tony Ponsiglione serves as a Chair with C12 Business Forums in the Richmond/Central VA area. C12 is the world’s largest peer-learning organization for Christian CEOs, business owners, and executives, serving 4,000 members throughout the United States and internationally. Prior to joining C12, Tony served as the Chief People Officer for the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) the national not for profit organization that serves as the US Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) responsible for life saving organ transplants for the United States. In that role he managed the Organ Placement, Patient and Member Relations, Policy Development, Communications and Philanthropy, Human Resources and Professional Development teams. Tony’s background also includes experience in a number of leadership roles in several Fortune 500 companies, nationally and internationally in a variety of industries. Throughout Tony’s career, he has demonstrated an interest and ability to learn different businesses and apply concepts and principles across those industries. He has been a key advisor to the CEO’s in those organizations, and an impactful member of each of the leadership teams in those companies. Tony grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and lived and worked in London and Denver prior to moving to Richmond in 2004 with his wife Paula. Tony and Paula have four children living in VA, and one living in CA and expect the arrival of their eighth grandchild in the spring of 2025. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” Philippians 4:2-3 are the verses that have directed Tony’s leadership and decision making throughout his career. 

DOUG HAGEDORN

Doug Hagedorn serves as the C12 Chair for C12 Business Forums in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk region. C12 is the world’s…

DOUG HAGEDORN

Doug Hagedorn serves as the C12 Chair for C12 Business Forums in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk region. C12 is the world’s largest peer-learning organization for Christian CEOs, business owners, and executives, with over 4,000 members across the United States and internationally. Before joining C12, Doug held senior director and leadership roles at several Fortune 500 companies, including Raytheon and Texas Instruments, where he was responsible for $1 billion in material revenue and managed over 100 employees. His leadership spanned numerous initiatives focused on revenue growth, margin improvement, strategy, metrics, technology, organizational and cultural transformation, change management, talent development, learning and training, team facilitation, and business operations. Throughout his career, Doug has been a sought-after coach and mentor in aerospace and defense leadership, supply chain management, operations, discipleship, and helping individuals find meaning in life through discovering their purpose and calling. Doug’s entrepreneurial background includes co-founding a K-12 private school that grew to 400 students, authoring three books, and creating online courses on leadership and purpose. He has also taught at several universities, including Dallas Baptist University, LeTourneau University, and Norfolk Bible College. Doug holds a PhD in Leadership Studies and an MBA. In addition to his professional endeavors, Dr. Doug actively serves as the board chairman of Cornerstone Christian Academy and has held various leadership positions in church and ministry organizations. He and his wife, Dana, reside in Virginia Beach and have three children. Doug enjoys the outdoors/beach, baseball, golf, and reading in his spare time. Doug’s life verse embodies his servant leadership philosophy: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30).

KELLY CHESTNUT

Kelly Chestnut serves as the Chair for forums in Northeastern North Carolina to include the Outer Banks and Elizabeth City. He is a…

KELLY CHESTNUT

Kelly Chestnut serves as the Chair for forums in Northeastern North Carolina to include the Outer Banks and Elizabeth City. He is a seasoned servant leader and distinguished professional in financial government accounting, operations research, cost estimation, and strategic planning. Kelly served as a Senior Analyst for the Army National Guard Headquarters in Arlington, VA, where he oversaw the statistical analysis and financial modeling of an $11.1 billion portfolio within the Department of Defense’s Planning, Programming, Budget, and Execution (PPBE) framework. His analytical leadership supported critical resource planning, cost forecasting, and budget execution guidance across the Army National Guard’s personnel programs. Kelly brings a rare blend of military, governmental, non-profit, and private-sector experience. His career spans roles of increasing responsibility, including leading multi-disciplinary teams, supervising federal and contract employees, and managing operations across diverse settings—from the Pentagon to senior level operations leadership at RaceTrac Petroleum. As an Operations Research/Systems Analysis (ORSA) expert, he provided strategic insight to senior decision-makers in both peacetime and high-pressure fiscal environments, defending multi-billion dollar programs and optimizing performance through data-driven decisions. Noteworthy is his groundbreaking non-profit work that helped set the stage for veteran transition programs now widely adopted by the Department of Labor and other organizations. In addition to his federal service, Kelly is deeply committed to ministry leadership. He currently serves as the Director of Men’s Ministry at Church of the Outer Banks in North Carolina and has held similar positions at Centreville Baptist Church in Virginia. Having come to Christ later in life while putting his military career ahead of his family and marriage, Kelly vowed to not to allow that to happen again by surrendering everything to Jesus, and being fully devoted to his new spouse Monique (who also served our country), and their three daughters, who now make a full quiver of 5 daughters. Kelly’s transformation has come from other Godly men pouring their lives out for him during great difficulty. Kelly now has that same desire to serve the Church (body of Christ) by pouring into other men, who pour into men; making disciples that make disciples. He is passionate about loving men and loving others as Christ first loves him. Kelly and Monique are grateful for the opportunity to live and love the community in OBX.  Kelly holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has also pursued graduate theological studies at Liberty University and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

“C12 is everything I was looking for and more of what I didn’t know I needed. My peers challenge me in my blind spots, love me in hard times, and encourage me to glorify God in the way I lead my team. It’s a home for business leaders.”

Brittany Zeller, founder and director of Tiny Feet Early Intervention / South Carolina C12 member
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