Rachel Johnson - Panelist
CEO
Forge Commercial Construction

Growing up, Rachel Johnson developed a love for construction while participating in Habitat for Humanity builds from Maryland to Alaska. In 2007, Rachel committed to a career in the industry and have run everything from small renovations to new construction projects in the Carolinas, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

Since graduating from Boston University, Rachel became a certified general contractor in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida. In her free time, Rachel enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family and miniature dachshund.

Heath Dillard - Panelist
President and CEO
VisitGreenvilleSC

Heath Dillard is President & CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC, Greenville County’s official Destination Marketing Organization and a strategic leader in the community’s $2.5 billion visitor economy. Under his leadership, Greenville’s tourism industry has delivered record performance, supporting thousands of jobs, hundreds of small businesses, and more than $200 million in state and local tax revenues annually.

VisitGreenvilleSC’s sales, marketing, and communications efforts generated $605 million in economic impact in Greenville County in FY25, while continuing to elevate Greenville’s profile as one of the Southeast’s most dynamic destinations. Sports have been a significant driver of that momentum, with Greenville hosting major events such as SEC Women’s Basketball and the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Men’s March Madness tournament, while also securing the 2028 U.S. Bowling Congress Open Championships—the largest event ever awarded to Greenville. Additional milestones include hosting the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South ceremony, earning national recognition from Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, and serving as a feature destination on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 23.

A Spartanburg native, Heath holds degrees from the College of Charleston and UNC Charlotte. He and his wife, Jamie, have three sons, Wilson (13), Wyatt (9), and Henry (9).

Carlos Phillips - Panelist
President and CEO
Greenville Chamber

Carlos Phillips, CCE, serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, a 137-year-old business and economic development organization dedicated to building a globally competitive region where businesses and people thrive. Known for his strategic vision and commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth, Phillips has built a career defined by measurable impact and community-focused leadership.

Under his leadership, the Greenville Chamber has reached several major milestones, including earning 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, strengthening its financial position, and delivering multiple strategic plans that support long-term growth and innovation. In 2026, Furman University honored the Chamber with its Community Partner Award, reflecting the organization’s deepening regional impact. Phillips also led the statewide expansion of the Minority Business Accelerator, guided the development of a Diversity and Economic Inclusion Strategic Plan, and championed legislation that advances second-chance employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Phillips’s leadership is recognized across the Upstate and nationally. He has been named among Greenville Business Magazine’s “Top 50 Most Influential” and inducted into its Hall of Fame. He has chaired the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Board of Directors and currently serves on the U.S. Chamber Board of Directors. His community involvement is extensive, including leadership roles with the UNCF Upstate Mayor’s Masked Ball Leadership Council and board service with the Community Foundation of Greenville, Urban League of the Upstate, VisitGreenvilleSC, and the United Way of Greenville County, where he was named Advocate of the Year in 2018.

Phillips holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts in Organizational Communication from Western Kentucky University. In 2023, he earned the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation, the highest individual recognition in the chamber profession.

Kamber Parker Bowden - Moderator
Founder
Generational Performance Solutions

Kamber Parker Bowden is the Founder and CEO of Generational Performance Solutions, where she helps organizations improve performance by strengthening communication, leadership, and engagement across generations. Drawing on research from more than 20,000 workforce data points and partnerships with organizations across industries, Kamber equips leaders with practical strategies to navigate today's rapidly changing workplace.

A nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and author of The Generational Advantage, Kamber is known for translating complex workforce challenges into actionable conversations that drive better business outcomes. Her work focuses on the human side of change, helping organizations build trust, improve collaboration, and prepare leaders and teams for what's next.

As today's moderator, Kamber will guide the conversation by drawing out practical insights, encouraging meaningful discussion, and connecting ideas that attendees can apply within their own organizations.