Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson, known in her community as Dr. PBJ, gives educators the strategies for accomplishing purposeful work without burnout.

Dr. PBJ is an educator of almost 25 years and an Executive Coach for more than 10 years. She holds a doctoral degree in Education Administration, served in executive leadership at colleges and universities, and facilitated leadership training as a faculty member for the Center for Creative Leadership. Dr. Jackson worked in higher education at many levels, from student assistant to President’s Cabinet and is the recipient of several professional awards and accolades.  

Dr. Jackson founded EduCare Training and Consulting, LLC through a purpose of pouring in to those who pour out so much. Much of her work is specifically focused on equipping and refreshing educators. Compassionate work can carry a high price tag:  your mind, body, spirit and relationships may be in distress as you serve the needs of others. Dr. Jackson leads her community to serve well without paying an ultimate price.

Dr. PBJ is the creator and host of the Disrupting Burnout podcast as well as the author of the Amazon best-seller, Disrupting Burnout: The professional woman’s LIFELINE to finding purpose.

Doug Lape is a seasoned professional with over 27 years of experience in campus auxiliary services. In 2023, he assumed the role of Associate Vice Chancellor for Business Services at UNC Charlotte, where he has distinguished himself through his innovative approaches to driving business growth, commitment to exceptional customer service, and unwavering support for cutting-edge technology solutions. Previously, the majority of Lape’s experience was in the campus parking and transportation industry, which he continues to support in his current role.

Throughout his career, Lape has demonstrated a keen ability to streamline operations, optimize resources, and enhance the overall customer experience. His leadership has been instrumental in implementing transformative initiatives that have not only improved efficiency but also elevated the standard of service delivery.

Lape’s strategic vision and collaborative approach have fostered strong partnerships both within the university community and beyond, leading to the development of innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. His commitment to continuous improvement and forward-thinking solutions has earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and peers alike.

As Associate Vice Chancellor for Business Services, Lape remains dedicated to driving positive change, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring that UNC Charlotte continues to thrive as one of the fastest growing institutions in higher education.

Lape is a graduate of The Ohio State University and resides in Charlotte with his wife, Anne and Stepson, Adam.

Ana M. Alvarez is the Assistant Vice President of Auxiliary Services at the University of Miami, overseeing administrative, financial, and operational management for various campus and healthcare system services including dining, campus store, licensing, vending, print, cable, travel, mail, and the Watsco Center arena. She holds an M.S. in Accounting from Florida International University, a B.S.B.A. from Troy State University, a CPA license in Florida, and is a Certified Auxiliary Services Professional. Ana is committed to enhancing campus experience, serves on the National CASP Commission as Exam Chair, and is a mother of two daughters and spouse to a veteran.

Jeff Blythe, who has served in various roles at Georgia Southern since 2007, serves as the Senior Associate Athletics Director of Athletics/CFO of the Department of Athletics. He returned to athletics in 2025 after serving as the Associate Vice President for Auxiliary Services and Executive Director of Administration across campus since 2018. Blythe came to Georgia Southern in April of 2007 after three years at Elon University, where he served as the Assistant Business Manager, Ticket Manager and Summer Camp Coordinator. Blythe also worked for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association as an Assistant Director of Championships in 2004. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, where he served as a men's basketball team manager, and graduated with a master's degree from Appalachian State in 2003.

Carl Hairston joined the ACC in December of 2021 and currently serves as the Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy.

Prior to joining the conference office, Hairston worked at North Carolina A&T as the Associate Director of Athletics for External Relations. In that role, he oversaw the marketing and sponsorship unit focusing on revenue generation, corporate relations, branding, ticket sales, promotions and game day experience while serving on the athletics senior leadership team. Hairston also handled football non-conference scheduling.

Hairston currently sits on the executive board of NACMA, the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators. He graduated from the prestigious NCAA Leadership Institute in 2016. In 2021 he was chosen to participate in the NCAA Pathway Program, which is designed to elevate senior-level athletics administrators to the next step as directors of athletics or conference commissioners.

Before his tenure with the Aggies, Hairston worked at Elon University as the Assistant Director of Marketing. At Elon he assisted in the creation of marketing plans for all home sporting events, and created the ONE Phoenix student rewards program. He was also a member of the Presidential Task Force on Black Student, Faculty and Staff Experiences.

A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., Hairston graduated from Elon University in May 2011 with a bachelor's degree in marketing and an emphasis in sales. He earned his master’s in business administration from Elon in December of 2015. He is member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. and also serves on the Hayes-Taylor YMC Board.

Ragean Hill is the Executive Associate Athletic Director at Charlotte, overseeing internal operations including student-athlete welfare, academics, strategic engagement, and leadership. She also serves as a campus liaison to multiple departments and leads the Niner Varsity Club, Charlotte’s alumni program. Additionally, she serves as the Sport Administrator for Football, Women’s Basketball, and Women’s Lacrosse.

With nearly 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics, Hill has held roles at Old Dominion, Arkansas, Kansas State, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. She currently chairs the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics and the NCAA Walter Byers & Jim McKay Awards Committee.

A former Division I track and field student-athlete, Hill earned her Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences with a minor in Biology and a Master of Science in Adult, Occupational, and Continuing Education with an emphasis in Student-Athlete Development—both from Kansas State University.

Originally from Redlands, California, Hill is a dedicated leader committed to the growth and well-being of student-athletes both on and off the field.