Five New Business Leaders Join Truliant’s Charlotte Advisory Board

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (May 20, 2025)—Truliant, a top 75 U.S. credit union, announced today that it has selected five new Charlotte business leaders to join its Charlotte Advisory Board. The new members will join four current board members who have served since 2022.

The advisory board helps Truliant's commercial lending group by sharing helpful information about the local market. It improves Charlotte operations by building relationships and creating connections with local leaders. The board also helps with referrals and recommendations and supports the growth of local partnerships while providing insights that aid decision-making.

“We’ve been very pleased with the contributions of our influential Charlotte-area business leaders since forming the board,” said Truliant’s Troutman. “Their insights have helped shape our commercial lending, marketing, and growth strategies.”

“By tapping into their expertise, we’re strengthening our position as a standout commercial real estate lender and comprehensive financial services provider, with offerings like consumer banking, investments, and personal and commercial insurance, in the Charlotte Metro community,” he said.

The new members join the advisory board as Truliant prepares for the summer opening of a new regional office in SouthPark, Charlotte. The 16,700-square-foot space will support businesses, local and regional partners, and community engagement in Charlotte. Truliant has a floor of the building at the new office, located at 5970 Fairview Road. The credit union’s name is now on the front and back of the top of the eight-story building.

Truliant has more than 100 employees in the Charlotte area and has had a branch there since 1987. The advisory board is led by Truliant’s Chief Operating Officer, Michael Troutman, and Judy Wishnek, senior vice president of commercial lending and market president, Charlotte.

The five new Charlotte Advisory Board members are:

Thorn Baccich joined Flagship Healthcare Properties in 2014 and is the Executive Vice President of Development and Co-Department Head. With experience in commercial real estate since 2006, he has specifically worked in healthcare development since 2009, focusing on healthcare development. He leads Flagship’s development and construction management department and collaborates with other leaders on growth strategies. Prior to Flagship, he managed various medical office and acute care projects at Atrium Health during a period of rapid expansion.

Dr. Tracie S. Clark, Ph.D., has been with Central Piedmont Community College since 2000, starting as a faculty member and now serving as Vice President of Strategy and Organizational Excellence. She has taught communication classes and contributed to academic advising, institutional effectiveness, and faculty development. She leads strategic planning, accreditation, and grants development and performance teams.

Joe Donlevy is the Principal and Founder of Filmore Capital (FMC), leveraging 25 years of commercial banking experience to assist business owners and commercial real estate investors in securing capital. Based in Charlotte, he serves as an independent commercial loan advisor, drawing on his trusted relationships and leadership experience from roles at Bank of America and Wells Fargo. An Honorably Discharged U.S. Marine Corps Reservist, he volunteers as a board member for Hope Haven and a certified ESL teacher at International House.

Bobbi Jo Lazarus, CPA, is a Tax Shareholder at Elliott Davis with over 20 years of real estate experience advising developers and investment funds. She is deeply committed to public service, serving on the executive board of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation and as a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Incident Management Team. Equally passionate about advocating for the commercial real estate industry, Bobbi Jo is the President-Elect of NAIOP Charlotte and a member of NAIOP’s National Tax Policy Committee.

Prashant Parmar is the founder and principal broker of Aspect Commercial Realty & Business Brokers, which specializes in commercial real estate and business brokerage services in North Carolina and South Carolina. He has been with Aspect for more than a decade, helping buyers and sellers navigate complex transactions in various industries. He has earned a strong reputation for market knowledge and a client-focused approach.

“Truliant is honored to welcome the five new board members to our exceptional group of business leaders on the board. Their perspective will be important to strengthening our commercial lending program and presence in the Charlotte market,” said Truliant’s Wishnek. “They will help us identify opportunities and provide feedback on solutions that improve outcomes for our business members.”

Four members will remain on the Charlotte board. They were part of a group of six who were appointed to the original Charlotte board in July 2022:

Keely Edwards is an experienced client relationship manager responsible for business development at Ratzlaff Construction LLC, a full-service general contractor specializing in medical, retail, office, restaurant, and industrial construction. Edwards provides solutions to owners' construction needs and oversees their projects through final execution. Edwards is on the Board of the Dilworth Community Association.

Ransome Foose is a partner with Berkeley Capital Advisors, a retail investment brokerage firm covering the Southeast. He specializes in single-tenant net leases. He is a former co-chair of the Hope is Here capital campaign at Myers Park UMC and has served on the Board of Directors for the Dowd YMCA.

Lat H. Purser is the President and CEO of Lat Purser & Associates, specializing in Acquisitions and Investment Properties. He has managed transactions exceeding $50 million, primarily focusing on retail centers, small-bay industrial complexes, mixed-use developments, and commercial office spaces. He is a member of several professional organizations, including ULI, ICSC, and CRCBR, and serves on the University City Partners board.

Irene Vogelsong is a Managing Principal and the Southeast Regional Workplace Practice Leader at Perkins&Will, a global architecture and design firm, where she also leads the Interiors team in North Carolina. With a background in architecture, she focuses on holistic interior design that engages communities. Her collaborative approach prioritizes wellbeing and innovation, driving growth for companies of all sizes. Vogelsong is involved with several local organizations, including Mecklenburg County’s Public Art Commission.

The Charlotte Advisory Board meets quarterly.

About Truliant Federal Credit Union
Truliant is a mission-driven, not-for-profit financial institution based in Winston-Salem. It improves lives by providing great service and straightforward financial solutions. Truliant was chartered in 1952 and serves 340,000+ members. A top 75 U.S. credit union, Truliant has more than 35 branches in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 
Contact: Heath Combs 
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(o) 336-293-2054 (c) 336-442-5736