CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Board of Directors for Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas (ABC Carolinas) has announced a significant leadership update, naming Christi Powell as its new President & CEO and Angela Gardner as Vice President of Workforce Development. The appointments, effective this month, mark a strategic move to strengthen the organization’s reach, impact, and influence across the construction industry in North and South Carolina.
Both Powell and Gardner are well-known voices in the AEC community, having built strong reputations as co-hosts of the popular Women Talk Construction podcast, which has gained national recognition as one of the top-ranked construction-focused shows, according to Construction Dive.
Alongside these new appointments, ABC Carolinas also confirmed two expanded roles within its leadership team to align with its core mission to advance the merit shop construction philosophy — the belief that companies and individuals succeed based on merit and free enterprise principles in an open and competitive market.
Strategic Leadership Enhancements
Under the new leadership structure:
- Christi Powell will guide the chapter’s overall strategy and operations as President & CEO, bringing years of proven industry leadership and a forward-thinking vision for growth and member engagement.
- Angela Gardner, stepping in as Vice President of Workforce Development, will lead initiatives to recruit, develop and retain a skilled and diverse construction workforce, a priority for the industry as it navigates ongoing labor shortages.
- Kristen Powell will continue her work as Vice President, focusing on driving member engagement, retention, and expanding ABC Carolinas’ network across its regional councils.
- Elise Ussery, as Director of Government Affairs, will lead advocacy, legislative relations, and policy engagement at both the state and local levels — a critical role as regulatory and labor issues evolve.
“This is an incredible team of leaders who bring fresh energy, deep expertise, and a shared passion for the construction industry,” said Christi Powell, President & CEO of ABC Carolinas. “Together, we are well-positioned to expand our reach, better serve our members, and make a significant impact in both North and South Carolina.”
Expanding Impact in the Carolinas
ABC Carolinas, based in Charlotte, represents a wide range of member companies, including general contractors, construction management firms, specialty contractors, suppliers, and service providers. The chapter is part of ABC National, which counts over 23,000 members nationwide and stands as one of the leading voices for the merit shop construction industry.
The Carolinas chapter operates through seven regional councils — three in South Carolina (Midlands, Upstate, Lowcountry) and four in North Carolina (Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, Coastal) — allowing it to tailor programs, networking, advocacy, and workforce development efforts to the unique needs of its diverse membership.
With Powell and Gardner stepping into their new posts, the organization aims to build on recent momentum around workforce development, education, government affairs, and community outreach. The leadership team sees a vital opportunity to strengthen partnerships with local schools, technical colleges, and employers to fill workforce gaps while advocating for pro-business policies that support the growth of the construction sector in the Carolinas.
Looking Ahead
The construction industry in North and South Carolina remains a significant driver of economic growth, with continued investments in housing, commercial development, and infrastructure fueling demand for skilled trades. As the region attracts new businesses and residents, ABC Carolinas plans to leverage its refreshed leadership team to help members navigate challenges, stay competitive, and uphold the merit shop values that define the chapter’s mission.
Originally reported by ABC Carolinas in Construction Dive.