Our Bios

Jim dukes

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Prior to entering the arts industry, Mr. Dukes was an Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician and seasoned engineering design and construction manager. Jim is disabled from two blast injuries and a total of five Traumatic Brain Injuries. In 2013, as part of a yearlong arts residency at Tapps Arts Center in Columbia South Carolina, he completed the daily operations of the gallery, hung exhibits and ran special events, all while completing his designed healing arts programs and exhibiting his group work. Mr. Dukes won the education partner of the year for his work in Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands at the end of his residency. He then went on to start his own freelance photography and graphic arts business. In 2016 he became the Director of Healing Arts Programs at The Big Red Barn Retreat Center in Blythwood, SC. He drew on his experience with his own trauma and his art residency to develop, implement and instruct non-therapeutic art and photography workshops for active duty military, drill sergeants, veterans, couples, children and military care givers. During his time at the Big Red Barn Retreat, he instructed over 2,500 clients, intervened in over a dozen suicides resulting in no client losses. The programs Mr. Dukes developed are innovative, non-threatening and provide a highly effective alternative to knee to knee therapy for trauma. His programs were utilized by the Dorn Veterans Administration Hospital in Columbia, SC, where their outpatient mental health groups partnered with Mr. Dukes to complete therapeutic art and photography programs with their work exhibited in the regional library and City Mayors Office. Jim is a member of the Charlotte Art League and previously volunteered as the Community Manager. In September 2020, Jim was appointed to ASC’s Cultural Sector Advisory Council (Institutions) for a two year term.

DORRELL TURNER

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Originally from Henderson NC, Dorrell transitioned to Charlotte NC, where he attended Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). At JCSU he obtained a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Fine Arts. As a member of the Charlotte Art League and a visual artist, Dorrell is looking to make an impact with CAL in the community through events, service, and leadership. He feels his artwork reflects his life experiences, passions, and observations of current events. He likes to spend his free time with his family, painting, sketching, and being active in sports such as flag football and volleyball. Professionally Dorrell works in Human Resources as a Client Relationship manager, where he’s had over 10 years of experience working in the HR field.

REGINA SPAGNARDI

SECRETARY & EXHIBITS COMMITTEE CHAIR

Regina is proud to serve on the Charlotte Art League board and lead the Exhibits Committee. By occupation, she is a Technology Consultant who implements technical solutions – specializing in systems and infrastructure administration and development. She’s an advocate for women in tech and fascinated by Web3. Regina also works as a real estate investor to provide corporate housing to traveling professionals. Growing up in Wisconsin and graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, she’ll always be a Cheesehead at heart. She loves a good adventure – whether it be rappelling down skyscrapers, skydiving or the excitement of being the adoptive mom to her adorable toddler.

JOHN “KJ” UKPAI

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

John Ukpai, fondly known as “KJ” is a finance professional, business leader and community builder based in Charlotte, NC. KJ works as a Financial Advisor and Private Banker at Merrill Lynch Pierce, Fenner & Smith (A Bank of America Company). He strategizes with executives, entrepreneurs and business leaders and assists organizations to sustain and continually grow their profits and losses through maintaining cash flow and treasury, stabilizing cash flow and retaining their best talent.

In the community, KJ strategizes with the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), The Women’s Business Center (WBC), the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA) and the National Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in America. He is also active within the Charlotte Black Professional Group within Bank of America where he currently serves as Co-Chair of Personal and Professional Development. KJ is the founder of Pachmond Institute, Chair of the African Economic Roundtable and sits on several boards in the community.

LIZ BAXTER

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Lizz Baxter is a Charlotte Real Estate agent and combat Army veteran with a mission to serve.  She is trained to work smarter not harder to assist her clients with the “highest level of service”. She maintains clear lines of communication and creates actionable plans to help her clients remain informed on strategic next steps. 

She serves as President of her community association board and graduated in class 2020 for Leadership Charlotte. As a Charlotte Art League CAL member she continues her commitment to her love for the arts, continued learning and new technologies that allow her to remain ahead of the curve and ready for any challenge. Empathy and relationship building strengths allow her to use her strongest skill as a connector.

ADRIENNE “DRE” ROSS

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Dre is a Strategic Planning Manager in Corporate Risk in the banking industry and spends her days solving complex problems and thinking ahead of new challenges that may arise and how to address them. Dre is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University with Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Finance and a Master’s degree in Accounting. She is a strong communicator and relationship-builder that enjoys connecting the dots and bringing people together. She has consistently volunteered her time for decades primarily in education or in her NoDa community. Dre is passionate about all art forms. In her free time, you can find Dre traveling or supporting the arts community at an exhibit, a dance performance, or at a concert. She is excited to explore and pour herself into the arts industry, starting with the Charlotte Art League!