Our Team
We are passionate about people.
We each bring unique experiences and perspectives and collaborate with you to spark innovative ideas and creative solutions.
Angel Adams
Finance
We each bring unique experiences and perspectives and collaborate with you to spark innovative ideas and creative solutions.
Finance
Chrystal Joy joined Lee Institute in June 2013 as Director and was promoted to her current role in October 2019. Prior to joining the Lee team, Chrystal spent 13 years in the corporate sector where she led a number of enterprise-wide organizational development initiatives, providing consultation to enterprise leaders on team building, training, and human resources.
At Lee Institute, Chrystal is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the organization, reporting directly to the President & CEO. She leads efforts that focus on strategic planning, board and leader development and community capacity building. Chrystal has led the strategic planning processes for several local nonprofits in support of the mission to build community by strengthening leaders and organizations. She also co-facilitates the American Leadership Forum (ALF) Charlotte Region Chapter program, the Lee Institute’s flagship leadership program, which is dedicated to building stronger communities by joining and strengthening leaders to serve the common good.
A native of Anderson, South Carolina, Chrystal moved to Charlotte after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Winthrop University. She later also earned a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Keller University of DeVry. Chrystal is her best self with her husband and two kids on vacation at the beach or near the water. She is a lover of cartoons (especially The Simpsons), all things 80s, and a sci-fi fan.
Liana comes to Lee Institute after spending seven years as a high school social studies teacher. A self-proclaimed “data nerd,” she has facilitated the stakeholder research process for several clients including Philips Academy, Cornwell Center, Temple Israel, and Gaston Day School. She also manages logistics and programming for the Fellows and Senior Fellows of American Leadership Forum Charlotte Region. Liana is passionate about learning and finds great joy helping organizations discover how the past and present can inform their future.
A demonstrated leader in the nonprofit sector, Peter has served in leadership roles for over 25 years and currently serves as the President and CEO of the Duke & Lee, a non-profit organization that preserves and cares for Duke Mansion and operates Lee Institute.
He has developed skills, experience, and acumen in all aspects of nonprofit leadership, operations, and management. Peter is a nationally recognized leader in the field of early childhood education and has received accolades for his approach to fiscal leadership of nonprofit organizations. As Peter likes to say: “nonprofit is our tax status, it’s not our goal!”
Peter specializes in areas of facilitation, strategic planning, systems analysis, data-informed decision making, change management, organizational structure and culture change, program ideation and implementation, and Board governance. Peter also provides leadership coaching with an emphasis on change management and innovation.
He is passionate about building communities that transform their futures and solidify bonds that form the fabric of healthier communities. He is inspired by people who dedicate their time and energy in service to others. His best day at work is when organizations and individuals achieve clarity about their mission and values through collaborative discussion.
Pat has worked in all aspects of fundraising, public relations, institutional awareness, and relevant organizational development for the last 30 years. She works with a particular focus on positioning in the philanthropic marketplace using a strengths-based approach. Pat also has significant experience with start-up development efforts and community engagement.
For Lee Institute, she has supported clients in all phases of development including grant identification and grant writing as well as strategic and campaign planning and annual giving, volunteer support, leadership and major gift strategies.
For Pat, she gets energized when she can demystify the development process by helping people develop compelling strategies to advance the important community changing work of their organizations. In the end – it isn’t about asking people for money – it is about sharing your organization’s important work by building a relationship with people who will be excited to share your passion.
After previously working in the arts for 20 years, Heather transitioned to a new career in 2014 as an HR professional and administrative assistant. For Lee Institute, she has supported clients on strategic plans, board training, human resources, and StrengthsFinder assessments. Heather is energized by a collaborative work environment and believes that by understanding and supporting others, we can achieve greater things together.