Meet The Visionaries
Building the Movement. Leading the Legacy.
Shariff JamesFounder: Mission GalaCONCo-FounderMission New Value Group
Shariff A. James is Co-Founder and Director of Development of Mission New Value Group, where he leads development strategy, feasibility evaluation, project scheduling, and the coordination that turns land opportunities into actionable plans. His background spans real estate development, entrepreneurship, large-scale event production, mentorship, and community leadership, including marquee events at MetLife Stadium through his company Mission Entertainment. His development experience includes the historically approved Summit Street Residences in Newark, New Jersey, and Mission New Value Group's work across two Suwanee, Georgia sites totaling approximately 23 acres. Through Mission GalaCON, Shariff convenes developers, builders, agents, lenders, public officials, and community stakeholders around development, ownership, and opportunity, including a youth pipeline initiative for young adults ages 17 to 22.
Gary CarrPartner: Mission GalaCONCo-FounderMission New Value Group
Gary Carr is Co-Founder and Director of Business Development & Government Affairs of Mission New Value Group, where he leads business development, strategic partnerships, municipal engagement, and builder outreach. His work starts at the earliest point in a project: due diligence on zoning, infrastructure, and municipal context to determine whether a property has a viable path forward, then shaping the strategy that carries it toward execution. His government affairs role keeps the firm current on local ordinances and Georgia housing policy. His development experience includes subdividing a 2.5-acre Lawrenceville property into three parcels and supporting rezoning and entitlement work across Georgia markets. A Temple University graphic design graduate, Gary previously worked with national consumer brands and founded Toneaphone LLC, a mobile app company whose products reached millions of downloads. He is also Co-Founder and Director of Conference Programming for Mission GalaCON, bringing perspective from more than 100 conferences attended worldwide.
Meet the Executive Leadership Team
Driving the vision, partnerships, strategy, and growth behind Mission GalaCON.
Shariff JamesVisionary & Executive ProducerMission GalaCON
As Executive Producer, he provides the vision and strategic direction that guide the organization's continued growth. His commitment to creating sustainable impact extends beyond the event itself, positioning Mission GalaCON as a year-round movement dedicated to leadership, legacy, and community transformation.
Lydia PierrePrincipal Ecosystem Strategist & Sponsorship DevelopmentFounder, Pierre Branding Group & LiveLikeVIP®
At Mission GalaCON, Lydia leads sponsorship strategy, corporate partnerships, executive branding, organizational positioning, and long-term growth initiatives. Her vision is helping transform Mission GalaCON from a premier event into a legacy platform that creates lasting opportunities for wealth creation, leadership development, and community advancement.
Keitha MacielMarketing StrategistGrowthByDesign Group
Keitha Maciel is a seasoned marketing executive and Founder of GrowthByDesign Group, bringing more than two decades of experience in strategic marketing, brand development, customer engagement, and AI-powered growth solutions.
As the marketing lead for Mission GalaCON, Keitha oversees integrated marketing strategy, audience development, campaign execution, and digital engagement.
Meet Our Planning Coordinator
The person making sure the moving pieces come together seamlessly.
Kim Nelson-EdwardsPlanning Coordinator
Kim Nelson-Edwards serves as Planning Coordinator for Mission GalaCON, where she manages the operational planning and coordination necessary to bring a large-scale event experience to life.
With a strong background in organization, logistics, and project coordination, Kim ensures that every component of Mission GalaCON is executed with precision and professionalism. She works closely with leadership, vendors, speakers, volunteers, and partners to keep planning efforts aligned and on schedule.
Her dedication to operational excellence allows the leadership team to focus on strategic growth while ensuring every attendee experiences a seamless and memorable event.
Meet the Conference Programming Team
Curating an unforgettable educational experience featuring industry leaders, innovators, and transformational conversations.
Gary CarrConference Programming Lead
As the Conference Programming Lead for Mission GalaCON, Gary oversees the development of an engaging conference experience that brings together respected industry leaders, real estate professionals, business executives, innovators, and community changemakers. His focus is on curating conversations that provide practical insights, meaningful connections, and actionable strategies that attendees can immediately apply in their businesses, careers, and communities.
Payton Parkin, M.S.Conference Programming TeamReal Estate, Critical Infrastructure & Community Development
Payton Parkin is a real estate professional and community development leader whose work focuses on infrastructure, economic development, and building resilient communities through strategic investment and collaboration.
As a member of the Mission GalaCON Conference Programming Team, Payton contributes to the design and development of educational programming that explores innovative approaches to real estate, community revitalization, business leadership, and sustainable growth.
Meet the Marketing & Digital Experience Team
Creating the digital presence, storytelling, and audience engagement that brings Mission GalaCON to life.
Meshele L. HardyCommunications CoordinatorFounder, Progress on Purpose LLC
Meshele L. Hardy is an education leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Progress on Purpose LLC. As Communications Coordinator for Mission GalaCON, she supports email marketing, social media, and event communications that keep attendees informed and engaged. She brings creativity, strong organizational skills, and a thoughtful approach to connecting people with meaningful experiences and opportunities.
T. Anne WilsonWebsite Designer & Digital ExperienceFounder, The Branding Bag (BRBG)
T. Anne Wilson leads the website development and digital user experience for Mission GalaCON, ensuring the organization's online presence reflects the professionalism, excellence, and vision behind the movement.
Her work serves as the digital foundation supporting the organization's continued growth while helping communicate its story through thoughtful design and user experience.
Meet the Youth Legacy Leadership Team
Empowering the next generation through leadership, financial literacy, mentorship, and real estate education.
Monica FreemanYouth Legacy Leadership
Monica Freeman serves on the leadership team for the Mission GalaCON Youth Legacy Program, helping shape the next generation of leaders through mentorship, education, and community engagement.
She is committed to creating opportunities that expose young people to leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and real estate education while encouraging them to become confident contributors within their communities.
Lakisha IrbyYouth Legacy Leadership
Lakisha serves as a member of the Mission GalaCON Youth Legacy Leadership Team, supporting the development and implementation of programs designed to inspire and empower future generations.
Her passion for mentorship, youth engagement, and community leadership helps create meaningful learning experiences centered around financial literacy, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and real estate education.