Board of Directors
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Martin R. Maurer
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Most recently, Martin was a Client Adviser and Finance Manager for a major auto dealership and has over 20 years of experience in the auto industry in various positions.
Martin has managerial experience in other fields of industry including Nike, Double AA Rentals and was also a program coordinator for The Pitt County NC Department of Social Services. Martin is a distinguished graduate of Pitt Community College with a degree in Human Services.
Martin has also worked in his family’s businesses for many years.
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John Ciannamea
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER / BROKER / SHAREHOLDER
John is a Senior Managing Director at Blackhawk Technologies, LLC. He has over 30 years’ experience with emerging companies and has managed venture capital investments.
John has a Master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute along with an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University.
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David Mayo
BUSINESS ADVISER / CONSULTANT/ SHAREHOLDER
David Mayo is a faculty member teaching in the field of entrepreneurship in the Miller School of Entrepreneurship at East Carolina University. He is a graduate of NC State University with a major in marketing as well as a graduate of East Carolina University with an MBA. David began his professional career by managing property around the Greenville, NC area, and trading stocks professionally.
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Walter R. Perkins
ENTREPRENEUR / SHAREHOLDER
Walter R. Perkins is the founder of Hatteras Hammocks®. The Hammock Source is the world's largest source for premium hammock products, sold at specialty and home-improvement stores across the U.S. and Canada, as well as through a variety of high-end catalogs and online retail sites. Walter and his company have received numerous honors and awards including: 1992 Entrepreneur of the Year by the State of North Carolina; 1992 Inc. Magazine List of Regional Entrepreneurs of the Year: and 2005 Manufacturer of the Year by the Pitt County Development Commission.
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Dennis Barber III, PhD
CHIEF DATA OFFICER / SHAREHOLDER
Dennis Barber III is the dean of the Miller School of Entrepreneurship at East Carolina University. He earned a PhD in Economics from the University of New Mexico in 2013. He works as a business consultant for small and family businesses.
He has expertise in rural entrepreneurship, economic development, and entrepreneurship education. He has experience working in and managing teams in large corporations, startups, and small businesses.