Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer named a 2026 Charlotte Business Journal Power 100 Visionary

Central Piedmont president Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer has been named as a member of the Charlotte Business Journal's 2026 Power 100: Visionaries, recognizing her as one of the most influential leaders shaping the Charlotte region's future.

Since becoming president in 2017, Dr. Deitemeyer has developed and advanced a unique vision that connects education, economic development, workforce strategy and community advancement to help meet the evolving needs of the Charlotte region. 

"Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer has transformed Central Piedmont into one of Charlotte’s most important engines for economic opportunity, workforce innovation and regional collaboration,” said Caldwell Rose, chair of the Central Piedmont Board of Trustees. “Her visionary leadership has strengthened partnerships across education, business, government and philanthropy to expand access and prepare students for the jobs shaping our region’s future. 

“Dr. Deitemeyer is also a selfless leader — someone who works tirelessly behind the scenes to bring people together, remove barriers and turn bold ideas into measurable results for students and the community; and, as a result, Central Piedmont and the greater Charlotte area are better positioned for long-term growth, competitiveness and shared prosperity.”

Expanding opportunity across the region

Dr. Deitemeyer has spent nearly a decade strengthening pathways from education to careers across Mecklenburg County. Under her leadership, dual enrollment has grown significantly to nearly 6,500 students – creating more opportunities to earn college credit and explore career pathways while still in high school. The college has also expanded transfer partnerships to 40 four-year institutions to create more affordable pathways to bachelor’s degrees and careers. 

Today, Central Piedmont serves nearly 60,000 students and generates an estimated $1 billion economic impact in Mecklenburg County. During Dr. Deitemeyer's tenure, the college has awarded more than 44,000 credentials, invested in facilities and infrastructure and expanded annual scholarship support to $5 million. 

Her leadership has also positioned Central Piedmont as a critical partner in addressing workforce shortages across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, early childhood education, technology and other high-demand industries. Through partnerships with employers, healthcare systems, local governments and school districts, the college has developed innovative workforce solutions that help residents connect to meaningful careers while supporting regional economic growth.

“Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer understands that strong communities depend on education that is accessible, practical and closely connected to workforce needs,” said JB Brown, president of Hendrick Automotive Group. “Through her vision and guidance, Central Piedmont has helped countless students build meaningful careers while also strengthening the talent pipeline for businesses throughout Charlotte and beyond.” 

The Charlotte Business Journal Power 100 recognition underscores Dr. Deitemeyer's lasting influence on the Charlotte region. By helping reposition education as a driver of economic mobility, workforce innovation and community prosperity, she has helped establish Central Piedmont as one of the region's most important civic assets and a key contributor to Charlotte's – and the region’s – success.