Last year, the Triad Business Journal introduced a new program: the Triad’s Most Admired CEOs awards. Last month, the 2017 class was announced — 18 individuals from across the region from a diverse array of industries and organizations, from health care to manufacturing to professional services to higher education to nonprofits.

These individuals were recognized on July 27 at an awards ceremony and reception at Greensboro Country Club and were featured in the July 28 edition of Triad Business Journal with their achievements and community leadership, along with some insights into what motivates them and makes them tick.

Congratulation to the Triad’s Most Admired CEOs of 2017!

* Gayle Anderson, president/CEO, Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce

* Carl Armato, president/CEO, Novant Health

* Michael Blackwell, president/CEO, Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina

* Pete Burgess, owner, Tar Heel Basement Systems

* Julie Theall Earp, managing partner, Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP

* Lauri Feinsod, CEO/co-owner, Graphik Dimensions Ltd./pictureframes.com

* Clyde Fitzgerald, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina

* Stephen Fleming, CEO, The Well-Spring Group

* Michelle Gethers-Clark, president/CEO, United Way of Greater Greensboro

* Franklin Gilliam Jr., chancellor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

* Richard Gorham, retired May 31 as CEO, Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina

* Brian Maness, president/CEO, Children’s Home Society of North Carolina

* Chad Oakley, CEO, Charles Aris Inc.

* Elwood Robinson, chancellor, Winston-Salem State University

* Kirk Sparks, president, Bright Plastics

* Tom Wayne, president/CFO, Bank of Oak Ridge

* Timothy Webster, president/CEO, The Presbyterian Homes Inc.

* Pam Whitaker, founder/president, Key Resources Inc.