about
Our mission is to connect, grow, and impact our community one purposeful introduction at a time.
The Black Bear Alliance Foundation, based in the Triangle region, serves as the philanthropic branch of BBA, Inc. This private membership group is created to support members' personal and professional growth.
By supporting local charities in the Triangle through fundraising and networking, we helped them grow their impact and create lasting change!
Who we are
Mike Kodweis - Executive Director and Chairman of the Board
Mike is an accomplished Business Development Executive at OneDigital and leverages over 15 years of extensive industry experience. Having excelled in diverse roles, from Senior Consultant to Business Development Executive, his unparalleled expertise in benefits and human capital management solutions positions him as an asset for employers aiming to craft and execute strategic workforce solutions.
Daniel Polk - Director
Daniel is a Regional Director for Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial. His day to day consists of hiring, developing, and coaching top tier financial advisors throughout North Carolina and Virginia. Daniel’s team handles individual wealth planning as well as working in the group retirement plan space for small to mid-level sized companies. When he’s not working Daniel enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 kids, particularly on the lake or at the beach. Daniel is a former college football player who still enjoys staying active via golf, fishing, and hunting.
Dan Lavelle - Treasurer
Dan is a partner with Williams Overman Pierce in their Raleigh office and a practicing CPA in NC and NY. He provides accounting, audit, and advisory services to closely-held businesses, nonprofit organizations, and startups. Dan works with a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, restaurants, and professional services. In his free time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife and 4 kids, golfing, coaching, and getting the most out of his Disney vacation club membership.
Geoff Miller - Membership Co-Chair
Geoff has experience as a President of a family-owned business, CEO of a Private Equity held business and now has a career in Business Consulting Services with a specialty in B2B sales and M&A transactions. Geoff has passion and skill for networking and connecting people that should know each other. Geoff has 6 kids and when he does find some time to himself, he loves to golf, snow ski, fish, play pickleball, gamble, and watch Georgia or UNC athletics.
Craig Stone - Membership Co-Chair
Craig focuses his attention on the day-to-day management of both HireNetworks and Campbell & James Executive Search. As a regional investor, Craig stays engaged in the entrepreneurial experience with the value of his network. He is an investor in Bull City Venture Partners, the Triangle Tweener Fund and founded Triangle Angel Partners (TAP). He sits on various boards and advisory boards. Craig is a regular speaker and mentor on the topics of careers, recruiting, angel investing and entrepreneurship. Craig played college and professional tennis and holds an Accounting degree from Elon University. Craig currently resides in Raleigh with his three sons.
Casey Wentz - Secretary and General Counsel
Casey is an Attorney and CPA (NC#36725) in Cary, NC. Casey is often asked to combine his experiences and accounting knowledge as a CPA with his legal acumen in assisting clients with one-time "complex transactions" such as buying and selling businesses. He uses the same knowledge to provide executive decision consulting for small to large sized business owners. He regularly moves mulch, compost, and rock for the backyard organic garden, preserves food, and cooks with his wife, Erin, and their children. He spends time brushing, sweeping up, and avoiding the shedding hair of their three 110+ pound Great Pyrenees. Occasionally, he cleans out the chicken coop while singing the Green Acres Theme Song.
Sean Hassan - Social Chair
Sean is President and 2nd Generation Owner of Jan-Pro of Raleigh. A Franchise Development company that focuses on the screening, awarding and development of Certified Business Owners in the Commercial Cleaning & Disinfection space. A North Carolina native, who happened to be born in San Jose, California, Sean enjoys golf, tennis, movies and everything his wife of 16 years asks him to do. Happily married with four wonderful children, every day is an adventure.
Help Our Cause
Help us support the personal and professional journeys of our members. Your contribution matters!
