SCOTT WHITLEY

Prior to becoming a Principal Chair with C12 Group, Scott Whitley was part of executive management in a Fortune 500 company and most recently managing partner of a start-up entrepreneurial organization. Having over 30 years within the financial services industry, Scott has gained experience, expertise, and insight in sales, marketing, business operations, strategic planning, P&L management, business succession, and acquisition. A Registered Corporate Coach with the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches®, Scott coached and consulted many independent advisors within the firm and facilitated scores of roundtable groups to aid advisory practices achieve success in business growth, team development, operational efficiencies, and work/life balance. Feeling the Lord leading him on a new journey, Scott is following God’s calling to use his unique gifts and skill set to serve the marketplace for a greater purpose. As a C12 Principal Chair, Scott focuses on helping CEOs, business owners, and executive leaders throughout Western North Carolina live out Christ’s plan for their lives, their businesses, and their families. One of Scott’s passions is mentoring and ministering to young people. He teaches as a volunteer at Asheville Christian Academy, has been involved with non-profit organizations, facilitated church plants, and served on various ministry teams. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Winthrop University and a Masters of Education at East Carolina University. He and his wife of 35 years and their 2 married sons call the mountains of Asheville home.

SCOTT VAN NESS

Scott Van Ness is a recovering attorney and real estate broker licensed in Florida with over three decades of experience in law and real estate. Since June 2021, he has served as a C12 Chair, leading CEO Forums and Key Player Forums in Boone/Blowing Rock and Morganton, North Carolina. Scott’s passion for equipping Christian business leaders stems from his commitment to integrity, excellence, and faith-driven leadership. In addition to his professional pursuits, Scott has dedicated 25 years to serving as a football official, honing valuable skills in decision-making, communication, and teamwork. Married to Kristin Van Ness, he is a devoted father to Alexander, Andrew, and Mike, and a supportive stepfather to Zachary, Cody, and Kylie. Together, they cherish their roles as grandparents to Theo and Cooper, finding joy in family and community. Scott is deeply involved in his community, serving on the executive committee for Young Life of Burke County and actively participating in men’s ministry at Summit Community Church in Morganton. Furthermore, he has been certified by Peacemakers in Biblical Conflict Coaching, Christian Conciliation, and Mediation. His dedication to serving others extends beyond his professional and family life, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact and empowering others to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

THOMAS FAIRCLOTH

Graduate of Central Bible College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication. As I attended Bible College, I knew I wanted to grow my knowledge of scripture, but I knew that I was never called to traditional ministry and wanted a degree that I would be able to use in any line of work that God led me to.  My work experience has taught me sales, middle and senior management experience that has given me a diverse knowledge of working with customers, peers, and subordinates. In 2013 I was hired on as a Director of Operations of a $4 Million a year roofing company and within two years promoted to the Vice President. During my time there we were able to grow the company to over $25 Million. My responsibility was to develop and maintain the infrastructure for the company to grow as we would take on larger projects, hire support staff and workers to complete the projects, implement technology platforms, develop a Safety Program & enforcement, and HR Department. In the first few years I wore many hats from Project Manager, Safety Inspector, and Operations Manager. I quickly realized that I needed to grow other leaders to share my responsibilities.  My focus on leadership changed from creating followers to creating leaders. To lead a growing company, I had to pour into those under my supervision so they could pour into others and all share responsibilities.   As a Christian I was taught from an early age by my father that our mission field is wherever we are at that time. I was able to share Christ with those that I worked with and pray for them as I lead them, I cared for not just the work they did but them as a whole person, their families, and circumstances.  After eight and half years it was time for a new challenge with a different focus and I knew I wanted to spend my time and talents on helping other businesses grow by develop their company leaders. In the summer of 2021, I launched Foundation Leadership LLC. During that time, I became a Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach and Trainer. John C. Maxwell is one of the biggest names in leadership I knew that I could learn and help others grow the leaders around them and I wanted to be a certified Maxwell Leadership Coach.  I have helped businesses successfully launch trade apprenticeship programs through the local community college to attract and train their workforce as well as to teach leadership development. As a business coach I have helped Owners & CEOs navigate their business decisions and making the right choice for them to guide them to coaching their teams in the right directions.  The summer of 2022 I started exploring the opportunity of working with C12 as a Business and Ministry. As I prayed and sought the will of God in prayer, I felt drawn to partnering with the C12 and working together to further the Kingdom of God in the Business World.