Carver Executive Team

Joel Carver is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, executive, author, and hospitality strategist with more than three decades of success driving revenue growth, operational excellence, and transformational leadership across the hospitality industry. As President and CEO of The Carver Companies, he leads a dynamic organization specializing in sales, marketing, revenue management, executive search, and talent development for premier hospitality brands nationwide.

Known for his ability to build high-performing cultures and accelerate organizational growth, Joel has held senior leadership roles with both franchise organizations and Fortune 500 companies, including serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CSM Corporation. His leadership philosophy centers on people, performance, and purpose — helping organizations attract exceptional talent, strengthen operations, and achieve sustained success in highly competitive markets.

Joel is also an accomplished author and influential voice in leadership and human capital strategy. He co-authored The People Effect: Find, Grow, and Retain the Best of the Best and authored Peace Is About to Cease and All Hell's Gonna Break Loose, further establishing his reputation as a bold thinker and transformative leader.

In recognition of his professional achievements and philanthropic impact, Joel received the Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. Together with his husband, Dr. Van Millin, he supports numerous charitable and advocacy organizations through the Carver-Millin Donor Fund, including Point Foundation and Human Rights Campaign. For more information about Joel, visit http://meetjoelcarver.com

Charlene Carter is a powerhouse hospitality executive, transformational leader, and talent strategist with a proven ability to drive organizational growth, operational excellence, and elite talent acquisition across the hospitality industry. As a senior leader with The Carver Companies, Charlene is recognized for building high-impact relationships, developing exceptional teams, and delivering innovative workforce solutions that position organizations for long-term success.

With a career defined by leadership, performance, and people development, Charlene brings a rare combination of operational expertise, executive insight, and strategic vision. She has earned the trust of hospitality leaders nationwide through her ability to identify transformational talent, strengthen organizational culture, and align executive recruitment strategies with business growth objectives. 

Her passion for excellence and unwavering commitment to client success have made her a respected and influential force within the industry.

Charlene’s leadership style is rooted in authenticity, integrity, and results. She is known for creating meaningful partnerships, mentoring emerging leaders, and helping organizations navigate growth with confidence and clarity. Her deep understanding of hospitality operations and human capital strategy allows her to deliver solutions that not only fill positions but elevate entire organizations.

At The Carver Companies, Charlene continues to shape the future of hospitality leadership by connecting premier organizations with exceptional talent and helping professionals unlock career-defining opportunities nationwide.

Susan Hart is a highly accomplished financial executive, certified public accountant, and strategic business leader with extensive experience driving financial performance, operational efficiency, and organizational growth. 

As Chief Financial Officer of The Carver Companies, Susan provides executive oversight of the company’s financial strategy, accounting operations, compliance, forecasting, and long-term fiscal planning.

Known for her analytical expertise, disciplined leadership, and results-driven approach, Susan has built a reputation for strengthening financial infrastructure, optimizing profitability, and guiding organizations through complex business challenges with clarity and precision. 

Her ability to align financial strategy with organizational objectives has been instrumental in supporting sustainable growth and operational excellence.

As a CPA and trusted executive advisor, Susan brings a deep understanding of corporate finance, budgeting, risk management, financial reporting, and strategic planning. 

She is recognized for her integrity, attention to detail, and ability to provide executive leadership in fast-paced and evolving business environments. Her collaborative leadership style and commitment to accountability have earned the respect of colleagues, clients, and business partners alike.

At The Carver Companies, Susan continues to play a critical role in shaping the company’s financial vision and operational success while helping position the organization for long-term stability, scalability, and growth.

Peggy Olson is a senior executive search leader and strategic talent advisor serving as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Search at The Carver Companies. 

She brings a powerful blend of executive search expertise, leadership consulting experience, and a results-driven approach to identifying and placing transformational talent across high-impact organizations nationwide.

With a distinguished career in executive recruitment and leadership advisory, Peggy is known for her ability to assess organizational needs at a deep strategic level and connect companies with leaders who elevate performance, strengthen culture, and drive sustainable growth. She has built a reputation for precision in talent identification, discretion in executive-level searches, and an unwavering commitment to delivering outcomes that exceed client expectations.

Peggy’s leadership style is defined by rigor, insight, and partnership. She works closely with clients to understand not only the role requirements, but also the broader business strategy, leadership dynamics, and cultural alignment necessary for long-term success. 

Her ability to translate complex organizational needs into targeted search strategies has made her a trusted advisor to boards, CEOs, and senior leadership teams.

At The Carver Companies, Peggy leads the search practice with distinction, ensuring every engagement reflects the firm’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and impact. Her work continues to shape leadership teams across industries by delivering exceptional talent that drives measurable and lasting success.

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