Al Guarnieri is Retired of Counsel at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein law firm in Charlotte NC.  Al has been engaged in international business law for 40 years, advising clients on a range of cross-border transactions, including foreign direct investment (FDI) into the United States and cross-border trade and investments. Al has been particularly active advising foreign-owned companies as they expand in the U.S. via M&A and organic growth.

Al has been instrumental for years working with the public and private economic development community to position the Carolinas and the Southeastern U.S. as the preferred location for foreign companies to establish their U.S. businesses. Al travels internationally regularly, particularly to Germany and other parts of Europe.  Al has for years served as a leader in various organizations focused on international and transatlantic relations and policies. These include, for example, serving on the Board of the N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation and leading the Charlotte Chapter of the American Council on Germany.  Al has also served in leadership roles over the years for organizations, including, for example, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte; the German American Chamber of Commerce North Carolina Chapter; the Board of Trustees of the Fletcher School; the Charlotte Advisory Council of the USO; and the International Committee of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.

Al received his JD from the University of Virginia and his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.