OUR TEAM
Decades of combined experience in economic development, community engagement, and strategic innovation.
Dr. Lascelle A. Sweetland, MS, MBA, Ed.D
Founder & Managing Director
Miami / Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Dr. Lascelle A. Sweetland is the Founder and Managing Director of Laspainc, a firm dedicated to advancing small business economic development through strategies that drive business attraction, expansion, and international growth. With over 30 years of experience, he has strengthened entrepreneurial ecosystems across local, national, and global markets by expanding access to capital, delivering technical assistance, and helping small businesses compete for public and private sector opportunities.
A Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Sweetland holds an Ed.D. in Leadership and Management from St. Thomas University, an MBA in Energy Finance from Texas Southern University, and an MS in Environmental Policy from Purdue University Global. As a university lecturer and thought leader, he has taught entrepreneurship, marketing, and business strategy courses across South Florida and internationally in Barranquilla, Colombia; Barcelona, Spain; and Lima, Peru.
Key Expertise: Entrepreneurship | Economic Development | Community Building | Workforce Development | Program Management | International Business
Frederick Carter
Managing Partner
Mid-Atlantic - Washington DC
Mr. Carter brings over 30 years of experience in communication knowledge management, organizational learning and technology, international development, and communications. BA in Communications from Howard University.
Frederick has extensive contacts in the Washington DC area in Public Relations and Organizational Development. Managing principal of a public relations firm in the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area before transitioned into development.
Key Expertise:
Government Administration | Grants Development | Project Management
Dr. Claire A. Rene, MS, Ed.D
Managing Partner
Orlando, Florida
Dr. Rene attained a MS from Nova Southeastern University in Business Administration, and a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University. Founder of Institute of Educational and Leadership Advancement, Member of the American Association of Community Colleges, Board Member of Un Monde Nouveau Educational Institution, and a Certified EQi Assessor at Multi-Health System, Inc
Key Expertise:
Assessments | Emotional Intellegence | Program Director | Instructor
Jerry Haynes
Managing Partner
West Coast - Los Angeles, California
Mr. Haynes brings to Laspainc over 35 years of experience in Planning & Development, Administrative Services, Human Resources, Information Technology & Communication, Public Affairs & Marketing. Services including department budget, land acquisition and open space planning/development, capital improvement programs in county Government.
Business Administration, Management and Operations from Marymount College of Kansas.
Key Expertise:
Government Administration | Planning & Development | Human Resources | Program Director
Samantha-Lee Phaeton
Managing Partner
Europe - London, England
Born in Paris, Samantha-Lee brings the European vision to the firm. With a Master's degree in Communication options management and brand strategy from l'Université de Lyon. Marketing strategy, branding, content, digital, planning, project management, economic and management.
Samantha-Lee has worked in the marketing department of L'Oréal, where she understood the importance of a coherent marketing positioning. Working with the top luxury brands in Europe with specialization in marketing communication consultantancy. Based in London for its advanced communication technical resources where she established HOBN a marketing agency with expanded creative resources.
Key Expertise:
Marketing Strategy | Branding | Communications.