Issuu

Wilmington B iz M A G A Z I N E

VANTACA

GOES

BIG DAVE SWEYER & BEN CURRIN ON BUILDING A $1.25B UNICORN

WILMINGTONBIZ 100: MEET THIS YEAR’S GROUP

THALIAN HALL SPREADS OUT Published by

Greater Wilmington

BUSINESS JOURNAL

KEVIN MURPHY’S OCEAN CURE OPENS UP ACCESS WINTER 2025

WilmingtonBiz

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WilmingtonBiz

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CONTENTS WilmingtonBiz

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2 0 2 5

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V I I I

I S S U E

JEFF BOURK ERNIE BOVIO BRIAN CLARK Sophie Dagenais SEAN DESMOND Bryce Dill Brian Eckel Natalie English CHIP MAHAN Tim Milam & Denise Kinney MARK MOON JIM MORTON CRAIG RANSON Holly Sullivan NEIL UNDERWOOD Aswani Volety VELVA JENKINS ALTHEA JOHNSON JANET KANE KATRINA KNIGHT SHANE FERNANDO Becky Hawke Chad Hodges JIM HUNDLEY JR. Mike Kozlosky LAUREN KRALL IVEY & SUNNY GERHART Ryan Legg BJ LOSCH CHRIS WILMINGTONBIZ 100NORVELL AUBREY PARSLEY JEROD PATTERSON Yousry Sayed & Linda Sayed Roger POWER Shew GENE SMITH Lynda Stanley JASON SWAIN33 & DAVID Bryan P L A Y E RSWAIN S Thomas KENNETH WALDROUP KEN MORRIS & CONNIE F L U E N C E R S LENEICE 45 I N MORRIS RICE Jack Watson SCOTT SATTERFIELD MARGARET INNOVATORS 63 WELLER-STARGELL Gwen Whitley LANDON ZIMMER Andy Almeter C O N N E C T O R BELLAMY S 73 RHONDA ROB BURRUS Chris Capone Megan Buchbinder Travis N G S T A R S DEVIN 95 R I S I Henley LESSARD EION DOCKERY DANA CONNERS TRAVIS CORPENING Bill Early TARA ENGLISH & SCOTT WAGNER Johnny Griffin YOLANDA POLLARD Tammy Proctor BEAU GUNN Christina Haley JOSH HALLINGSE PAM HARDY Kim Huf ham Alexis Hunter ZEKE NATHANS & DYNH LEE Sheri Leavens HEATHER MCWHORTER John Monahan CAMERON MOORE Barnes Sutton MEADE VAN PELT Cynthia Walsh HEATHER WILSON STEVE UEBELE EVONNE VARADY & DON VARADY Stefanie Roback Alexis Siebert CHRIS BABCOCK Alison Baringer UMAR BOWERS Brett Caines ROBIN COWIE Ben Currin & Dave Sweyer Barrett Earney Tracey Newkirk & Girard Newkirk JIM WALLACE & TREY WALLACE Laurie Whalin SHANNON WINSLOW Joe Apkarian CHRISTOPHER BARNES CHRIS BONEY Chris Coudriet DAVID FIORAVANTI DREW HARRISON Jeff James RANDALL JOHNSON Nik Morton Leslie Smith & Kelly Reynolds 4

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CONTENTS WilmingtonBiz

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D E PA R T M E N T S

7 11 13 14 18 19 108

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR BIZ BITES BEHIND THE NUMBERS SOUND OFF NEWS DIGEST C-SUITE CONVO THE TAKEAWAY

F E AT U R E S

100

IN PROFILE: OCEAN CURE'S KEVIN MURPHY

26 100 106

COVER STORY: THE EVOLUTION OF VANTACA

THALIAN HALL'S NEXT ACT FEAST: SEASIDE SHUCKING

ON THE COVER

106 Photographer Madeline Gray sets up shop inside Vantaca's headquarters on Wrightsville Avenue to photograph the tech company's top officials, founder Dave Sweyer and CEO Ben Currin.

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W I N T E R 2025

WilmingtonBiz

M A G A Z I N E

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

100 people to know a b o u t t o w n W elcome to our seventh annual WimingtonBiz 100 issue.

The list, which we launched in 2019, recognizes “the top 100 Power Players, Influencers, Innovators, Connectors and Rising Stars impacting Southeastern North Carolina’s business landscape.” There’s a reason why we don’t just recognize just the top heavy hitters, those with the largest reach or representing the biggest companies. While acknowledging the role those Power Players have on the region’s economy, we also want to capture the work being done at early startups, charitable nonprofits, young professionals and others. Together, they help paint a picture of the multifaceted community we live in – one in which people have big ideas to grow tech startups, add jobs and diversify the economy, as well as unique projects to add to the region’s quality of life, from inventive menus to new sports programs. Despite their varied industries and roles, one thing the members of this year’s group have in common is a drive to try and push things forward. Not everyone might agree about the direction, but impact is a key factor in deciding on the list. Another is looking at projects accomplished or started this year. That’s why sometimes newly launched ideas might not appear until next December’s issue or why some previously highlighted works don’t show back up. In a few cases, the 2025 list includes community members who are changing roles, but their impacts throughout this past year are what landed them in the issue.

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We also want to keep the list fresh each year, so while there are some names that return each year, particularly in the Power Players category because of the undeniable size of their roles, new contenders and projects cycle in and out. Recommendations from readers leading up to the issue in the fall also play a part in helping highlight the work being done in the area. So, with all that in mind, turn to page 31 and find out who made this year’s 100 list and why. And go even more in depth on two of the 100 topics with a look at Vantaca’s rapid growth in our cover story on page 26 and an overview of Thalian Hall’s renovation plans on page 100. You can see the full list at WilmingtonBiz100.com.

VICKY JANOWSKI, EDITOR vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com

W I N T E R 2025

Wilmington B iz

CONTRIBUTORS

M A G A Z I N E

WINTER 2025 – $4.95

DARIA AMATO DARIA AMATO is a native New Yorker and School of Visual Arts graduate. Throughout her 30 years of experience, she has photographed a range of editorial, advertising, company branding and corporate clients in addition to music, fashion, portraiture, weddings and still life. Amato has been recognized by The Society of Publication Designers and Graphic Design USA and received an Optima Design Award for best cover photography. Amato photographed portraits of some of this year’s WilmingtonBiz 100 members (section starting on PAGE 31).

Publisher Rob Kaiser

rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com

President

Robert Preville rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.com

Editor

Vicky Janowski vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com

Managing Editor

Cece Nunn cnunn@wilmingtonbiz.com

Reporter

MEGHAN CORBETT MEGHAN CORBETT, a native North Carolinian, is a freelance writer and editor. She graduated with honors with a degree in mass media communication and a minor in journalism from N.C. State University. Corbett married her high school sweetheart, Will, in 2008. They welcomed a baby girl (Avery) to their family in 2016 and a baby boy (Hugh) in 2018. She talked with Kevin Murphy about his nonprofit Ocean Cure (PAGE 22).

Emma Dill edill@wilmingtonbiz.com

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Matthew Coleman mcoleman@wilmingtonbiz.com

S e n i o r M a r k e t i n g C o n s u lta n t Craig Snow

M a r k e t i n g C o n s u lta n t s Alexis Alphin Jillian Hon

Events Director

Jamie Merrill jmerrill@wilmingtonbiz.com

E v e n t s & M a r k e t i n g C o o r d i nat o r

MADELINE G R A Y MADELINE GRAY is a freelance documentary photographer based in Wilmington. With a master’s degree in photojournalism, her work is regularly featured in local and national publications. Gray photographed the issue’s cover of Vantaca execs Dave Sweyer and Ben Currin (also on PAGE 26). She also photographed ILM's Rhythms and Tunes, (PAGE 11) Ocean Cure’s Kevin Murphy (PAGE 22), Thalian Hall’s CEO Shane Fernando (PAGE 100) and portraits of some of this year’s WilmingtonBiz 100 members (section starting on PAGE 31). madelinegrayphoto.com and @madelinepgray on Instagram

Alecia Hall ahall@wilmingtonbiz.com

Art Director - Editorial Suzi Drake art@wilmingtonbiz.com

Art Director - Marketing Tara Weymouth tweymouth@wilmingtonbiz.com

M e d i a C o o r d i nat o r

Tara Sestanovich tsestanovich@wilmingtonbiz.com

Office Manger

David Taylor dtaylor@wilmingtonbiz.com

Director of Feast Wilmington

LAURA MOORE LAURA MOORE is an English professor at Cape Fear Community College in one of the top three-rated English departments in the state. In addition to education, she has a background in public relations and journalism. Moore talked with N.SEA Oyster Co’s owners Conor and Alyssa MacNair about their Oyster Barn venue in Hampstead for the issue’s Feast food feature (PAGE 106.)

WilmingtonBiz

M A G A Z I N E

Jessica Maurer jmaurer@wilmingtonbiz.com

Contributing Photographers

Daria Amato, Bryan Cournoyer, Madeline Gray, Malcolm Little

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W I N T E R 2025

gifting solutions for

everyone on your list

employee appreciation

client gifting

business marketing

Choose from Bundtlet Towers, Decorated Cakes and other one-of-a-kind gifts, starting at just $10. Wilmington 1437 Military Cutoff, Suite 104 Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 679-8797 10

WilmingtonBiz

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Leland 473 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 115 Belville, NC 28451 (910) 756-5023

B i z B ite s BEHIND THE NUMBERS

SOUND OFF |

THE DIGEST |

C-SUITE CONVO

TERMINAL TWANG

Brandon Hawkins serenades passengers milling about near Wilmington International Airport’s gates. In October, the airport launched its terminal music program showcasing local musicians, including Joe Copple, Beth Manning and Paige Bacon. Dubbed Rhythms & Tunes, the program features musicians doing two-hour sets near the terminal’s laurel oak sculpture, which is past TSA’s security screening point. The melodic addition is similar to stages set up in other airports that have regular live music programs, such as Nashville International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. “Our community is known for having great live music and lots of local talent. By showcasing these local artists in ILM, we have a chance to highlight that talent right here in the airport,” airport director Jeff Bourk said. “It’s also another way for us to continue to enhance the traveler experience.” photo by MADELINE GRAY

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WilmingtonBiz

M A G A Z I N E

BEHIND THE

NUMBERS $251

MILLION

WILMINGTON

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EARLY VOTING TURNOUT, MOST USED SITES

1,581

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Carolina Beach Town Hall

NEW HANOVER COUNTY

2024 vs 2010

WILMINGTON

*ALL EARLY VOTING SITES WERE OPEN OCT. 25-NOV. 1, BUT ONLY THE LIBRARY WAS OPEN OCT. 16-OCT. 24.

TOTAL ILM CARGO (LBS)

+65.1%

+93.1%

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

JAN-SEPT

'22 1,240,328 '23 1,061,620 '24

1,016,527

'25 1,314,087

SOUTHEASTERN NC

NOVANT HAS SUBMITTED A CERTIFICATE of need application to build a 20-bed hospital in Leland, according to a news release. This would be the first new hospital in Brunswick County since 2011, when the 74-bed Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center opened in Bolivia. The new hospital, to be called the Novant Health Leland Medical Center, would be located on just over 40 acres near the intersection of Fawnbrook Way and U.S. 74/76 in Leland, according to a certificate of need application Novant submitted to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The land is part of Terrapin, a neighborhood set to hold about 2,800 homes in Leland. Logan Developers Inc. broke ground on the nearly 1,000-acre masterplanned community in January. Development of the two-story, 142,460-square-foot hospital is expected to cost more than $251 million and could accept patients beginning in January 2030, according to the certificate of need application. The hospital would serve as a new campus of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, according to the application. Novant plans to relocate 20 licensed acute care beds from Brunswick Medical Center to the new hospital location. Novant also plans to develop five procedure rooms, four of which would be constructed to operating room standards. Four of the acute care beds would be intensive care unit beds. Novant’s application highlights Brunswick County’s growing population and states that the new hospital aims to bring health care closer to patients. “Current patient destination data indicate that a significant proportion of Brunswick County residents travel outside the county – most often to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NH New Hanover) – for acute care services,” the application states. “This project is designed to redirect care back into the county, bringing services closer to where patients live.” The site eyed for the hospital is made up of two parcels. Novant could purchase the larger 37-acre parcel for $350,000 per acre, according to the certificate of need application. The purchase price for an adjacent 5-acre parcel is listed as just over $2 million. Novant is under contract to purchase the land needed for the project, according to spokesperson Julian March. If the certificate of need is approved, the application states that the site would need to be rezoned for a medical center. Novant has also submitted a certificate of need application to develop a new freestanding emergency department near U.S. 17 in Carolina Shores. The $24.2 million project would operate under the Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center license and would open in September 2028.

CFCC

849

COST OF NEW HOSPITAL IN LELAND

BY EMMA DILL

NHC Senior Resource Center

4,326

NOVANT PLANS FOR LELAND HOSPITAL, BRUNSWICK EXPANSION

Northeast Regional Library*

5,675

REGIONAL CAPITAL FUNDING PROJECTIONS

THROUGH 2050, BASED ON HISTORICAL FUNDING SOURCES

AVIATION $635.8M BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN $73.3M FERRY & WATER TRANSPORTATION $10.8M PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION $79.7M RAIL $78.1M ROADWAY $5.1B

Sources: New Hanover County Board of Elections, Census/UNCW Economic Outlook, Wilmington International Airport, WMPO

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Strength in Recovery Editor’s note: This summer, Michele Holbrook visited her doctor with relatively minor complaints and was blindsided by what the tests ultimately showed: ovarian cancer. Holbrook and her family quickly jumped into a treatment plan, and she underwent chemotherapy and surgery the second half of this year while taking a leave of absence from her leadership role at Corning. In recent months, Holbrook, senior business program manager with Corning, former head of Corning’s Wilmington plant and a leader in regional business groups has been documenting her progress and thoughts online. Below are some excerpts of that online journal printed with her permission.

MICHELE HOLBROOK hopeful and focused on celebrating the wins – no matter how small they may seem.

SEPT. 18, 2025 WELCOME TO MY ELECTRONIC CANCER JOURNAL. First and foremost, I want to thank each of you for your unwavering love, support and kindness. It means more than I can put into words. I’ve decided to share regular updates about my journey to beat ovarian cancer – not just to keep you informed, but also to stay connected and draw strength from sharing this experience with you. On June 26, 2025, I received news that changed my life: a tumor the size of a tennis ball was found on my right ovary. Since then, I’ve been diagnosed with high-grade serous carcinoma (stage 3c), started treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in NYC, had a chemo port installed and am now undergoing my third round of chemotherapy in preparation for surgery followed by more chemotherapy. It has been an intense and challenging few months, but I’ve learned that the best way forward is to take everything one day at time and place my trust in God. Through it all, I remain

WilmingtonBiz

SEPT. 22, 2025 In my last update, I shared the details of my diagnosis. Today, I want to walk you through my treatment plan – a three-phase approach to fight this cancer head-on. Phase I involves three-six rounds of chemotherapy. The goal is to shrink the cancer as much as possible, especially around my intestines, to make surgery safer and more effective. Phase II will be surgery to remove my ovaries, uterus, spleen, gallbladder and any other affected tissue. It’s a major procedure, but my care team is confident it’s a critical step toward long-term recovery. Phase III will include three more rounds of chemotherapy after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. After completing these three phases, I’ll enter a two-year monitoring period. Advanced stage High Grade Serous Carcinoma (HGSC) has a 70-80% recurrence rate, which is daunting, but I’m focused on the fight ahead and taking it one step at a time. OCT. 2, 2025 The hardest day of my chemo cycle isn’t Day 1 – it’s today, Day 4. On Day 1, I step into the infusion room feeling like a warrior, ready to battle the cancer head-on. There’s determination and a sense of purpose fueling me. But by Day 4, the steroids

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and antihistamines have worn off, and I’m left to face the full force of the chemotherapy. It’s not just the exhaustion, the aches, the pain or the digestive issues that make Day 4 so challenging. It’s the stillness – the inability to do much of anything. I feel weak, dependent on others and stripped of my usual sense of capability. For someone who thrives on productivity and accomplishment, being idle feels awful, and yet it is exactly what my body and soul need right now. … By releasing my need for control and allowing myself to simply rest, Day 4 has shifted. It’s still hard, but it’s no longer a battle. It’s a space for humility, for grace and for healing. And in surrendering to that, I’ve discovered that even weakness has its own quiet strength. OCT. 21, 2025 As the crispness of fall settles in, I find myself reflecting on a phone call that changed my life 30 years ago. It was the fall of 1995, and I was working in Rochester, New York, at an environmental consulting firm. My days were filled with fieldwork, reports and the steady rhythm of a young engineer’s career. Then, out of the blue, my phone rang. On the other end was a headhunter presenting an opportunity I hadn’t expected – a role with Corning Incorporated in State College, Pennsylvania. I didn’t know it at the time, but that single phone call would set me on a path that would define not only my career but also my life in so many ways. This Thursday, October 23, marks the 30th anniversary of my first day with Corning. … Corning has been more than just a workplace for me. It’s been a place of growth, discovery and opportunity. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to

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learn and develop, both as an engineer and as a leader. They’ve invested in me and challenged me, and I’ve grown in ways I never imagined when I first walked through those doors. But the heart of this journey – what has truly made it incredible – is the people. The people I’ve worked with over the last three decades have been nothing short of extraordinary. … As I’ve navigated my cancer journey, their support has been nothing short of a godsend.

CROWDSOURCING REACTIONS, OPINIONS AND QUOTABLES FROM OUR ONLINE SOUNDING BOARDS

O N FA C E B O O K . C O M / W I L M I N GT O N B I Z WHAT IS THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE YOU EXPECT THE WILMINGTON BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO FACE IN 2026? “1. RISING OPERATING COSTS (labor, rent, insurance) 2. Talent shortages and workforce readiness 3. Increasing regulatory and compliance pressures 4. Access to capital for small businesses. Also, the support and resources never really get to the people who need it. Accessibility. But that is a problem everywhere.” – JAMES MARTUCCI

OCT. 25, 2025 Yesterday’s surgery exceeded my expectations. The chemo was very successful at killing off my cancer cells. Therefore, when I woke up in PACU, I still had my spleen, gallbladder and all my intestines! My surgeon performed a radical hysterectomy, removed my omentum and scraped my abdomen. I’ll have a long scar from the top of my belly to the bottom, but it will remind me I’m a warrior.

X POLL: @WILMINGTONBIZ HOW MUCH ARE YOU SPENDING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON COMPARED TO LAST YEAR?

33.3% SAME

LESS gift

NOV. 13, 2025 It’s been almost three weeks since my surgery, and I’m happy to report my body continues to heal well. The 11-inch incision is mending beautifully, and I’m feeling stronger each day. I’ve even taken a step back into work, easing into a part-time schedule from home. It feels good to have a sense of normalcy again, even if it’s just a piece of it. … the next phase of my treatment begins: chemotherapy resumes on Friday, Nov. 21. I’ll be facing three more rounds of chemo before transitioning into the monitoring phase. There’s a part of me that’s ready to face this final stage with determination and grit – it feels like the last big hurdle in this battle – but I’d be lying if I said I was looking forward to it. The thought of those chemicals coursing through my body again is daunting. However, I remain joyful and at peace, trusting in the process and knowing that this is all part of the path to healing. … Thank you for walking this road with me. I’ll keep you posted as I move forward, but for now, I’m taking things one day at a time, savoring the small victories and leaning on faith for what’s ahead.

“ALL THE ABOVE, plus safe walkable streets, and simple to understand for customers, parking rules” – JEFFREY ADAMS

50%

16.7% MORE

W I L M I N GT O N B I Z . C O M “IT HAS A LOT OF THE SAME VIBE and styles as the Cargo District and what we can see Castle Street turning into over the next five to 10 years. We really think that we’re getting in down there at the right time to be a part of the growth in the area.” – TREY GALARDE, A PARTNER WITH HALLMARK BUILDING, WHOSE COMPANY IS PLANNING A 24-UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX WITH GROUND-FLOOR COMMERCIAL SPACE AT 1315 CASTLE ST. IN WILMINGTON

O N FA C E B O O K . C O M / W I L M I N GT O N B I Z Business leaders and residents came out to SPARK ILM, a reimagining of the WilmingtonBiz Conference & Expo, on Oct. 1. The event, held at the Wilmington Convention Center, included workshops curated by the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, expanded networking opportunities and UNCW's Economic Outlook, with local and national voices. SIGN UP FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE GREATER WILMINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL AT WILMINGTONBIZ.COM

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SOUND OFF

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WORKFORCE ON THE MOVE

WHAT COMMUTING REVEALS ABOUT THE REGION

CONOMIC GROWTH AND LABOR MARKET SHIFTS INFLUENCE AREAS WELL BEYOND JOB COUNTS AS THEY RESHAPE WHERE PEOPLE LIVE AND WORK ACROSS COUNTIES. This region, which includes Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender and Sampson counties, is changing faster than nearly any other part of the country. Among these counties, New Hanover stands out as a clear exception. In 2022, nearly half of its workforce, approximately 49,000 individuals, commuted into the county from elsewhere, while nearly 29,000 of its residents worked outside the county. This pattern reflects New Hanover’s role as a regional employment center, attracting many workers from surrounding areas while also sending a substantial share of its own residents elsewhere for work. The substantial net inflow of workers into New Hanover distinguishes it from neighboring counties, which tend to function more as residential communities. Brunswick County, for example, had about 14,000 inbound commuters, representing 47.5% of

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MOUHCINE GUETTABI its workforce, but a considerably larger number of residents – 27,000 – commuted out for work. This suggests that Brunswick currently serves more as a residential base than a job center, although this pattern may evolve as the county continues to pursue economic development opportunities. Pender County shows a similar but more pronounced imbalance. Approximately 7,000 individuals, nearly 65% of its workforce, lived outside the county, while 17,500 residents commuted elsewhere for employment. These figures point to limited local job availability and a strong reliance on external labor markets. The remaining five counties also exhibit distinct commuting patterns. In Bladen County, 76.7% of its workforce, or nearly 8,300 individuals, lived outside the county, while about 7,100 residents commuted out. Duplin County had 63.3% of its workforce, or about 9,300 workers, living outside the county, and nearly 11,000 residents working elsewhere. Onslow County had a lower share of inbound commuters, with 42%,

or 15,00 workers, living outside the county, but a much higher number of residents – almost 28,000 – commuting out. This suggests that Onslow also functions more as a bedroom community. Sampson and Columbus counties follow similar trends. In Sampson, 8,000 people worked in the county but lived elsewhere, while about 13,600 residents commuted out. Columbus County saw 5,500 inbound commuters compared to 12,000 outbound, again reflecting a net outflow of labor. Taken together, these patterns highlight New Hanover County’s distinct role as a regional employment hub, in contrast to surrounding counties that primarily serve as residential communities with fewer local job opportunities. These commuting dynamics have important implications for housing affordability, infrastructure planning and regional economic development, as they reflect broader trends in labor market concentration and spatial mismatches between jobs and housing. Importantly, the interconnectedness of these markets means that housing solutions need to look beyond county borders. Mouhcine Guettabi is a regional economist with UNCW’s Swain Center and an associate professor of economics at UNCW’s Cameron School of Business.

W I N T E R 2025

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DIGEST THE

A R O U N DU P O F R E C E N T NE WS

MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING PLANNED IN MIDTOWN

INTUIT MAILCHIMP SNAPS UP RALEON

athan Snell, Raleon’s cofounder and CEO, announced the acquisition in a LinkedIn post in November. Raleon will “help Intuit deliver AI solutions that will transform retention marketing for e-commerce brands and agencies,” Snell wrote on LinkedIn. Snell, a co-founder of cloudbased banking firm nCino, formed Raleon in 2022 with Adam Larson, another former nCino employee. Raleon uses AI technology to help e-commerce brands convert and retain users. “We’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of e-commerce brands and agencies,” Snell wrote on LinkedIn. “We’ve watched them use AI-driven segmentation and automation to improve targeting, increase efficiency, and drive wild business results. “But we’ve always believed that to truly transform email marketing, we need to be the email service provider," he continued. "That meant either building our own from the ground up

or finding a partner that shares our vision for what’s possible.” Intuit’s acquisition includes Raleon’s technology and its current team. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Intuit, a business software company, has approximately 18,200 employees worldwide, with 21 offices in seven countries. It generated $18.8 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2025, according to its website. Snell declined an interview request, referring the Business Journal to an Intuit Mailchimp spokesperson. The spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement that Intuit’s acquisition of Raleon is “focused on bringing specialized talent and IP to Intuit.” Raleon will cease operations on April 30, according to a company blog post. Intuit Mailchimp acquired another Wilmington company, Amped, a service for e-commerce direct-to-consumer companies, in 2024.

TO STAY I N T H E LO O P O N T H E L AT E ST AR E A B U S I NE S S H AP P EN IN GS , CHECK OUT OUR DA I LY A F T ER NOON NE W S L E T T E R . S I G N U P AT WILM IN GTON BIZ.COM .

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A Charlotte-based health care real estate firm plans to build a new 40,000-squarefoot medical office building in midtown Wilmington. Flagship Healthcare Properties acquired a former Verizon Wireless call center and the surrounding 17.5 acres at 3601 Converse Road in a $21 million deal last year. The building is currently undergoing upfits to convert it into an outpatient clinic for Novant Health. Thorn Baccich, executive vice president of development for Flagship Healthcare Properties, said the company saw the potential to build a second medical office on the site’s sprawling parking lot. The newly planned office building will have two stories and a footprint of approximately 20,700 square feet. The project will take up about 4 acres of the 17.5-acre lot, according to site plans submitted to the city of Wilmington.

500,000 RESIDENTS WHO DEPEND ON THE CAPE FEAR RIVER AS THEIR PRIMARY DRINKING WATER SOURCE, ACCORDING TO A NHC COMMISSIONERS’ RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF CHEMOURS’ FACILITY UPSTREAM IN FAYETTEVILLE

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C-SUITE C O N V O

CENTER OF FOCUS

IFTEEN YEARS AFTER JOINING THE WILMINGTON CONVENTION CENTER AS ITS FIRST EXECUTIVE CHEF, SCOTT FRAZZETTA TOOK OVER THE TOP ROLE AT THE FACILITY THIS FALL.

Frazzetta was promoted in October to general manager of the facility, which also opened 15 years ago in downtown Wilmington. The facility on the Cape Fear River houses 107,000 square feet of event space and has hosted 2,000 events since it first opened. Frazzetta has been there in some capacity over those years, with roles that included overseeing foodand-beverage operations, client services and team development before moving into broader facility management. He fills the GM role from Fredia Brady, who moved to Savannah, Georgia, earlier this year to return to work at the Savannah Convention Center. Frazzetta recently talked about the Wilmington center’s anniversary and what’s ahead for the facility that draws both local events as well as out-of-town conference visitors. HE WILMINGTON CONVENTION T CENTER, SITUATED ALONG THE CAPE FEAR RIVER AND NUTT STREET, WAS AN ISLAND OF DEVELOPMENT WHEN IT WAS FIRST BUILT. FRAZZETTA ON HOW THE BLOCK HAS CHANGED:

“When we opened in 2010, we were surrounded by dirt – no marina, no amphitheater, no hotels, no apartments. Now there’s life in every direction – concerts at Live Oak Bank Pavilion, new hotels, apartments, retail.

SCOT T F RAZ Z E T TA GM, WILMINGTON CONVENTION CENTER

photo by MADELINE GRAY

It’s completely transformed this side of downtown, and it’s exciting to see how far Wilmington has come.” HE CENTER AT 10 CONVENTION T CENTER DRIVE OPENED ITS DOORS IN NOVEMBER 2010. A YEAR AFTER THE FACILITY’S GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION, HELD JAN. 13, 2011, THE $62 MILLION, CITYOWNED CONVENTION CENTER, CONSTRUCTED OVER A THREEYEAR PERIOD, BEGAN CIRCULATING AMONG EVENT PLANNERS AND TOURISM OFFICIALS.

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“We came in ready to hit the ground running. From the beginning, the entire team brought fresh energy and a sense of ownership – learning the building, understanding the space and figuring out how to make experiences come together with new people, new plans, new everything. It was fun. … “I was in love with our kitchen. Everything was sparkling and brand new. My goal was to keep that kitchen as clean as it was from day one. Fifteen years later, that kitchen still looks really good. … W I N T E R 2025

B i z B ite s

C-SUITE C O N V O

Celebrating Leadership. Inspiring Impact. Congratulations, Margaret Weller-Stargell! Recognized as one of the 2025 WilmingtonBiz 100 For 55 years, Coastal Horizons has been a trusted partner in providing comprehensive health and human services to over 25,000 individuals each year — and Margaret’s vision continues to expand that impact across 58 counties statewide.

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M A G A Z I N E

“In the beginning, it was all about how big of an event we could handle. Every time we thought we’d reached our limit, we pushed it further. Our largest plated dinner was about 2,100 guests – a large military group that filled both the exhibit hall and ballroom. That was by our second or third year, and it was more than what we were designed for, but we got creative and made it work. … “We hosted so many weddings on the event lawn in those first few years. A lot of couples began their stories here – their first look, their ceremony, their reception – and those moments became part of the building’s story too.” ORE THAN 1 MILLION PEOPLE M HAVE ATTENDED EVENTS AT THE CENTER SINCE IT OPENED. LOOKING AHEAD, FRAZZETTA SAID MORE SPACE WOULD LIKELY BE A PRIORITY.

“I’d love to see us expand. We’re using every square foot efficiently, but there are times when demand exceeds availability … so we’re missing opportunities. An expansion would allow us to host larger conventions and keep groups in Wilmington that might otherwise need to look elsewhere – generating more hotel stays, more restaurant traffic and greater overall benefit for the city. The demand is there.” RAZZETTA SAID HE SEES HIS F ROLE AS THE CONVENTION CENTER’S NEW GENERAL MANAGER IN PART AS A KIND OF BRAND AMBASSADOR.

“My top priority is enhancing the guest experience by finding new ways to make every event memorable, even for groups that return year after year. We want visitors to leave with a true sense of Wilmington, whether that’s through our hospitality, the riverfront view or local flavors featured on our catering menu.”

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W I N T E R 2025

PROFILE

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M A G A Z I N E

PROFILE

OPEN BEACHES W

OCEAN CURE ADDRESSES MOBILITY I S S U E S O N T H E S A N D A N D I N T H E WA T E R B Y M E G H A N C O R B E T T | P H O T O S B Y M A D E L I N E G R AY

HILE A RELAXING WALK ON THE BEACH IS EASY FOR MOST WHO LIVE IN THE AREA, THOSE WITH DISABILITIES MIGHT HAVE TROUBLE ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCE DUE TO ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES. KEVIN MURPHY FOUNDED THE CAROLINA BEACHBASED NONPROFIT OCEAN CURE TO MAKE ACCESSIBILITY AVAILABLE TO ALL. “I am a physical education teacher at Carolina Beach Elementary with a love of everything water related,” Murphy said. “Ocean Cure started as a nonprofit dedicated to helping people get into the ocean and experience the joy of surfing for the first time. (It is now) a leader in the country in sheer amount of adaptive surf camps, along with a leader in the world as far as beach accessibility and what is possible with access to all for the beach and ocean.” For Murphy, the mission of Ocean Cure is one for the whole family. “I have a 6-year-old daughter who loves volunteering for Ocean Cure; she loves to talk with our adapted athletes, help deliver beach wheelchairs and sweep the beach mats with me,” he said. “I also have a very w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

supportive wife who supports my hundreds of volunteer hours throughout the year.” According to ocean-cure.org, Ocean Cure’s mission is “to provide increased beach accessibility to our coast, and to help improve the quality of life for our participants through surfing.” For more than a decade, the group has served more than a thousand participants and their families through the use of beach wheelchairs, accessible flooring and adaptive surfboards. Today, it has 40 beach wheelchairs and more than 3,000 square feet of accessible beach matting. “And all of that together has helped to make Carolina Beach one of the most accessible beaches in the country,” Murphy said in a video this year about the group, adding that the town’s boardwalk also is ADA accessible. “And now, we’ve opened the door for more beaches. More beaches are saying, ‘Well, if Carolina Beach is doing this, and it’s very successful, why can’t we do it?’ And we’ve kind of laid the blueprint out.” Murphy said they’re working with some other beach areas to help them get a similar process going. In addition to Ocean Cure, Murphy is the owner of Odysea Surf School, which was started with the idea of teaching surfing lessons in a positive learning environment. W I N T E R 2025

PROFILE

“We have adult instructors with more than 10 years of continuous surf lesson instruction in North Carolina,” Murphy said. “The owners are avid watermen with more than 30 years of surfing and lifeguarding experience between them. We only employ the highest quality surf instructors. In fact, more than 75% of our surfing instructors are local certified schoolteachers.” Odysea provides equipment and trained instructors who help facilitate the 40+ days of Ocean Cure Camps throughout the year. “We are gearing up for another record-breaking season of camps, along with setting up another record of six accessible beach mats at Carolina Beach, and the longest and largest beach mat that runs parallel with the beach in the summer of 2026,” Murphy said. “We are also expanding our dragon boat camps, adding to our accessible surfboard quiver and also improving the largest supply of beach wheelchairs by a single organization on the East Coast.” While Murphy’s nonprofit and surf school focus on Carolina Beach, his teams travel up and down the East Coast with the goal of assisting adaptive surf camps. “Our objective is to use the ocean, the waves and the sand to help heal whatever challenges may be taking place,” Murphy said. “Whether that is for a wave or two or a lifestyle change, we serve a large variety of groups facing daily challenges throughout life with our ocean therapy programs.” Behind these programs are families that help make it happen. “We could not do what we do without the support of our families first and the community of Carolina Beach,” Murphy said. “The local government not only allows us to do what we do but is also very supportive in continuing to make improvements to the town facilities with Ocean Cure and ADA in mind, making Carolina Beach one of the most handicapped friendly beach towns in the country.”

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W I N T E R 2025

‘Let’s Go Create Our Own ’ VANTACA GROWS FROM A SPARK TO A $1.25B UNICORN

B Y C E C E N U N N | P H O T O B Y M A D E L I N E G R AY

hen Dave Sweyer looked around a little over a decade ago, he couldn’t find what he needed to expand his community association management company to the level he wanted.

“This is a very fragmented industry, typically small mom-and-pops. And that was intriguing to me, because I thought, ‘What will it take to grow a much larger organization?’ Because as you grew, a lot of the elements of the business became more profitable, more successful, and so it was definitely something worthwhile to pursue. And the governor of my growth always was technology,” Sweyer said. “I could never get the kinds of efficiencies or create the kind of service or interact with my customers – homeowners – like I wanted to. And so, I was always limited by what technology offered.” Sweyer, former owner of Wilmingtonbased Community Association Management Services (CAMS), and his employees tested what options they could find. “Then we got to a point where we were like, ‘It doesn’t exist,’” Sweyer said. “‘The things that we ultimately want for our

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purposes don’t exist. Let’s go create our own.” That’s how Vantaca was born. A software firm that integrates core community association management tasks – everything from dues collection to homeowner communication – into one cloud-based tool, Vantaca went from a spark in Sweyer’s brain to a financial unicorn valued at $1.25 billion with a more than $300 million minority investment in hand. Nearly 10 years ago, Sweyer, two software developers and three CAMS employees spent about a year building the software, finding many mistakes during those early days. “But the good news is, on a day-by-day basis, we incrementally addressed every little thing that was causing us problems, and it caused us to move at lightning speed to get it right,” Sweyer said. Lisa Turner, founder, president and CEO of Silverleaf Management Group, became Vantaca’s first external customer in 2017. “I didn’t want just a software platform,” said Turner, whose community association management firm is based near Atlanta. “I wanted a partner in what I was trying to accomplish, and that is a better way to manage community associations. “They were unlike any other software provider,” she added. “They were invested in understanding how we as a company were operating and what we needed to grow

M A G A Z I N E

Vantaca founder Dave Sweyer, left, and CEO Ben Currin are shown at the software company's Wilmington headquarters.

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W I N T E R 2025

2016

• VANTACA GOES LIVE

2020

• SOFTWARE REACHES 1 MILLION HOMES

2022

2023

2024

2025

• GROWTH INVESTMENT FROM JMI EQUITY

• VANTACA PAY AND VANTACA IQ LAUNCH

• ACQUIRES HOAI • LAUNCHES AGENTIC AI

• OPENS OFFICE IN TECH HUB REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA • $1.25B VALUATION • $300M+ INVESTMENT FROM COVE HILL PARTNERS

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and scale as an organization.” Turner remains a Vantaca customer, and her firm continues to grow, she said. Her company had just under 60 community and homeowners associations when Silverleaf first started using Vantaca. She anticipates the number surpassing 260 by the end of 2025. “We’ve had another recordbreaking year. … We’ve implemented some of Vantaca’s new AI solutions, and in so doing, have been able to stretch our team a little bit. … We didn’t eliminate (any of Silverleaf ’s workforce); we just expanded it and elevated it and added some value back to what we were doing,” Turner said. As of press time, Vantaca had 500 management company clients, representing 50,000 community and homeowners associations and 6 million homes, said Vantaca CEO Ben Currin. With its headquarters located on Wrightsville Avenue in Wilmington, not far from Wrightsville Beach, more than half of the firm’s 275 employees are in Wilmington. From the beginning, Sweyer said, he felt 100% confident that the company would succeed “because the industry was really starving for a solution like Vantaca.” Currin said the software doesn’t just serve “one little component of what a community association management company needs. We’re not just the portal that their homeowners use to submit requests. We’re not just their billing engine, we’re not just their accounting software, we’re not just their communication software – we’re all of those things for them. So really, everything in the back office of a community association management company happens within Vantaca. If it doesn’t happen in Vantaca, it’s really not happening in their business. “Oftentimes,” he added, “we’re replacing what we’ll refer to as kind of the Frankenstein approach to all of that.” On Oct. 15, Vantaca officials

M A G A Z I N E

”

TH EN WE G OT TO A P OIN T WH ER E WE WERE L IK E, ‘ IT DOESN’T EXI ST.’ TH E TH IN GS T HAT WE ULTIMATELY WANT F OR OUR P UR P OSES D ON’T EX IST. L ET’ S GO CREAT E OUR OWN.

”

DAVE SWEYER FOUNDER, VANTACA

announced that the company had received a minority growth investment of more than $300 million from Boston-based private equity firm Cove Hill Partners. “For us, we’ve been doubling in size and growing at a very rapid rate, and we still forecast in the future that we’ll grow at a very, very outsized rate. And so, it just takes capital in those interim years to really fuel that growth, and so we’ll use that capital primarily to hire talented people,” Sweyer said. “It takes a lot of talented people to continue to do what we do every day.” Jane Levy Vance, co-founder and partner with Cove Hill Partners, said that for her company, “Vantaca represents the rare combination of market leadership, technological innovation and exceptional execution that we believe defines categorywinning companies. We believe their AI-first approach has sustainable competitive advantages and delivers significant value to customers. “We’re excited to partner with the Vantaca team as they scale their platform, introduce new capabilities and expand into new markets.” Cove Hill Partners joined JMI Equity, which was Vantaca’s existing minority investor, in supporting the company’s vision and next phase of growth, officials said. Cove Hill wasn’t the only firm interested in placing a big bet on Vantaca. In early November, Sweyer said roughly 25 firms had expressed

interest in making such an investment in Vantaca. Neither Currin nor Sweyer was interested in selling the company. “Early on, we were always swinging really big. So, we had really big ambitions about what was possible. And that’s probably the thing that in the very early days drew Dave and I together, as we both saw a huge opportunity here,” Currin said. Currin started at Vantaca in 2017, serving in various executive-level strategy and operational positions. In 2020, he became CEO, and in 2022, Vantaca raised $5 million from 16 investors. That same year, JMI Equity, a private equity firm based in California and Maryland that focuses on software companies, made an undisclosed investment. “They’ve been awesome partners to us,” Currin said. “It was really important to us to maintain control of the vision of where we want to go and the strategic direction for what our company goals are, rather than sell the company to a private equity firm for them to then run kind of the private equity playbook and get a return for that firm. It was important for us to do that, and so we brought that same mindset to this transaction (with Cove Hill Partners) … to say, ‘OK, we want to do this, but we want to add fuel to the fire, add capital into the business, to capitalize the business in a way that we can continue on that mission and maintain control and confidence over our long-term direction.’” Vantaca has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. for the past five years. According to Inc. Magazine’s annual list, Vantaca ranked No. 1,575 in 2025, reporting 278% growth over the past three years. Vantaca also reported a revenue range of $25 million to $50 million and 133% growth in hiring. The company continues to move forward, Currin and Sweyer said. “We’re thinking really big about the next 10 years. I think one of the lessons we’ve certainly learned over the past seven or eight years has been the quality of the team and the people that we build will define the company that

we build as well,” Currin said. “And so, we want to go recruit and retain and promote the best possible people we can and create an environment for them to be successful. “So we’ll be hungry to go get great talent.” A big part of Vantaca’s offering today is generative AI, Sweyer said. “In addition to developing and delivering that for our customers, we’re a big user of that internally,” he said. Currin said AI is replacing inefficiency, not human labor. “There’s so much inefficiency in how we work and how we spend our time, what we’re constrained with, and that’s where we go to attack those problems for our customers,” he said. “But internally, we look around and do the same thing and say, ‘Where’s the inefficiency in doing this? What could we delegate to AI?’” Sweyer added, “I think for us, it’s really become more of an enablement to bigger opportunities. I think our message isn’t so much that we don’t anticipate hiring a lot more people. We’re creating new marketplaces and

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new products to expand our business. And we’re now hiring people into those businesses that we didn’t perfectly envision in 2016.” In 2024, the company acquired HOAi, a California-based firm that provides AI technology for the HOA and community management industry, including tools to streamline financial analysis and automate document management. During the summer of 2025, Vantaca opened an office in Redwood City, California, a technology hub in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sweyer and Currin see more growth ahead. “I think the interesting thing about the most recent investment (from Cove Hill Partners) is the conviction that very sophisticated investors have that Vantaca has an even brighter future than where we are today. We’re massively proud of this moment and what we’ve accomplished,” Sweyer said. “They’re not investing for today. They’re investing in the future potential of this company, and that’s awesome for us. That gives us even more fuel to go after a much bigger future.” W I N T E R 2025

WilmingtonBiz

M A G A Z I N E

POWER PLAYERS

INFLUENCERS

INNOVATORS

CONNECTORS

RISING STARS

DETERMINING THE 100 The WilmingtonBiz 100 is an annual Greater Wilmington Business Journal initiative to recognize the top 100 Power Players, Influencers, Innovators, Connectors and Rising Stars impacting Southeastern North Carolina’s business landscape.

Readers sent in names to consider during a nomination process, and the Business Journal’s editorial team selected the WilmingtonBiz 100. We’ll do nominations again next year for the annual issue. To be considered, individuals had to either work or live in the region. Elected officials

aren’t considered for the list.

Those included in this year’s group were announced in October, but on the following pages you can read a little more about why they were picked. This year, some of the list members’ profiles were produced using an artificial intelligence program and supported by honoree questionnaires. Each profile was reviewed, augmented by original reporting and writing, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by the Business Journal editorial staff. – Compiled by Emma Dill, Vicky Janowski and Cece Nunn

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W I N T E R 2025

WilmingtonBiz

M A G A Z I N E

THE

POWER

PLAYERS THE BUSINESSPEOPLE AND OFFICIALS HAVING THE GREATEST IMPACT ON THE REGION’S BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE

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W I N T E R 2025

W I L M I N GTO N B I Z 1 0 0 P O W E R P L AY E R S

$3.3 billion in economic output in 2023 and supports thousands of jobs, according to the NCDOT’s 2025 State of Aviation report.

JEFF BOURK AIRPORT DIRECTOR, WILMINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

OUTSIDE WORK: Bourk recharges with tennis, pickleball and time on the water.

nder Jeff Bourk’s

ILM has Uleadership, expanded its reach and pace of growth in 2025.

WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: The airport now advertises a record 31 nonstop destinations as of press time and two new carriers this year, pushing ILM to the No. 1 spot among major U.S. airports for three-year seatcapacity growth (up 66% from July 2022 to June 2025). Bourk’s team also landed ILM’s first international commercial route: Avelo Airlines’ nonstop service to Punta Cana, beginning Dec. 24. On the cargo side, an international lifesciences air corridor is being established between Shannon, Ireland, and Wilmington – anchored by Frontier Scientific Solutions’ facilities at ILM – positioning the region for temperature-controlled pharma logistics. At home, ILM continues a multi-year construction project: roadway and curbfront realignments, a new cell-phone lot and design work for Terminal Phase 6, along with customs terminal upgrades to support the Punta Cana service. Airport projections also call for 2025 enplanements, or passenger boardings, of about 880,000 – a year-over-year increase of 20%. These gains add to ILM’s wider community impact: The airport generated an estimated

ERNIE BOVIO PRESIDENT, NOVANT HEALTH COASTAL REGION

rnie Bovio heads up the

EWinston-Salem-based health system’s coastal market, which includes facilities in the Cape Fear region.

WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: Under Bovio’s leadership, Novant Health has expanded its footprint across Southeastern North Carolina. This year, the health system marked the opening of Wilmington’s second Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic, located off Princess Place Drive. Novant Health also opened a new 36,000-square-foot medical office building in Autumn Hall along Eastwood Road, designed to accommodate growing demand for primary care services and provide additional surgical clinic space. Construction continues on a new 66bed hospital in the Scotts Hill area of New Hanover County. Novant Health broke ground on a new outpatient surgery center in Leland and added its first class of physicians in its new rural residency track that includes practicing in Pender County. In October, Novant

WilmingtonBiz

M A G A Z I N E

officials announced that they are pursuing plans for a new $251 million hospital in Leland that, if approved by state regulators, could accept patients beginning in early 2030. The hospital would serve as a new campus of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, according to a certificateof-need application filed with the state. Novant wants to move 20 licensed acute care beds from Brunswick Medical Center to the new hospital location. Novant also plans to develop five procedure rooms, four of which will be constructed to operating room standards. Also in Brunswick County, Novant submitted a certificate-of-need application to develop a new freestanding emergency department near U.S. 17 in Carolina Shores to potentially open in 2028. LONG-TERM PLANNING: Bovio said the coastal region team is focused on its Vision 2030 strategic plan.

stated that the authority posted an operating loss of $6.3 million during the year. The ports generate an estimated $16 billion in economic output statewide and support over 88,000 jobs. The Port of Wilmington saw progress on an intermodal rail yard, which is expected to add 5,000 feet of working track and expand intermodal capacity to more than 50,000 container movements by rail annually. The port is in the early stages of relocating its North Gate, which will move the general cargo entrance closer to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and highway network. The ports in both Wilmington and Morehead City are set to get new gantry cranes early next year, which aim to make general operations more efficient.

DEEPER PORT: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a report supporting the deepening of Wilmington’s harbor from its current depth of 42 feet to 47 feet. Port officials say the project will boost the port’s efficiency and competitiveness in the region.

BRIAN CLARK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, N.C. PORTS

t the helm of N.C. Ports,

Clark oversees ABrian operations at deep-

water ports in Wilmington and Morehead City and an inland port in Charlotte.

WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: In fiscal year 2025, the port system saw year-over-year growth in intermodal and general cargo volumes. The ports “delivered a $51.2 million positive net change in position from the prior year,” according to a recent report from the state auditor’s office, which also

SEAN DESMOND CEO & PRESIDENT, NCINO

ean Desmond became

CEO in SnCino’s February, taking the

helm at a time he described as a pivotal moment for both the company and the banking technology industry. Desmond was previously chief product officer for the Wilmington-based cloud banking software company that employs about 650 people.

SOPHIE DAGENAIS

W I L M I N GTO N B I Z 1 0 0

INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO, NEW HANOVER COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT

n 2025, Sophie Dagenais assumed a dual leadership role at the New Hanover Community Endowment, serving as both interim president and CEO as well as vice president of programs and grants. Hired in the vice president role in January, Dagenais became the interim CEO in July when Dan Winslow stepped down.

WHY SHE’S A POWER PLAYER: In these roles this year, Dagenais has overseen the deployment of a $53 million grant budget, directing investments toward education, social & health equity, community safety and community development projects in New Hanover County. “At the moment, I’m all in on the Endowment. With two roles on my plate, this is where my focus and energy are concentrated, making sure we’re moving our mission forward,” Dagenais said in October. The more than $1.6 billion endowment, which was formed by the sale of county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2021, announced nearly 170 grants this year, totaling more than $58 million, as of press time. The new grants were slated for initial disbursement in 2025 or 2026. Recent funding announcements have included $2.7 million to New Hanover County Schools “to pilot a targeted staffing initiative to close achievement gaps, support positive behavior, increase student engagement, improve graduation rates and create positive learning environments;” $5.7 million to the Wilmington Housing Authority to help pay for redevelopment of Hillcrest; and $5 million to MedNorth Health Center, which is undergoing an expansion.

BIO BACKGROUND: Before joining the endowment this year, Dagenais previously served as director at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, chief of staff to then-Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, partner at Ballard Spahr law firm and assistant dean at Syracuse University College of Law.w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

W I N T E R 2025 35 PHOTO BY MALCOLM LITTLE

W I L M I N GTO N B I Z 1 0 0 P O W E R P L AY E R S

WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: Under Desmond’s direction, nCino has implemented a three-pillar AI strategy that begins with product innovation. “We’re building nCino into an AI-native company, rethinking how we build and deliver products from the ground up,” he said. This includes embedding artificial intelligence more deeply into the company’s cloudbased banking platform through new offerings such as Banking Advisor enhancements, Operations Analytics Pro and Mortgage AI. The company has also relaunched its Sandbox Banking product as Integration Gateway. The platform was formerly known as Glyue by Sandbox Banking, but earlier this year, nCino announced its $52.5 million of Sandbox Banking. The company this year also rebranded FullCircl, expanding the platform’s integration capabilities and reach. NAME ABOUT TOWN: Recent examples of nCino’s community involvement include the nCino Sports Park and the nCino Hunger Solutions Center, facilities that the company has donated significantly to in recent years.

Dill had worked at Corning for 17 years in various roles before becoming the plant’s manager. WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: With about 1,000 employees, Corning is one of the largest employers in the Wilmington area. Dill oversees day-to-day operations of the plant’s manufacturing of optical fiber, the ultra-thin, durable and flexible glass thread that transmits information at high speeds. For example, Corning’s low-loss optical fiber, which is made in Wilmington, is thinner than human hair but stronger than steel. It carries large amounts of data in the form of light signals and is a critical building block of generative artificial intelligence. Optical fiber also plays a key role in broadband deployment. The Wilmington plant serves as a technology center for Corning’s fiber division, where the company develops and implements new products and procedures. GIVING BACK: Dill serves on the board of the United Way Cape Fear Area. The Wilmington plant also supports various nonprofits, including NourishNC and Communities in Schools, through donations and volunteering.

BRYCE DILL WILMINGTON OPTICAL FIBER PLANT MANAGER, CORNING INC.

t the beginning of

Bryce Dill took A2025, over as the manager of Corning’s optical fiber plant in Wilmington, replacing Russ Lopatka.

BRIAN ECKEL PARTNER, CAPE FEAR COMMERCIAL

s a co-founder of Cape

Holdings, Brian AFear Eckel helps guide Cape

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Fear Commercial, Cape Fear Development and Cape Fear Construction Group, the company’s three specialized divisions. Eckel founded Cape Fear Commercial with business partner Vin Wells in 2001. WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: Eckel’s companies are leading the development of some of Wilmington’s most high-profile projects. Through a publicprivate partnership with New Hanover County, Cape Fear Development led Project Grace, the $77 million redevelopment of the county’s downtown library branch and Cape Fear Museum. The library portion of the project opened in October, with the museum set to open next summer. Eckel has also overseen the growth of Cape Fear Development’s Proximity brand. Construction is largely complete at Proximity Carolina Beach, a mixed-use project with 250 apartments and 35,000 square feet of commercial space. Construction is underway at Proximity Watermark, a 248-unit luxury apartment complex along the Cape Fear River, while site work has started on Proximity Government Center, a 256-unit apartment project off College Road. The company also has plans to develop Proximitybranded projects along Blue Clay Road and in Surf City. HEALTH BOARD: Eckel sits on the Novant Health Board of Trustees. The board oversees Novant Health, which owns hospitals in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.

NATALIE ENGLISH PRESIDENT & CEO, GREATER WILMINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

eading the Greater

Chamber LWilmington of Commerce, Natalie

English uses three decades of advocacy experience in her efforts to steer the area’s business, workforce and infrastructure agenda. WHY SHE’S A POWER PLAYER: Part of the chamber’s mission statement is that the organization “brings together community leaders, policymakers and businesses to foster collaboration and drive collective action. We focus on building relationships, supporting growth and maintaining a businessfriendly environment through networking, advocacy and strategic partnerships.” In recent years, English has lobbied to make replacing the aging Cape Fear Memorial Bridge a priority at the local and state levels. She also launched the 2023 Regional Skills Analysis, aligning workforce training with employer needs across the region, and continues to champion public-private partnerships to help strengthen economic resilience. Under her leadership, the chamber is participating in the local initiative of the NC Health Talent Alliance, an effort to address gaps in the health care workforce. English also serves as the 2025 president of the Carolina Association of

W I L M I N GTO N B I Z 1 0 0 P O W E R P L AY E R S

Chamber of Commerce Executives. English has a bachelor’s degree from N.C. State University and earned her Certified Chamber Executive credential.

GROWING LEADERS: Also during English’s tenure, the chamber launched the Career and Leadership Development Academy, which allows seventh graders in New Hanover County to explore career opportunities.

CHIP MAHAN CHAIRMAN & CEO, LIVE OAK BANCSHARES

ames S. “Chip” Mahan

the founder, CEO JIIIandischairman of the

board of Live Oak Bancshares Inc., parent of Live Oak Bank, a Wilmington-based financial institution focused on serving small businesses nationwide.

NEIL UNDERWOOD CO-FOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER, CANAPI VENTURES

eil Underwood has been instrumental in starting high-profile tech companies in Wilmington and continues to bring investment dollars and innovation to the city.

WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: In 2025, Neil Underwood helped guide Canapi Ventures through a standout year, placing $125 million in venture capital and leading a strategic round for Wilmington-based Ohanafy. As general partner of Canapi’s $1.4 billion venture fund, he oversees investments that support fintech and technology companies nationwide. Underwood is co-founder of Live Oak Bank, where he previously served as president, and nCino. He also co-founded Live Oak Ventures, a subsidiary of Live Oak Bank, where he helped incubate companies focused on digital banking, including Finxact, Payrailz, DefenseStorm and Greenlight. In 2017, the Miami native cofounded Apiture, which provides digital banking solutions to community and regional banks and credit unions.

DEAL EVALUATOR: “We are fortunate to see three to five deals every day ... We don’t always invest, but we are surrounded by great ideas and founders,” Underwood said recently.

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WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: Under his leadership, Live Oak has become the top lender in the SBA’s 7(a) program by dollar amount, deploying more than $2.8 billion in financing during the SBA’s fiscal 2025. In the third quarter of 2025, the company reported a net income of $25.6 million, produced $1.65 billion in loans, grew deposits by nearly $696 million, raised $96.3 million via a preferred‑stock offering and realized a $24 million pre‑tax gain from the sale of another Wilmington-based fintech, Apiture Inc. Assets reached $14.67 billion, up 16 % year‑over‑year. Beyond financial metrics, Mahan is recognized for his W I N T E R 2025

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entrepreneurial leadership and fintech innovation. Of the company’s more than 1,000 employees, about 770 are located in Wilmington. A LITTLE BACKGROUND: Mahan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Washington & Lee University and began his career at Wachovia Bank & Trust Company in 1973.

while expanding builder and vendor partnerships that benefit clients and small businesses. Milam’s community engagement includes serving as chairman of Wilmington Business Development’s board next year and as a previous BASE board chair.

GROWING FOOTPRINT: The firm recently celebrated the completion and grand reopening of its new Topsail Island office, strengthening its coastal presence.

TIM MILAM & DENISE KINNEY CEO/PRESIDENT, COLDWELL BANKER SEA COAST ADVANTAGE

nder the leadership of Tim Milam and Denise Kinney, Wilmington-based residential real estate firm Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage continues to set new benchmarks in the real estate industry.

WHY THEY’RE POWER PLAYERS: In 2025, the firm was named the No. 1 Coldwell Banker affiliate company in the nation for the fourth consecutive year, a distinction earned for both closed sales volume and closed units. The company also ranked No. 27 in the nation for closed sales in RISMedia’s 2025 Power Broker Report, achieving over $2.9 billion in 2024 sales volume across more than 7,700 transactions. The firm has 850 agents and 70 staff members. Milam and Kinney said they continue to drive growth through technology investments in AI and innovative platforms,

MARK MOON SITE LEADER, GE AEROSPACE WILMINGTON

ark Moon began

GE Aerospace’s Mleading Wilmington site in January, overseeing one of the company’s most significant regional investments to date.

WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: GE Aerospace’s site, located on Castle Hayne Road, was set to receive $52 million as part of GE Aerospace’s broader $101 million investment in its North Carolina facilities this year. The Wilmington facility produces components for engines used in both commercial and military aircraft, including narrowbody and widebody planes as well as fighter jets and ships. The $52 million allocation was announced to fund new machines to shape metal parts to precise specifications, part of a large-scale equipment refresh aimed at maintaining quality and reducing production cycle

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times. The investment will also go toward new crane systems to increase capacity, additional tooling and upgrades to the building itself. These improvements are part of GE Aerospace’s national strategy to expand production and modernize facilities. In 2025, the company announced nearly $1 billion in investments across its U.S. plants and supply chain – double the amount from the previous year – and plans to hire approximately 5,000 new employees in manufacturing and engineering roles. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTS: The GE Aerospace Foundation donated $100,000 to Cape Fear Community College to fund 10 scholarships for the school’s computerintegrated machining program and to help launch a 40-hour machining boot camp for high school students.

JIM MORTON PRESIDENT, CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

FCC President Jim

was hired in CMorton 2018. Morton’s previous

employment included a 15-year stint at Wilmington International Airport, where he served as finance director. WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: CFCC has achieved recordbreaking enrollment growth and continued major campus expansions across the region. For the summer semester this year, curriculum enrollment

increased by 22%, with a projected 14% increase for the fall semester – the largest enrollment class in the college’s history. CFCC has also undertaken several largescale capital projects. The college’s library is undergoing a renovation scheduled for completion this winter. Design work is also underway to transform the school’s former dental clinic into a permanent home for CFCC’s free-forstudents, drop-in child care center, set to open next fall. The college opened a state-of-the-art dental clinic in the Saklad Health and Human Services Center, doubling enrollment for dental assisting and dental hygiene programs and expanding community access to low-cost dental care. Construction is ongoing to expand CFCC’s Surf City location by 10,500 square feet to meet growing demand in Pender County. New academic offerings include 18 programs such as property surveying, artificial intelligence technology and elementary education preparation. CFCC partnered with StepUp Wilmington to broaden access to Jobs Week, a four-day career preparation course, and the college was also selected as one of 15 statewide institutions to pilot BOOST, a program aimed at accelerating students’ progress into the workforce.

STAND-UP SPECIAL: Comedian Leanne Morgan’s Netflix special Unspeakable Things hit No. 1 on Netflix last month. The special was filmed this summer during Morgan’s shows at CFCC’s Wilson Center and was the first streaming service show filmed at the school’s theater. W I N T E R 2025

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in scientific research, especially physics journals and articles.

CRAIG RANSON INSTALLED BASE CEO, GE VERNOVA HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY

mid growing energy

Craig Ademand, Ranson is helping lead the GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy campus in Castle Hayne. Ranson transitioned from his role as the company’s CEO in June to head up its installed base business.

WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: Ranson helped lead the ongoing construction of GE Vernova Hitachi’s first small modular reactor (SMR) in Ontario. The company, one of the largest private employers in the Wilmington area, is also working to deploy the technology in the U.S. and in Poland and Sweden, among other locations. Starting next year, Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), a GE Vernova-led alliance with Hitachi Ltd., plans to fabricate a new nuclear fuel product at its Wilmington facility. The new product aims to provide boiling water reactor operators with more cost-effective use of uranium. GNF has also received approvals to manufacture and ship fuel with higher uranium enrichment levels. GE Vernova’s Wilmington campus is set to see $50 million in investment in its manufacturing operations aimed at enhancing safety, quality and productivity. SCIENCE ENTHUSIAST: In his free time, Ranson enjoys reading about the latest

HOLLY SULLIVAN VICE PRESIDENT OF WORLDWIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AMAZON

n 2025, Holly Sullivan

continued to Ihas lead Amazon’s global

economic development efforts through major projects and partnerships that shape the company’s worldwide footprint, all while living in Wilmington. WHY SHE’S A POWER PLAYER: A central focus of her work has been overseeing the continued development of Amazon’s second headquarters (HQ2) in Arlington, Virginia – a project she has guided since its inception in 2017. Sullivan’s responsibilities extend beyond HQ2 to managing Amazon’s technology hubs and corporate office expansions across the globe. Her portfolio includes support for Project Kuiper, the company’s low Earth orbit satellite initiative aimed at providing broadband internet connectivity worldwide. Her team focuses on developing the ground infrastructure needed to connect users to Kuiper satellites, an effort that will expand broadband access to underserved and rural communities. She also supports Amazon Prime Air, the company’s drone delivery program, which has

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launched in Arizona and plans to expand to multiple U.S. and European locations in the coming years. Another initiative under Sullivan’s leadership is the redevelopment of Bray Studios in the United Kingdom, following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, transforming the site into a modern production facility for Amazon’s growing entertainment division. In the Wilmington area, Sullivan has been involved in Amazon’s plans to open a robotics fulfillment center and a nearby delivery station, expected to begin operations in Pender County next year. Together, these facilities are projected to create 1,500 jobs and expand the company’s delivery capacity throughout the region. STATE INVESTMENT: Amazon has invested more than $17.2 billion in North Carolina since 2010.

time alumna. The Sayeds’ donation will support health care initiatives and teacher recruitment, marking a record-setting moment for the university’s advancement and its long-term focus on workforce development. In fall 2025, UNCW set another record with its largest-ever student body, enrolling nearly 20,000 students – a 5.6% increase from the previous year, according to preliminary data from the Office of Institutional Research and Planning. Earlier in the year, UNCW began construction and renovation plans guided by its campus strategic and master plans that will include an expansion of Cameron Hall, renovation of Kenan Auditorium and construction of a new welcome center, hotel and conference center and additional student housing. IMPACT STUDY: A recent study found that the university contributes $3.2 billion annually to North Carolina’s economy, including $1.6 billion directly in Southeastern North Carolina.

ASWANI VOLETY CHANCELLOR, UNCW

n 2025, University

North Carolina IofWilmington chancellor Aswani Volety oversaw several major milestones at the university.

WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: In February, Volety announced the largest philanthropic commitment in UNCW’s history: a $25 million gift from Yousry Sayed, a UNCW trustee, and his wife, Linda Sayed, a two-

JIM WALLACE & TREY WALLACE PRESIDENT/FOUNDER & CEO, INTRACOASTAL REALTY CORP.

im Wallace founded

Realty JIntracoastal Corp. after moving

to Wilmington in 1976. Today, his son, Trey, serves as president and manages the company’s day-to-day operations. W I N T E R 2025

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LAURIE WHALIN PRESIDENT–ACUTE CARE OPERATIONS & NOVANT HEALTH NHRMC

n 2025, Laurie Whalin led Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) and Novant Health’s affiliated acute care operations in the health system’s coastal region. WHY SHE’S A POWER PLAYER: Earlier this year, Whalin was promoted to run Novant’s hospitals in Southeastern North Carolina. Whalin rose through the ranks at the then-county-owned hospital – from pharmacy clinical manager to the director of pharmacy to vice president of clinical support services. In 2021, she became president and chief operating officer of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center after NHRMC was sold to Novant Health. The following year, she was named chief operating officer of Novant NHRMC and president of Novant Health’s future community hospital in the Scotts Hill area. Now, she is the system’s president of acute care operations and president of NHRMC, the area’s largest employer, for the Novant Health Coastal Region. In her role, she has overseen preparations for the opening next year of the new Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center. Construction on the facility is ongoing, and Whalin’s current priorities include building the leadership team, recruiting staff and finalizing internal operational plans. The new hospital will expand acute care and specialty services to residents in northern New Hanover County and eastern Pender County. OVER THE YEARS: Whalin first joined New Hanover Regional Medical Center in 2009.

PHOTO BY DARIA AMATO

WHY THEY’RE POWER PLAYERS: The Wallaces head up the region’s largest independent residential real estate company. Two years ago, the firm grew into South Carolina markets such as Little River, North Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove Beach. It also continued activity on Bald Head Island, where Intracoastal took over sales and rental operations after merging with Bald Head Island Limited real estate. METRICS: Intracoastal Realty this year closed more than $1.3 billion in home sales, with an average sales price

of nearly $670,000. The firm has 460 local agents.

SHANNON WINSLOW CHAIR, NEW HANOVER COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT

hannon Winslow,

of strategic Sdirector accounts at WebMD

Health Services, served this year as chair of the New Hanover Community

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Endowment’s governing board.

WHY SHE’S A POWER PLAYER: As head of the 13-member board, Winslow plays a key role in the more than $1.6 billion public endowment. Winslow has served on the board since 2022, when it was formed. She previously served as vice chair alongside Bill Cameron and led the search committee that hired Dan Winslow as the endowment’s new president and CEO. (Shannon Winslow and Dan Winslow are not related.) Dan Winslow stepped down from the position

this summer, and the endowment board has not yet announced a timeline for finding his permanent replacement. This year, the endowment began taking broader looks at issues for potential grant recipients, while also handing out individual project grants throughout the year.

REC MONEY: In October, endowment officials hired Weston & Sampson to lead a county-wide assessment of recreational needs and access in New Hanover County for potential funding. W I N T E R 2025

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THE

INFLUENCERS THE CHANGEMAKERS, IN FRONT OF OR BEHIND THE SCENES

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CHRISTOPHER BARNES

pursue projects that ignite their passion,” Barnes said recently. “When people are genuinely excited about their work, that energy inspires others and drives innovation across the organization.”

SUPERINTENDENT, NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS

hristopher Barnes

as head of the Cserves New Hanover County

school system, leading more than 3,300 employees across the district. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: Appointed permanent superintendent in 2025, Barnes said he has focused his leadership on improving academic performance, supporting educators and fostering collaboration among schools and community partners. Since assuming the role, Barnes has prioritized strengthening connections between the district and the broader community, creating opportunities for engagement with families, staff and local stakeholders, he said. Under his leadership and as part of the district’s strategic plan implementation, NHCS has built on the district’s four primary goals by developing six key projects. The projects are designed to enhance student achievement, educator support and operational efficiency, Barnes said. Barness said he is also leading districtwide efforts to improve culture and climate. ENCOURAGING INNOVATION: “Our district thrives on the variety of perspectives, experiences, and talents that each team member brings. I actively encourage staff to challenge the status quo, think creatively and

Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall and Live Oak Bank’s corporate campus. He has received awards from the American Institute of Architects Wilmington and AIA North Carolina. BOARD WORK: Boney serves as the vice chair of the New Hanover Community Endowment and sits on several nonprofit boards.

CHRIS BONEY CHIEF RELATIONSHIPS OFFICER, LS3P

s the chief relationships

at LS3P, Chris Aofficer Boney oversees

business development, community engagement and leadership across the firm’s 12 Southeastern offices. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: Projects designed by LS3P help shape Wilmington’s architectural landscape. The firm designed Project Grace, New Hanover County’s redevelopment of its downtown library branch and Cape Fear Museum. The library portion of the building opened in October, with the museum slated to open in summer 2026. A lifelong Wilmington resident, Boney joined his family’s architecture firm in 1997 after earning degrees in architecture from N.C. State University and the University of Virginia. Boney’s grandfather founded Boney Architects in 1922, and his father, brother and cousins all worked for the firm, which merged with LS3P in 2005. Boney, who specializes in large commercial and institutional projects, worked on the Betty H. Cameron Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Novant Health, the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College,

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CHRIS COUDRIET COUNTY MANAGER, NEW HANOVER COUNTY

hris Coudriet has

manager of New Cbeen Hanover County since

July 2012. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: He oversees county operations under the direction of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, managing a budget of about $500 million and supervising all departments within county government. This year, a majority of county commissioners tasked Coudriet and his staff with cutting the budget to make a lower tax rate possible. The cuts resulted in the elimination of about 70 positions. According to the county manager office’s website, Coudriet leads the implementation of the county’s strategic plan focused on three key areas: workforce and economic development, community safety and well-being and sustainable land use and environmental stewardship. Resilient infrastructure is another part of the plan,

and in a manager’s message, Coudriet used the county’s ongoing collaboration with Duke Energy to enhance power grid reliability as an example of working on resiliency. According to Coudriet, more than 850 miles of power lines have been hardened against storm damage, 588 poles have been replaced to improve reliability and safety and 44 smart grid technology systems have been installed to automatically reroute power during outages. EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND: Coudriet earned a bachelor’s degree in urban planning from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Prior to his appointment to the manager’s position, he served as assistant county manager for New Hanover County for four years and as county manager in Franklin and Washington counties.

SHANE FERNANDO CEO, THALIAN HALL

ince becoming Thalian

CEO in 2024, SHall’s Shane Fernando

has overseen operations of the performing arts center and led planning for a multimillion-dollar renovation that could double its footprint. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: Fernando leads a cultural and historic landmark that opened in 1858 and has been

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JOSEPH APKARIAN

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OWNER, THE POUR HOUSE, TACOBABY & THE EAGLE’S DARE

s the owner of three downtown establishments, Joseph Apkarian plays a key role in shaping Wilmington’s ever-evolving hospitality and restaurant scene.

WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: Apkarian, who’s spent more than 12 years in Wilmington’s hospitality industry, launched Free Concert Fridays at The Eagle’s Dare in the summer of 2023. Two years later, the weekly summer concert series is still going strong. It raised more than $12,000 for charities in 2025. Apkarian recently spearheaded an effort to amend the city of Wilmington’s zoning code, increasing the number of temporary stage usages from two to 20, to ensure the concert series can continue for years to come. Apkarian also served as an organizing member of the Brooklyn Arts District’s new social district, which includes The Eagle’s Dare. Apkarian’s businesses hosted multiple charity fundraisers this year, along with several large-scale bar crawls and an array of themed events, which help shape the downtown hospitality scene year-round for residents and visitors alike. VETERAN ADVISER: As a Marine Corps veteran, Apkarian serves as an entrepreneur adviser for veterans transitioning from the special operations community to civilian life through The Honor Foundation.

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in continuous use ever since. City of Wilmington offices occupied part of the building until 2023, when city operations consolidated into Skyline Center. In August, the Wilmington City Council held its final meeting there, completing the transition. Fernando plans to grow Thalian’s footprint into the former city space. That includes converting the former council chambers into a 300-seat theater, along with establishing an incubation center and recording studio in former city office space. In 2025, Thalian Hall launched a $25 million capital campaign to fund the project, which also includes a proposed cafe and martini bar, along with upgrades to the venue’s main theater and other existing spaces. Before coming to

Thalian Hall, Fernano played a key role in opening Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center, where he previously served as executive and artistic director. ACTING CHOPS: Over the years, Fernando has been a director, property master and actor in more than 150 Wilmington theater productions.

CHAD HODGES PRESIDENT, MCKINLEY BUILDING CORP.

had Hodges became

president of Cthe McKinley Building

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Corp. in 2024, succeeding former president and company founder McKinley “Ken” Dull in the role. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: Hodges leads one of the region’s most active commercial builders, working on projects for new and growing businesses in the Wilmington area. Notable projects in 2025 include the completion of a facility for German manufacturer Kesseböhmer, a facility expansion for India-based hose manufacturer Polyhose and the construction of the third building inside Wilmington Trade Center, a master-planned industrial park along U.S. 421. McKinley also worked on the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope shelter and on buildings for Coastal

Millwork Supply, Coastal Beverage and O2 Fitness in Leland. Other projects underway include Wilmington Trade Center’s second phase, Skyline Center upfits for engineering firm McKim & Creed, a new administrative office for treatment provider Coastal Horizons and facilities for Parkway Subaru and Christian Brothers Automotive. McKinley grew its team in 2025 with two new project superintendents. The company currently employs 40 people. ON THE JOB: McKinley is starting a college internship program, and Hodges said the company expects to take on its first class of interns in the summer of 2026.

. BECKY HAWKE CITY MANAGER, CITY OF WILMINGTON

ecky Hawke started in her role as city manager of Wilmington on June 30, following a unanimous vote by the Wilmington City Council.

WHY SHE’S AN INFLUENCER: Hawke leads a municipal organization responsible for the city services of the eighth-largest city in North Carolina. Prior to her appointment as Wilmington city manager, she served as town manager of Matthews (201625) and held executive roles in Virginia local government. During her time in Matthews, the town earned its first AAA credit rating from both Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s. Hawke holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Hollins University, a master’s in corporate and professional communication from Radford University, an MPA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s certificate in human resources management from Cornell University. She is also a credentialed manager with the International City/ County Management Association.

LEADERSHIP STYLE: “I would predominantly describe myself as a servant leader,” Hawke told WILMA magazine. “I am a firm believer that if we take care of our employees – to include competitive compensation and benefits, ample training and development opportunities, setting clear expectations, recognizing and rewarding good performance, creating and maintaining an inclusive and respectful work environment for all, etc. – 99% of what we need to do will get done and be done well.”

photo by MADELINE GRAY

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JIM HUNDLEY JR. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, THOMAS CONSTRUCTION GROUP

im Hundley Jr. leads Thomas

Group, overseeing JConstruction various aspects of the company’s

day-to-day operations. In 2025, Hundley also became the board chair of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: With a staff of 75, Thomas Construction Group is among the largest construction management and general contracting firms in the Wilmington area. The company has worked on several notable projects in the last year, including the ongoing expansion of MedNorth Health Center and the growing footprint of the Midtown YMCA. Thomas Construction Group also broke ground this year on two projects for Novant Health: an outpatient surgery center in Leland and the conversion of a former Verizon call center into a medical office building. As chair of the chamber of commerce’s seven-member board, Hundley is influential within Wilmington’s business community. The organization advocates for around 1,000 business members on various issues in the region. Hundley also serves on the board of directors for Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center. OFF THE GRID: When it comes to hobbies, Hundley said he’s most passionate about hunting and fishing. That typically involves going to remote locations, “the more remote, the better for me,” he said.

LAUREN KRALL IVEY & SUNNY GERHART CO-EXECUTIVE CHEFS, OLIVERO

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MIKE KOZLOSKY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WMPO

ike Kozlosky and his 13-member staff help create the blueprint and lay the foundation for transportation infrastructure across nearly 500 square miles in the Cape Fear region.

WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: As the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (WMPO) top leader, Kozlosky heads up transportation planning in collaboration with the WMPO board and the N.C. Department of Transportation. The replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge remained a top issue in 2025. Kozlosky pushed for the release of $242 million in committed federal funds after the Trump administration paused the money for review. The funds were later released. The WMPO board also reaffirmed its support for considering all options, including tolls, to fund a auren Krall Ivey and

Gerhart opened LSunny downtown Wilmington

restaurant Olivero in 2023. WHY THEY'RE INFLUENCERS: They’ve earned national recognition for their culinary leadership and contributions to Wilmington’s dining scene through Olivero, a finedining establishment where patrons must make reservations weeks ahead of time. Both were named James Beard Foundation semifinalists for Best Chef Southeast this year, marking a major milestone for the South Third Street restaurant. The duo was among 20 other semifinalists from the region for the prestigious award. Other accolades for the restaurant this year also

photo by MALCOLM LITTLE

replacement of the $1.1 billion bridge and formed a subcommittee to evaluate alternative funding options. Kozlosky oversaw development of the Cape Fear Navigating Change 2050 and Safe Streets and Roads for All plans. The WMPO also adopted feasibility studies for the Island Greenway, Gullah Geechee Heritage Trail and Downtown Trail.

included being named USA Today’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year. Olivero was featured in Eater Carolinas’ 12 Hottest Restaurants in Wilmington and Southern Living’s 20 Best Restaurants in Wilmington. Gerhart, who also operates St. Roch Fine Oysters & Bar in Raleigh, added to his list of honors this year with Raleigh Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year designation for St. Roch, which was also recognized by Esquire as one of the Best Oyster Bars in America. Gerhart and Ivey have said they share a vision for Olivero as an approachable, high-quality neighborhood restaurant that contributes to the revitalization of Wilmington’s Castle Street District.

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HISTORICAL OFFICE: The WMPO received a 2025 Preservation Award from the Historic Wilmington Foundation for the adaptive reuse of its office building at 525 N. Fourth St. The WMPO moved into the building, which was built in 1894, in late 2024 following a years-long preservation effort.

OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN: Ivey enjoys outdoor adventures and backcountry cooking, while Gerhart finds time to surf and spend time at the beach.

RYAN LEGG CEO, MEGACORP LOGISTICS

yan Legg leads

RWilmington-

headquartered MegaCorp Logistics, a full-service concierge and logistics company. MegaCorp has more than 450 employees in the Wilmington area, along with six other regional offices in North Carolina, South Carolina, West

Virginia, Florida and Ohio. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: Legg started MegaCorp with his wife, Denise, in 2009. Since then, the company has seen steady growth in the Wilmington area and beyond. MegaCorp continued growing its Wilmington headquarters in 2025, with the renovation and upfit of a new building at 1845 Sir Tyler Drive. The company also made significant investments in AI-driven logistics tools that aim to enhance efficiency, visibility and service reliability for clients. MegaCorp expanded its logistics operations into Mexico in 2025 and grew its air and ocean division. Legg said he’s focused on strengthening MegaCorp’s national footprint through strategic partnerships and W I N T E R 2025

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continued innovation in logistics technology. The company is also working to expand its intermodal and drayage capabilities, enhance sustainability initiatives and invest in data analytics to provide customers with AIdriven routing and predictive logistics that improve delivery times and reduce waste. EMPLOYEE SPACES: MegaCorp is currently developing a dedicated green space exclusively for its employees. It will include a pond, walking trail, fitness area, playground and a 5-acre dog park.

more than 1,000 local small business owners for a concert at Live Oak Bank Pavilion to recognize their role in building the local economy. Live Oak also impacts the Cape Fear region by focusing philanthropy on increasing the area’s median income through workforce training, child care access (including a $600,000 grant in 2025 in support of child care providers), housing and education initiatives. BEYOND THE BANK: Losch also serves on the board of the Community Justice Center of New Hanover County, which unites law enforcement, nonprofit and social service agencies to serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse and other crimes.

the Wilmington market, including the completion of Building 3 (about 100,000 square feet) at the firm’s Wilmington Trade Center along U.S. 421 and the commencement of the project’s second phase, clearing roughly 125 acres for future build‑out of 10 additional buildings. That site is forecast to encompass more than 3.2 million square feet once fully developed. Also in 2025, under Norvell’s direction, Edgewater completed an acquisition of a fully‑occupied asset, 601 Keystone Park Drive in Morrisville, in a $25 million transaction conducted in a joint venture structure. EDUCATION: Norvell earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from N.C. State University.

BJ LOSCH PRESIDENT, LIVE OAK BANK

Losch was BJnamed president

of Wilmingtonheadquartered Live Oak Bank in 2023 after joining as CFO in 2021. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: In 2025, Losch has overseen major milestones at Live Oak Bank that reflect both growth and community engagement. Under his leadership, Live Oak, which employs 700 in Wilmington, was named the No. 1 SBA lender in the nation by dollar volume. During the same period, the bank’s smaller-dollar loan program, Live Oak Express, expanded significantly – from $50 million-$75 million to more than $300 million. In addition to business growth, Losch has helped guide initiatives that strengthen ties between the bank and the Wilmington community. In April, Live Oak employees hosted

CHRIS NORVELL FOUNDING PRINCIPAL, EDGEWATER VENTURES

AUBREY PARSLEY

Norvell serves as Chris a founding partner of Edgewater Ventures, a

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR (FORMER), CITY OF WILMINGTON

real‑estate investment and development firm focused on industrial, office, life‑science, residential and mixed‑use assets across the Carolinas. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: Norvell leads the firm’s acquisition and development efforts in the Southeast. Under his leadership, Edgewater has built a portfolio encompassing roughly 4.6 million square feet and approximately $850 million in assets under management across the region. In 2025, Norvell oversaw key milestones in

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2025 when the Wilmington City Council moved its chambers from the former City Hall on Third Street. Parlsey also oversaw the activation of more than 20 leases at Skyline Center. Parsley said he helped facilitate several affordable housing projects for groups such as Good Shepherd and Habitat for Humanity through land donations and site prep work. Parsley oversaw the environmental remediation and redevelopment of a former Wave Transit facility at 1110 Castle St. Before heading up the city’s economic development efforts, Parsley served as the city’s director of rail realignment. RECOGNIZING EXPERTISE: People should know about Jeffrey Beecher of Atlantic Brain and Spine, Parsley said. “Dr. Beecher is the first neurosurgeon in our region to be dually trained in cerebrovascular neurosurgery and endovascular neurosurgery,” he said. “His expertise provides our community with options for care that were previously unavailable to our community without travel.”

ubrey Parsley

economic Aled development for the

city of Wilmington until he resigned from the role in November. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: During 2025, Parsley oversaw the consolidation of the city’s offices into its Skyline Center campus. That included the city’s $68 million acquisition of Skyline Center, which formerly housed PPD and, later, Thermo Fisher Scientific, along with the sale of several surplus properties. The city completed its move into Skyline Center in

JEROD PATTERSON PRESIDENT & CEO, BUSINESS ALLIANCE FOR A SOUND ECONOMY

erod Patterson was

CEO of Jnamed Business Alliance for

a Sound Economy (BASE), a nonprofit group that advocates for business and industry in Southeastern W I N T E R 2025

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photo c/o UNCW

YOUSRY SAYED & LINDA SAYED QUALITY CHEMICAL LABORATORIES/ BLOCK, CROUCH, KEETER, BEHM & SAYED

WHY THEY ARE INFLUENCERS: Linda and Yousry Sayed made history in 2025 with a $25 million gift to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the largest single donation the university has ever received. Made over five years, their contribution promotes improvements for teacher education for pre-K through 12th grade and the expansion of opportunities for students at UNCW who plan to enter health care professions. Linda Sayed, an attorney who has been a certified specialist in family law since 2007, earned a bachelor’s

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degree in chemistry from UNCW in 1978 and a master’s degree in education in 1985. She was named UNCW alumna of the year in 2024, and UNCW awarded her an honorary doctorate in May. In addition to recognition from her peers in the legal industry, she has also received accolades for her pro bono work. Yousry Sayed is the founder, president and CEO of Quality Chemical Laboratories in Wilmington. He previously taught chemistry at UNCW. He initially joined the UNCW Board of Trustees in 2019 and was reappointed in 2023 by the UNC Board of Governors to serve a term ending in 2027. PAST UNCW CONTRIBUTION: Quality Chemical Laboratories and the Sayeds donated $5 million to UNCW in 2017 for new pharmaceutical sciences and chemistry programs.

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North Carolina, in April. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: Patterson leads the organization, which is actively involved in economic development, infrastructure improvement and land use planning issues throughout the Cape Fear region. BASE’s advocacy efforts support a coalition of eight business and trade associations, with 9,400 collective members and 70 area employers. In his role, Patterson said he’s focused on bringing together the right people, the right questions and the right information to support a vision for growth that’s balanced, sustainable and welcoming to economic investment. BASE works to ensure the region’s needs are understood and advocated for, to educate stakeholders, policymakers and the public on local challenges and policy responses, to monitor emerging issues and to develop research and insights to inform decisions. Before coming to BASE, Patterson served as the city of Wilmington’s corporate affairs director. HOOK ’EM: Patterson earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in government from the University of Texas at Austin and said he’s an avid Texas Longhorns football fan.

GENE SMITH PRESIDENT, BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ene Smith is president of Brunswick

College, a role he has GCommunity held since January 2019.

WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: Under Smith’s leadership, Brunswick Community College (BCC) has posted record enrollment, reaching more than 2,000 curriculum students in fall 2024 and continuing an upward trend into 2025. Smith’s recent accomplishments include expansions and highlights in the areas of academics and athletics. On the workforce side, BCC launched a dental assisting program in 2023 and has since graduated its first cohort. The college also secured funding to expand nursing w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

photo by DARIA AMATO

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enrollment to roughly 100plus students, the most in its history. Smith’s team added a metal fabrication studio at the Southport center to deepen hands-on training in the Heritage Arts program, which offers courses in jewelry/metal, pottery, glass and more. This year, the BCC men’s basketball team won the NJCAA Division I Region 10 and Atlantic District championships, earning a nationals berth and capping a 28-5 season. Major capital projects underway include the approximately 28,000-square-foot Alan Holden Public Safety Center, which broke ground in early 2025 to expand law enforcement, fire, EMS and simulation training, and planning for the Myong & Paul Jensen

Workforce Development and Technology Center’s next phase. A NOTE ON INPUT: Asked how he encourages innovation, Smith said, “We ensure everyone has input in the improvement of programs, departments and the college. Employee satisfaction is key to continued college success.

LYNDA STANLEY PRESIDENT & CEO, DOSHER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

ynda Stanley leads a

community Lgrowing hospital in Southport

ELECTED OFFICIALS UPDATE

hile elected government officials were not included in the WilmingtonBiz 100, they play a leading role in the policies and actions that affect businesses and the broader community in the Cape Fear region. Here are several updates from 2025. NEW HANOVER COUNTY In 2025, New Hanover County officials approved purchasing and preserving the Bryan Tract, 60 acres of undeveloped land off Independence Boulevard, and marked the completion of the redevelopment of the New Hanover County Public Library’s main branch, as part of Project Grace. The county also navigated a particularly contentious budget cycle.

that has 450 employees. WHY SHE’S AN INFLUENCER: Under Lynda Stanley’s leadership, Dosher Memorial Hospital is nearing completion of a major infrastructure milestone: the construction of a new emergency department, the largest project in phase one of the hospital’s master facility plan. Scheduled to open in December, the new emergency department will double in size, add exam spaces and improve patient flow through the addition of vertical care chairs for individuals with less acute conditions. Expanding access to care in southeastern Brunswick County has been another focus for Stanley and her team this year. Dosher has strengthened

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The adopted budget included a tax rate of 30.6 cents per $100 assessed value, along with position cuts and reduced funds for workforce housing and public art, among other areas. County planning staff drafted the county’s Destination 2050: Comprehensive Plan Update, which is set for adoption early next year, and county officials completed a property tax revaluation. New Hanover County also joined the Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Program in 2025, which allows commercial developers to explore financing for sustainable and resilient projects. CITY OF WILMINGTON New top leaders

M A G A Z I N E

its primary care network by welcoming several new providers, including a family medicine physician, an internal medicine physician and family nurse practitioner. Dosher continues to enhance local health services and promote community wellness through both clinical and educational efforts. The hospital offers health education programs to local churches, civic groups, and businesses, addressing topics such as stroke awareness, joint health, and nutrition TECH SAVVY: Technological advancement remains central to Stanley’s approach, she said. Dosher was the first hospital in the region to introduce robotic arm technology for joint

joined the city of Wilmington this year. In June, Becky Hawke stepped into the role of Wilmington’s city manager, while Ryan Zuidema became the city’s police chief in September, following the retirement of their predecessors. Meetings of the Wilmington City Council moved from Thalian Hall to Skyline Center in 2025, after the completion of the new council chambers. The city continued leasing up space in an office building at 115 N. Third St. and in the Skyline Center, securing a notably large lease with engineering firm McKim & Creed this year.

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replacement surgeries in 2021 and implemented teleneurology in 2023. The hospital plans to add highdefinition mammography in 2026, incorporating AI and predictive analytics to improve imaging precision.

JASON SWAIN & DAVID SWAIN DEVELOPERS, SWAIN ASSOCIATES

ather-and-son

David and Fdevelopers Jason Swain, along

with partner The Beach Co., are leading the creation of Center Point, a major mixeduse project taking shape at

the intersection of Military Cutoff and Eastwood Roads in Wilmington. WHY THEY’RE INFLUENCERS: Center Point is anticipated to include apartments in a complex called The Sterling, which is under construction, along with a variety of commercial space and facilities. The large-scale development reflects the Swains’ continued influence on the Wilmington real estate landscape. The Swains’ vision can be seen throughout the region and beyond. Their company, Swain & Associates, has developed, constructed or redeveloped about 100 properties since 1979, specializing in retail shopping centers. One of their signature projects, The Forum on Military Cutoff Road, helped set the stage

City leaders also established a framework for social districts and approved the city’s first in the Brooklyn Arts District. Officials also adopted a strategic plan for 2025-30 and began exploring the acquisition of land for a future park. City planning staff released a draft of its Greater Downtown Plan, the result of a multiyear public engagement process. BRUNSWICK COUNTY In 2025, Brunswick County made significant investments in its Northwest Water Treatment Plant, to expand the plant’s capacity and install a reverse osmosis treatment system to remove PFAS. Growth continued in Brunswick County this year, as the county’s

for high-profile development along that corridor. Before founding Swain & Associates, David Swain developed and built more than 45 apartment complexes early in his career. His son, Jason, joined the company after earning his degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2002. He oversees all elements of new projects, including property acquisition, project leasing and financing. This year, Jason Swain is board chair of business advocacy group Business Alliance for a Sound Economy. BY THE NUMBERS: When completed, The Sterling will house 265 luxury apartments, including studio, one-, two- and threebedroom units.

planning board approved several large-scale residential developments. That includes Timber Farms, a project that could bring 2,500 homes to nearly 850 acres, and King Tract, a proposed 1,800-unit project on just over 640 acres. Officials worked to update the county’s Unified Development Ordinance and received $6.7 million in grant funding for a water tank project in Brunswick County’s Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park. The tank, roads and other infrastructure underway will support Epsilon Advanced Materials, a graphite manufacturer that plans to build a 1.5 millionsquare-foot facility in the park, along with other future tenants. PENDER COUNTY County-owned Pender Commerce Park saw significant investment in 2025, with the announcement of a new Amazon robotics fulfillment center. Polyhose, an industrial hose manufacturer, also completed an expansion in the park, while planning is underway for an

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BRYAN THOMAS PRESIDENT AND CEO, MONTEITH

Thomas leads Bryan Monteith, which encompasses Monteith

Construction, Grey Interiors and Citadel Masonry, and employs more than 180 people in the Wilmington area. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: As president and CEO, Thomas has led the commercial general contracting firm's growth and major projects across the Wilmington area. Monteith’s work includes the construction of Project Grace and

Amazon delivery station. Pender County made progress on several capital projects, including a new 100,000-squarefoot Law Enforcement Center and a 75,000-square-foot facility that will house the county’s health department and social services. Both projects are under construction and set for completion in 2026. County officials wrapped up work on the Imagine Pender 2050 Comprehensive Land Use Plan and began developing the county’s new five-year strategic plan. The county also broke ground on Central Pender Park and acquired Abbey Nature Preserve.

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the ongoing expansion of Wilmington International Airport. The company has also worked on projects for Cape Fear Community College, the city of Wilmington, Live Oak Bank, MegaCorp and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. This year, Thomas led the firm’s expansion into the Triad market and its continued diversification into key markets, including health care, multifamily, aviation, hospitality, education, office and public safety. The firm also expanded its SPOTLIGHT division to meet demand for smaller, more specialized products. When he became CEO in 2022, Thomas had already spent more than two decades working for Monteith. He began his career with Monteith as an assistant superintendent, just a year after its founding. EMPLOYEE OWNED: Thomas led Monteith through its first year as a 100% employee-owned company in 2025, which, he said, marks a “defining milestone in the firm’s evolution.”

KENNETH WALDROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CFPUA

enneth Waldroup took

helm of Cape Fear Kthe Public Utility Authority

(CFPUA) in 2021. WHY HE’S AN INLUENCER: In recent years under his direction, CFPUA, which provides water to more than 200,000 people, has achieved several significant milestones.

The utility inaugurated granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration at the Sweeney Water Treatment Plant, which enabled treated drinking water to reach “non‑detection” levels of certain PFAS compounds. In 2022, CFPUA announced a 10‑year capital improvements plan committing roughly $512 million to water and sewer infrastructure. In 2025, CFPUA assumed ownership of the town of Wrightsville Beach’s water and sewer infrastructure, with more than $23.5 million in improvements planned. The utility is also moving forward with a replacement of the over‑50‑year‑old Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant – the largest capital project in CFPUA’s history, with an estimated cost of about $400 million. Last year, Waldroup was elected to the board of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) for a four‑year term. EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND: Before joining CFPUA, Waldroup served as assistant director for Raleigh Water. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from N.C. State University, an MBA from UNCW and an MPA from N.C. Central University.

JACK WATSON COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEAN, UNCW

ack Watson joined the

College of Juniversity’s Health and Human

Services in June 2023. The college is the largest at UNCW in terms of students. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: Jack Watson’s recent

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accomplishments center on leading the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington through several major workforcefocused initiatives. He led the college in securing a grant of more than $10.2 million as part of a larger $22.3 million strategic award from the New Hanover Community Endowment. The effort involves collaboration with Cape Fear Community College, New Hanover County Schools and the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce to address health care workforce shortages. Watson is overseeing implementation of the Healthcare Career Partnership, funded by the endowment, to focus on recruiting, training and retaining health care professionals for the local community. CHHS contributes to regional growth by preparing a highly skilled health and human services workforce to decrease workforce shortages in Southeastern North Carolina and beyond. The college works to develop and run pipeline and pathway programs that engage K-12 students in health and human services professions. It also fosters community partnerships and addresses health equity challenges in the region. Watson works with teams in the college to run initiatives such as “Try Teal” and the “Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship,” both designed to expand nursing education and retain local talent. He supports accelerated pathways and post-graduation support models for students in nursing, social work and allied health. ACADEMIC ADDS: CHHS is also bringing online new academic

ROGER SHEW

W I L M I N GTO N B I Z 1 0 0 I N F LU E N C E R S

RETIRED SENIOR LECTURER, EARTH AND OCEAN SCIENCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, UNCW oger Shew taught at UNCW for 25 years up until his retirement in July. Beyond the classroom, Shew remains an advocate for environmental issues, giving 20 or more talks each year.

WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: Shew advocated for the preservation of the Bryan Tract, a 60-acre property off Independence Boulevard. New Hanover County leaders approved buying the tract for more than $11 million earlier this year. He’s also voiced support for the preservation of Eagles Island amid proposed development. Shew aims to support the community and advocate for natural areas and resources before local government officials when possible, he said. Shew also serves as a technical adviser to the town of Navassa on the Navassa Superfund site cleanup and sits on multiple local boards, including for Cape Fear River Watch, Alliance for Cape Fear Trees and the Eagles Island Nature Park Task Force. In 2025, Shew received the UNCW College of Sciences Public Service and Community Engagement Award. NATURE FOCUS: Shew said he’s spent more than 20 years working with the Nature Conservancy and his wife on longleaf pine restoration, Venus Flytrap monitoring and endangered species studies in the area.

photo c/o UNCW

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W I N T E R 2025

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programs, including a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies.

MARGARET WELLERSTARGELL PRESIDENT AND CEO, COASTAL HORIZONS

amed director in 1995,

independently, which provides a foundation for innovation in meeting the critical needs of clients and patients in an ever-changing health care landscape,” she said recently.

GWEN WHITLEY PRESIDENT & CEO, LOWER CAPE FEAR LIFECARE

wen Whitley has spent WellerNMargaret over 35 years in health G Stargell began her work care in the area, moving in counseling at Coastal Horizons in 1985. She leads a Wilmington-based nonprofit organization with more than 500 employees serving 58 counties in North Carolina. WHY SHE’S AN INFLUENCER: Weller-Stargell is overseeing the ongoing expansion of Coastal Horizons, an agency that offers evidence-based substance use, mental health, crisis intervention, justice and wellness services. The organization, which turned 55 in 2025, is working on a new administrative building on Medical Center Drive in Wilmington and bought property on Beasley Road for a new Open House Youth Shelter. Additionally, WellerStargell, who is the widow of baseball legend Willie Stargell, founded the Willie Stargell Foundation 22 years ago. The foundation held its 23rd annual celebrity invitational in November to raise funds to assist those living with kidney disease. HOW DOES SHE ENCOURAGE INNOVATION WITHIN COASTAL HORIZONS? “In my leadership role, I encourage my management team to work and think

through the nursing ranks and becoming president and CEO of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (LCFL) in 2016. It is one of the area’s largest nonprofits and the secondlargest hospice provider in North Carolina. WHY SHE’S AN INFLUENCER: Whitley’s recent accomplishments reflect her leadership of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare across multiple counties and service lines. Under her direction, the organization obtained a 5-Star rating from Medicare, an achievement awarded to 8% of hospices nationwide. She has also overseen the expansion of Memory Partner Services supported by $5.1 million in grant funding from the New Hanover County Endowment. This expansion includes additional respite services for caregivers and the recruitment of a neurologist to diagnose and treat patients with memory-related diseases. Plans are underway for the construction of a new building to house the Memory Partners Program, allowing further growth.

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Whitley led efforts to obtain a Certificate of Need in Robeson County to provide hospice and palliative care services. She has been a key player in the $12 million “Sharing the Journey” campaign, which supports the organization’s care centers, palliative care program, veterans program, charity care, grief services and the Life Scholars program designed to recruit talented clinical staff. Her work includes significant community education initiatives. These efforts involve education on Advanced Directives and training for EMS, sheriff’s departments, police offices, church groups, civic organizations, skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. The goal of these educational programs is to support improved care for hospice and palliative care patients. Her leadership has supported the expansion of palliative care services in Onslow County, along with the establishment of the first freestanding palliative care clinic in Southeastern North Carolina. EMPLOYMENT: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare currently has about 250 employees in New Hanover County.

LANDON ZIMMER MANAGING PARTNER, ZIMMER DEVELOPMENT CO.

n addition to his

at Zimmer Iposition Development Co.,

Landon Zimmer is a member of the N.C. Department of

Transportation’s board and an N.C. Wildlife Resources commissioner. WHY HE’S AN INFLUENCER: In 2025, Landon Zimmer continued to play major leadership roles in the public and private sectors. Earlier this year, he was selected by Gov. Josh Stein as one of seven members of the governor’s transportation transition team. He was elected vice chairman of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission after serving six years as the commission’s inaugural finance chairman. Zimmer also serves as chairman of the finance committee for the N.C. Department of Transportation board. During his tenure, NCDOT Division 3 has led recovery and repair work on 43 flood-damaged sites in Brunswick County. The division has secured tens of millions of dollars in state and federal funding for local infrastructure projects, including more than $100 million to replace three critical Wrightsville Beach bridges. Division 3 currently has 37 active construction contracts with project funding totaling $820 million. DEVELOPMENT ELSEWHERE: As managing partner of Zimmer Development Co. (ZDC), Zimmer oversaw completion of major projects in Huntsville, Alabama, and advanced a 40-acre development in Tallahassee, Florida. ZDC also began remediation of a brownfield site in Columbus, Ohio, where 800 apartments are planned. The company is constructing and leasing Perla, phase six of its 10-phase Tallahassee project, and preparing for additional phases next year. W I N T E R 2025

BUILDING YOUR VISION W I T H PA S S I O N & I N T E G R I T Y EDWARDS DENTURES AND IMPLANTS WILMINGTON, NC ADDITION AND RENOVATION 4000 SF

NIPPERCONSTRUCTION.COM

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THE

INNOVATORS THE DISRUPTORS SHAKING THINGS UP AND GETTING THE REGION TO SEE THINGS IN A DIFFERENT WAY

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W I N T E R 2025

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UMAR BOWERS PRESIDENT & MEDICAL DIRECTOR, DAWSON MED PRIMARY CARE AND URGENT CARE

hysician Umar Bowers launched Dawson Med Primary Care and Urgent Care with his wife and nurse practitioner Tiffany Bowers in 2021. WHY HE’S AN INNOVATOR: The medical practice on Dawson Street has seen year-over-year growth. Bowers was featured by the health technology company Suki for early adoption and use of generative AI as a clinical assistant, a practice that has contributed to reducing physician burnout nationally. He serves as chair of the region’s Health Talent Alliance, a collaboration between the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, SEAHEC and regional employers. Statewide, the N.C. Health Talent Alliance is a public-private collaboration bringing together the NC Chamber Foundation and the NC Center on the Workforce for Health to create a talent pipeline to recruit and retain nurses and other health care professionals to offset staffing shortfalls. Locally the regional health care employer collaborative represents Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover and Pender counties. Bowers also is vice chair of the UNCW College of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee and an appointed adjunct faculty member at UNCW, where he and his team mentor and precept students pursuing careers in medicine, public health and advanced practice. INDEPENDENT WORK: Bowers serves as an ambassador for Aledade, a national health tech company supporting independent primary care practices. He has made multiple trips to Capitol Hill to discuss the importance of primary care in reducing health care expenses.

photo by MALCOLM LITTLE

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CHRIS BABCOCK CEO, APITURE

Babcock has Chris continually led

Wilmington-based fintech company Apiture to accolades since his appointment as CEO in 2019. The company started in 2017 as a joint venture between First Data Corporation and Live Oak Bank. WHY HE’S AN INNOVATOR: Apiture continues to attract new banks and credit unions to its Digital Banking Platform. In August, Apiture announced that CSI had entered into an agreement to acquire the company, a transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year. This acquisition positions CSI as the only core provider with a premier digital banking offering. (CSI also acquired Velocity Solutions, another Wilmington-based company, in 2024.) This year, under Babcock’s leadership, the company introduced a new AI-powered online and mobile user interface designed to deliver a predictive, personalized banking experience to account holders of community banks and credit unions. Apiture also launched Fintech Connector, a platform enabling fintech partners to integrate directly with Apiture’s Consumer Banking and Business Banking solutions without custom integration.

INDUSTRY ACCOLADES: Some of Apiture’s awards this year were: Breadth of Functionality Winner and Functionality Standout, Small Business Digital Banking as well as Functionality Standout, Retail Digital Banking in the XCelent Awards and finalists in the Banking Tech Awards USA’s Best Digital Banking System, Community Banks/Credit Unions.

The company has completed pre-seed and seed round investments. During his final semester at UNCW while earning his MBA, he was introduced to Live Oak Bank’s Chip Mahan and Lee Williams and subsequently joined the organizing team for Live Oak Bank. He spent 15 years at Live Oak Bank, including 11 years as CFO, before leaving in late 2021 to launch Lumos. CEA YEAR: Earlier this year, Lumos was named the Coastal Entrepreneur Award winner in the Technology category.

BRETT CAINES CEO, LUMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

s CEO and co-

along with Afounder, Stephen Hayes and

Youri Nelson, of Lumos Technologies, which does business as Lumos Data, Brett Caines leads an 18-member team to accomplish the company’s mission of expanding financing for small businesses. WHY HE’S AN INNOVATOR: Lumos Technologies develops predictive credit risk models for small business lenders, aiming to expand access to financing through more efficient and accurate assessments. Lumos Technologies provides solutions that allow financial institutions to better serve small businesses, which historically have struggled to obtain loans while maintaining financial return. Approximately 93% of U.S. small businesses seeking financing request loans under $1 million, representing a substantial need that Lumos’ technology addresses.

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to gain certification more efficiently, supporting workforce development in the automotive repair sector. Cowie said the platform can cut down the time it takes to train an auto technician from two years to 25 days. In August, the company announced the closing of its $2.5 million pre-seed funding round. Skillmaker said it would use the funds to expand its XR enabled training through NAPA stores and to broaden its curriculum to other trades. ENTERTAINMENT CV: Cowie’s background includes work in film, including as a producer for The Blair Witch Project movie and for Madden NFL in the gaming industry.

ROBIN COWIE FOUNDER & CEO, SKILLMAKER.AI

obin Cowie is the

of Skillmaker. Rfounder AI, a company that

combines XR technologies – including immersive technologies like virtual reality and mixed reality – with artificial intelligence to reduce the time it takes to train workers. WHY HE’S AN INNOVATOR: Cowie launched the workforce training platform earlier this year and has attracted funding and tech awards. Skillmaker.ai applies immersive technology and AI to practical training, providing technicians with hands-on experience in a virtual environment. The company works with the NAPA Autotech XcceleratoR to expand opportunities for local repair shops and their employees. Skillmaker’s platform enables automotive technicians

BEN CURRIN & DAVE SWEYER CEO/FOUNDER, VANTACA

antaca's platform

community Venables associations to

run more efficiently by automating administrative burdens, potentially lowering costs for homeowners while improving service quality. WHY THEY’RE INNOVATORS: In October, the company started by Dave Sweyer in 2016, achieved unicorn status following a morethan-$300 million minority growth investment at a $1.25 billion valuation. Under Ben Currin’s leadership, the company deployed agentic AI capabilities that automate administrative processes, W I N T E R 2025

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including invoice approvals, accounting workflows, payment processing and financial reporting. The platform has automated over one million tasks, saving customers more than 100,000 hours and generating over $3 million in cost savings. The acquisition and integration of HOAi in 2024 became foundational to Vantaca’s AI-first platform. Vantaca serves more than 500 management companies representing 6 million households nationwide. The company expanded its footprint with a Bay Area office to attract AI talent while maintaining its Wilmington headquarters. It achieved 95% year-over-year revenue growth while remaining profitable and was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for the fifth consecutive year. POST INVESTMENT: Sweyer remains the largest shareholder and an active board member following the investment round.

ALISON BARINGER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, N.C. AZALEA FESTIVAL

lison Baringer serves as head of the N.C. Azalea Festival, where she recently marked 20 years with the organization. WHY SHE’S AN INNOVATOR: The annual springtime event has blossomed into a year-round endeavor and expanded programming under Baringer’s leadership. In 2025, the festival achieved a record milestone of $1 million in sponsorship sales. The N.C. Azalea Festival operates with a year-round staff of four and coordinates over 1,000 volunteers. Each April, the festival contributes more than $50 million in economic stimulus to the region while encouraging volunteerism and civic participation. Since Baringer’s leadership began, the festival has transitioned from a volunteer-run organization to a professionally managed, yearround entity. During her time with the organization, Baringer has overseen two major concert venue transitions, guided the festival through the pandemic and introduced online ticketing and social media engagement. It also has expanded its event lineup with new additions including the Aces for Azaleas Volleyball Tournament, Azalea Golf Classic, Chefs’ Showcase, Jingle, Pet Royalty Photo Contest, Queen’s Dance Party, Tunes & Bloom and, in 2026, its first-ever pickleball tournament called Dink if You Dare. ON BOARD: Baringer serves on the International Festivals & Events Association World Board of Directors and the UNCW Foundation board.

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BARRETT EARNEY FOUNDER & CEO, EARNEY IT/PARTNER & CEO, EARNEY ACCOUNTANTS & ADVISORS

arrett Earney leads both Earney

& Advisors and Earney IT, a BAccountants managed service provider.

WHY HE’S AN INNOVATOR: In 2025, Earney IT earned a national nomination for the MSP Titan Award for the Southeast, received the Best of IT 2025 Clearly Rated award, and surpassed 130 five-star Google reviews. Earney IT maintained CX Certification, and Earney spoke at a national IT conference on client customer service experience. This year, Earney moved its tax, CAAS and administrative teams into 13,000 square feet of new space for the company alongside a larger footprint for EarneyIT. Across both organizations, he has accelerated adoption of AI and automation tools to improve efficiency and accuracy and launched initiatives to enhance customer service and communication. COMMUNITY INTERACTIONS: Earney’s team participates in the annual community service initiative Work on Wilmington, sponsors and volunteers with Paws for People and serves as a site for students on field trips for the Career and Leadership Development Academy program.

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DREW HARRISON FOUNDER & CEO, SYNAPTIGEN

rew Harrison founded

in December 2024. DSynaptigen The startup is a consulting group

for small- and mid-sized CROs and “first and foremost, we are a patient advocacy group,” Harrison has said in describing the company. WHY HE’S AN INNOVATOR: Harrison developed a platform for toxicokinetic, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic statistical analysis that allows Synaptigen to produce reports in one day instead of the previous four-six weeks. This accelerated process supports the company’s goal of helping bring new therapeutics to patients faster during drug development and across preclinical and clinical trials. Harrison has also advanced new sponsorship efforts aimed at driving more capital to coastal startups and has been involved with organizations including UNCW CIE. His advocacy work includes addressing rare disease medication costs, speaking on Capitol Hill about legislation and contributing to awareness efforts through the podcast Beyond the Data. Synaptigen continues to expand by hiring locally, including individuals living with rare diseases, with the intention of creating employment opportunities that may help people transition from Medicaid to private insurance while maintaining access to high-cost medications. The company participates in legislative discussions regarding income thresholds connected to assistance programs and supports proposals intended to increase these thresholds. Harrison’s work also includes promoting patient integration in biotech and CRO processes early in drug development. Synaptigen offers opportunities for patients to share firsthand perspectives during proposal development, protocol design and decisions related to study w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

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feasibility. The company also consults on patient engagement tools, trial structure and methods to reduce burden on patients and support teams throughout clinical trials. WHAT’S IN A NAME: Synaptigen takes its name from synaptogenesis, the process of forming new synapses.

JEFF JAMES CEO, WILMINGTON HEALTH

eff James has

as head Jserved of Wilmington

Health, the region’s largest independent multi-specialty physician practice, since 2008. It now has about 1,100 employees. WHY HE’S AN INNOVATOR: James’ recent work includes leading the creation of a new type of health care organization known as a Strategic Services Organization. This developing model incorporates elements of a traditional health care Management Services Organization while expanding into population health implementation as a strategic advantage for health systems. It also includes efforts to align independent physicians across the country in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) designed to maximize savings for health care payors while supporting improvements in outcomes and patient engagement. James participated in designing the first commercial ACO in

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North Carolina to support population health. That ACO has since grown to include more than 130,000 members across three states. In parallel, he is leading the development of a national direct-toemployer strategy that connects employers with the highest performing physicians within a region to help reduce health care costs. James also contributed to creating one of the first national Accountable Care Collaboratives, bringing together several health care organizations to work on patient outcomes, per-capita cost of care and patient experience. Another ongoing effort is the “band of the willing,” a consortium of highperforming, independent physician groups intended to combine core competencies to accelerate shared initiatives. RESEARCH TOOL: James created Innovo Research, recognized as the nation’s first clinically integrated research network. Innovo includes more than 2,000 physicians, nearly 5 million patients and operations in eight states, using clinical research as a population health tool.

RANDALL JOHNSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTHEASTERN OFFICE, N.C. BIOTECHNOLOGY CENTER

andall Johnson

life sciences Radvances technology and

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photo by MADELINE GRAY

DAVID FIORAVANTI CEO & PRINCIPAL, INFINITE STRUCTURES nfinite Structures specializes in designing, manufacturing and installing modular structures for entertainment, government and commercial uses. The structures, which are made from steel or aluminum, are unique because they collapse to allow easier transport.

WHY HE’S AN INNOVATOR: This year, David Fioravanti led the company through a period of significant product advancement and major

project execution. In 2024, the company designed and prototyped the Infinite Cube System, a modular structure. In 2025, Infinite Structures delivered installations for global events, demonstrating the scalability and performance of the Infinite Cube System. Those projects included Super Bowl LIX, where the company supported FOX Sports’ broadcast compound; VIP activations at the Coachella Music & Arts Festival; Live Nation artist and VIP hospitality builds at Rogers Stadium in Toronto; and FOX Sports operations at the Indy 500. Additional installations supported FOX Sports coverage of

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the FIFA Men’s World Cup, the FOX Sports One Year Kickoff event, Shaun White’s The Snow League in Aspen, the FIFA Club Cup and a premium event structure at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. ORG CHART: Recognizing a void in the events marketplace, Fioravanti’s business partners Mike Zorena and Bryan Perl founded Infinite Structures in April 2024. Fioravanti joined Infinite Structures as CEO in September 2024. Fioravanti, Zorena and Perl each serve as the company’s principals, with Zorena as the company’s president and Perl overseeing manufacturing.

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economic development in the region by connecting with key stakeholders and supporting business growth. WHY HE’S AN INNOVATOR: In his role, Johnson engages with national and international companies exploring relocation, expansion or startup opportunities in the region, most recently involving an international company with a marine biotechnology focus. NC Biotech continues to work with partners across economic development and workforce development, including support for companies such as Frontier Scientific Solutions as it expands cold storage capacity and cold chain logistics operations. Johnson also remains involved with multiple statewide initiatives connected to the NC Biotech Venture Challenge, helping participating companies advance through funding, commercialization, and partnership opportunities. Johnson serves as acting board chair of the N.C. Community Colleges Foundation for 2025–27, working with statewide partners to pursue programs that support student access and success in high-demand industries. Recent work includes supporting a $35.6 million grant from Arnold Ventures for the BOOST program at 15 community colleges, including Cape Fear Community College. Regional training efforts also advanced through the first local Biowork program completion and the launch of a biotechnology program at Cape Fear Academy. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: As founding board chair of the NCEDA Foundation, he led efforts to create “Advancing NC: Empowering Leaders, Strengthening

Communities,” an initiative to build connections between economic development professionals and community leaders.

Catalyst this year received awards for Best Place to Work and Excellence in Clinical Trial Management. GROWTH MODE: Catalyst ranked No. 3,833 on this year’s national Inc. 5000 list with a 98% growth rate over the past three years.

NIK MORTON CEO, CATALYST

his year, Nik Morton

his second Tfinished year as CEO of Catalyst Clinical Research. Founded in 2013, Catalyst Clinical Research is a clinical research organization serving the global biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. WHY HE’S AN INNOVATOR: Morton’s work builds on nearly 35 years in clinical development, collaborating with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to design and deliver clinical trials for new medicines. Catalyst Clinical Research includes a specialist oncology division engaged in more than 100 clinical trials with over 60 biotech organizations. The division supports studies involving immunotherapy, cell and gene therapy, targeted therapy and radiopharmaceuticals. Through its oncology and clinical trial management work, Catalyst supports research into approaches intended to address a range of medical needs. Catalyst continues to prioritize programs that align business operations with community involvement. The organization supports local nonprofits and encourages employee participation in service efforts.

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ZEKE NATHANS & DYNH LEE OWNERS, CHOW TOWN

how Town,

of local ventures. In 2025, Le marked eight years of operating Tap Tea Bar and 10 years of owning GDN Nail Bar. He also began franchising Tap Tea Bar, which has expanded to five locations with additional growth underway. APPLICANTS: Food truck owners can apply for space through an online system where they submit menus, photos and a deposit to secure their spot. Once approved, they pay a 15% commission on total sales, which covers use of the space, power, water, trash services and marketing support.

first food CWilmington’s truck park at 1101 N. Fourth St., officially opened its doors in early August. WHY THEY’RE INNOVATORS: Owners Zeke Nathans and Dynh Lee opened Chow Town as a new concept for Wilmington’s dining scene after seeing food truck parks in other parts of the country. The outdoor plaza features parking for multiple food trucks and a grass-covered outdoor area for dining and events. Plans also include an on-site commissary kitchen and space for selling beer, wine and other concessions. Nathans, a general contractor, said he worked on the project for two years, overseeing its creation from concept to opening day, guiding the development process and preparing the space for use as a community-focused venue. Nathans’ role at Chow Town includes managing operations and supporting the business’s mission to serve as a gathering place for families and residents. Chow Town also adds to Le’s existing portfolio

LESLIE SMITH & KELLY REYNOLDS DEVELOPER & MANAGING DIRECTOR, CARGO DISTRICT

eslie Smith developed

Cargo LWilmington’s District, which began

in 2017 and includes parts of Queen, Castle, 15th, 16th and 17th streets, along with areas on Wrightsville Avenue. Co-owner Kelly Reynolds serves as managing director. WHY THEY’RE INNOVATORS: The upcycled cargo container neighborhood continued to expand this year. In 2025, Reynolds oversaw several major projects within Wilmington’s Cargo District, including the opening of the Cargo West Food Court. The food court continues to expand, with new restaurants being added as construction progresses. Planning is underway

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EVONNE VARADY & DON VARADY FOUNDERS, CLEAN EATZ

on and Evonne Varady started their first Clean Eatz location off of Racine Drive in 2013. Two years later, the couple began franchising the healthy-meals business, which is part restaurant and part meals plan program. In 2024, they opened up its company headquarters in renovated space on Oleander Drive. WHY THEY’RE INNOVATORS: This year, Clean Eatz received multiple national recognitions, including being ranked No. 1 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Best of the Best Franchises list. The company also placed No. 293 on the Franchise Times Top 400 list and No. 493 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. Evonne Varady received WILMA’s Women to Watch Award in the Business category this year. The company is currently searching for real estate to launch a new project to all its owners from Wilmington. Clean Eatz marked its 10-year anniversary as a franchise brand in 2025 and reached 100 units – an achievement accomplished by fewer than 5% of franchises nationwide. OUTDOOR PURSUITS: The couple also owns a new venue on 400 acres that hosts weddings, retreats and team events.

for Phase II of Cargo West, scheduled to begin in 2026. The Cargo District is divided into three distinct sections – Cargo East, Cargo West and Cargo Central. Together, they are products of “cargotecture,” or “the act of taking old cargo containers and repurposing them to build more efficient and sustainable residential, business, or industrial buildings,” according to the Cargo District website. Rent varies widely, Smith said, from $400 to $15,000 a month, depending on the size of the space. ELSEWHERE: Reynolds said the company has broadened its construction and service initiatives throughout Wilmington this year,

extending beyond the Cargo District.

STEVE UEBELE CEO, FRONTIER SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS

rontier Scientific

was founded FSolutions in 2022 and saw a major change in its scope this year. WHY HE’S AN INNOVATOR: In 2025, Steve Uebele led the company through a year of significant expansion in the life sciences logistics sector. The company, which achieved ISO certification,

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launched full operations at its Ireland location, establishing a key European hub for temperaturecontrolled pharmaceutical logistics. As part of its broader global growth strategy, the company advanced Phase 2 of its Wilmington development, which includes creating an advanced packaging and labeling facility to support existing storage and distribution capabilities. In Ireland, Phase 2 of the company’s expansion in Shannon is underway, involving the development of a GMPcompliant packaging and distribution facility intended to serve European clients. Frontier Scientific Solutions also inaugurated

dedicated life-science air lanes between the United States and Europe, enabling more direct and reliable transportation of temperature-sensitive materials. Frontier Scientific Solutions is preparing a 500,000-square-foot airside storage and distribution center at Wilmington International Airport. This facility is designed to function as a global gateway for pharmaceutical and biotech supply chains. HIRING PLANS: The company’s growth is projected to create more than 100 new jobs in Wilmington across operations, logistics, quality and management. W I N T E R 2025

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THE

CONNECTORS THE NETWORKERS WHO BRING TOGETHER PEOPLE AND RESOURCES TO GET THINGS DONE

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board chair for Arts North Carolina, a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization.

ANDY ALMETER PRESIDENT & CEO, LEATH HR GROUP

ndy Almeter, who also has a background in health care and science research, now leads this HR consulting firm that his wife, Lisa Leath, founded in 2017 in Wilmington. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: Leath HR Group has partnered with multiple Wilmington organizations to implement “next practice” people strategies that support compliance and risk-minded operations. The firm has also recruited more than 30 leadership professionals to the Wilmington region through national searches. This year, the company moved into the Richmond market and expanded its services through three specialized practice areas dedicated to nonprofits, health care and the trades. In the business community, Almeter recently co-led the Fractional Executive Collective, an initiative providing education on the fractional executive model. Almeter also serves on Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s board, is chair of the United Way Cape Fear Area board and is a county commissioner–appointed adviser to the New Hanover County Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension. HEALTH TIES: Almeter maintains his board certification in health care administration.

RHONDA BELLAMY PRESIDENT & CEO, ARTS COUNCIL OF WILMINGTON & NEW HANOVER COUNTY

s its founding executive director, Rhonda Bellamy has led the arts council since 2012. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: In her role, Bellamy partners with a number of local organizations to advance the arts and spotlight projects in the community. Under Bellamy’s leadership, the arts council last year partnered with the New Hanover Community Endowment to distribute $200,000 in grants to more than 30 nonprofit arts organizations in the county. After that pilot program, the endowment this year announced an expanded Arts & Culture Grants Program, and the arts council will administer a $500,000 program in 2026. As the designated county partner to the N.C. Arts Council, the organization will grant $100,000 through the Grassroots Arts Program for local organizations and the Artist Support Grant for individuals in the area. In partnership with Cape Fear Community College’s Small Business Center, the arts council is sponsoring a Creatives Learning Series to provide professional development and networking opportunities for members of the creative community. STATE VOICE: Bellamy currently serves as past

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ROB BURRUS

at UNCW, I have had the opportunity to learn about really great faculty research across the campus – not just in the CSB (Cameron School of Business),” Burrus said recently. “Dr. Michelle Cathorall, for example, has created a program to eliminate the impacts of malaria.”

INTERIM PROVOST & VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, UNCW

ob Burrus has been

member of the RaUniversity of North

Carolina Wilmington’s faculty since 1998. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: Burrus was appointed interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UNCW in July. He most recently served as dean of the UNCW Cameron School of Business. At the business school, during the first half of the year, Burrus led Cameron through its March AACSB review, resulting in another six years of accreditation, which is recognized as a top business school accreditation. This summer, when former provost James Winebrake moved to become president of Coastal Carolina University, Burrus moved into UNCW’s leadership team until a permanent provost is named. He also is currently serving as vice chancellor for academic affairs. The division houses five academic colleges, seven functional areas, the Center for Marine Science and a divisional operations wing. More than 1,300 faculty and staff members are employed within the division. BEYOND BUSINESS WALLS: “As the interim provost

BILL EARLY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BRUNSWICK BUSINESS & INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

ill Early heads up

Business & BBrunswick Industry Development,

an economic development organization that works to draw new business and industry to Brunswick County. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: Early helps match business leaders with sites that meet the needs of their prospective projects. He works to align utilities, transportation access, educational institutions and investment incentives to support new industry and retain the county’s existing employers. In 2025, Early continued to coordinate with Epsilon Advanced Materials, an Indiaheadquartered graphite manufacturer that plans to build a 1.5 million-squarefoot facility and invest $650 million in Brunswick County’s Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park. The project is also expected to create 500 jobs. This year, Epsilon received $115 million in federal tax credits for the project and secured several required permits.

DANA CONNERS DIRECTOR, NEW HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY his year, Dana Conners oversaw the completion of the new main library branch in downtown Wilmington. The library opened to the public in early October. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: As head of the New Hanover County Public Library, Conners leads a library system that connects residents of all ages with books, programming and other in-person and digital resources at its four branches. Conners, who oversees a staff of 65, led the move this summer into the new main library. The purpose-built facility is part of Project Grace, New Hanover County’s $56 million redevelopment of the main library and the Cape Fear Museum. The museum portion is slated to open in summer 2026. Conners is also overseeing the new Northchase Library branch in northern New Hanover County. The nearly 20,000-square-foot library is expected to open in the spring, adding a fifth branch to the library system.

LIBRARY EXPERIENCE: Conners became the director of the New Hanover County Public Library in 2022. She came to New Hanover County after working in public library systems in Austin, Texas, and across North Carolina, including in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Iredell, Union and Cabarrus counties.

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Brunswick County officials also accepted a $6.7 million federal grant to fund the construction of a new water town in the MidAtlantic Industrial Rail Park. Planning for other infrastructure in the park is also underway. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Before joining Brunswick Business & Industry Development, Early served as the executive director of the Hertford County Economic Development Commission where he led 64 business recruitment or expansion projects, representing over $1.1 billion in investment and nearly 2,000 jobs.

TARA ENGLISH & SCOTT WAGNER ORGANIZERS, BROOKLYN ARTS DISTRICT COLLECTIVE

rooklyn Arts District

owners Tara Bbusiness English (Brooklyn

Café) and Scott Wagner (Goat & Compass) led an effort to establish Wilmington’s first social district. WHY THEY’RE CONNECTORS: English and Wagner spent 13 months working with city officials, other business owners in the Brooklyn Arts District Collective, residents and downtown stakeholders to make a social district a reality along a 10-block stretch on North Fourth Street. A social district allows people to buy alcoholic drinks at a participating establishment – not bring one from home – and consume them anywhere in

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the district. Local business owners say it helps bring people into the Brooklyn Arts District and through their doors. English and Wagner worked with the city and business owners to run a pilot social district in February. City officials approved a framework regulating social districts this summer, and English and Wagner applied to establish Wilmington’s first social district. Approved in September, the district runs from noon to 5 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of the month for six months. LOOKING AHEAD: After the six-month trial period, the business owners say they want to push to expand the social district to every Saturday.

CHRIS CAPONE

FOUNDER & CEO, CAPONE & ASSOCIATES

hris Capone founded Capone & Associates in 2022, and the firm has grown rapidly in the past three years. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: This year, Capone opened the 717mkt Office Collaborative at 717 Market St. in downtown Wilmington. The collaborative, which includes an office for Capone & Associates, was created by renovating a roughly 13,000-square-foot building that offers tenants a range of amenities, including an on-site gym, podcast studio, conference rooms and a rooftop terrace. Also in 2025, Capone’s company earned a Coastal Entrepreneur Award in the professional services category, and he was honored with a 40 Under 40 Award from the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. Under Capone’s leadership, Capone & Associates is actively working on several initiatives. He hosts a fractional podcast that spotlights local leaders and entrepreneurs. His firm continues to expand its bookkeeping and fractional CFO services to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Wilmington region. “We have a culture in which collaboration and innovation is free-flowing,” Capone said recently. “We have regular workshops and events to promote innovation in our business and community.” OUTSIDE OF WORK: Capone enjoys surfing in his free time.

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JOHNNY GRIFFIN DIRECTOR, WILMINGTON REGIONAL FILM COMMISSION

ohnny Griffin has spent

years working to J26bring film productions

to the Wilmington area. He’s also one of the first film commissioners in the world to obtain certified film commissioner status. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: Although he can’t share specifics, Griffin is in constant discussions with major film, TV and streaming companies regarding potential projects. “Internally, we are working to grow our location photo database used in recruiting productions,” he said recently. “The commission W I N T E R 2025

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TRAVIS CORPENING

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, YOUNG MOGUL DEVELOPMENT GROUP ravis Corpening heads up Young Mogul Development Group, a nonprofit group designed to educate young men from underserved populations. The organization focuses on developing and supporting their career aspirations through activities, programming and community efforts. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: Early this year, YMDG launched the Mogul Academy with support from a $10,000 TD Bank grant. Students participating in the program earned 71 career-focused certificates designed to provide early career training and exposure. Corpening is currently working to secure funding to

currently has almost 4,000 different locations photographed with over 91,000 images.” He said the commission also works with the state legislature to maintain and improve the N.C. Film Grant program to attract more productions to the area. This year was a particularly tough year for film activity across the U.S. as more productions moved overseas, making Griffin’s role even more dependent on connections for the local industry. “The film commission works to market the region to prospective film and television productions and assist them while working in the area,” Griffin said. “Historically, productions

spend approximately $130 million-$150 million in the region annually and provide hundreds of job opportunities.” OUTSIDE OF WORK: Griffin likes to run and mountain bike.

CHRISTINA HALEY PRESIDENT & CEO, WILMINGTON DOWNTOWN INC.

hristina Haley has

Wilmington Cled Downtown Inc.

(WDI) since June 2024. The organization aims

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to promote economic development and growth in the downtown area. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: Haley acts as a central point of connection between private-sector developers, city services, downtown business associations and community stakeholders. Under Haley’s leadership, the WDI spearheaded efforts to expand holiday lights and programming in downtown Wilmington with a goal of drawing more visitors to the area during off-season months. A pilot program took place last year, with more lights and events planned for 2025. Haley also supported efforts from the Brooklyn Arts District Collective,

a coalition of business owners, to establish Wilmington’s first social district. The collaborative process involved holding a pilot social district in February, establishing policy framework for social districts in the city and, finally, getting approval from city leaders. Haley is also behind a proposal that would expand dining or retail spaces for businesses on Front Street. CLIMBING THE LADDER: Haley joined WDI in September 2021 as the organization’s vice president of marketing and business outreach. She became the group’s vice president in June 2022 before being named president and CEO two years later.

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launch a second Mogul Academy in January, with plans to continue offering career-focused certificates and create new opportunities in STEM fields. “Leading YMDG (Young Mogul Development Group), it has been imperative to have students from all over the Cape Fear region including Brunswick and Columbus counties, so they graduate from Young Mogul with a shared understanding not only of the importance of giving back but of providing career and educational avenues for those that come after you,” said Corpening, who also currently is enrolled in UNCW’s doctorate in educational leadership program. ART PROJECT: Corpening received a grant from the N.C. Arts Council to improve and re-release a song and video teaching students about the massacre and coup d'état of 1898 in hip-hop form. The project is called Black Fire: The Unfinished Story of a Port City.

WATER IS OUR BUSINESS LCFWASA provides wholesale, regional raw water from the Cape Fear River at the Kings Bluff Raw Water Pump Station behind Lock and Dam #1 within our five-county service area comprised of Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender Counties. Additionally, the Authority has the capability to supply a treated water supply from the Cape Fear River at the Bladen Bluffs Regional Surface Water System near Tar Heel, North Carolina. The Lower Cape Fear Water & Sewer Authority is a selfsupporting agency that depends on customer rates and fees to support its operations. Our purpose is to provide a reliable and dependable surface water supply as cost-effective as possible through economy of scale while operating on sound fiscal and utility principles.

lcfwasa.org

JOSH HALLINGSE VP SMALL BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION, GREATER WILMINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ince joining the Greater

Chamber of SWilmington Commerce in 2021, Josh

Hallingse has led efforts to develop and retain small businesses in the region. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: Hallingse markets the Wilmington region to small businesses and entrepreneurs and helps connect the area’s existing small enterprises with the resources they need to grow. He chairs the Wilmington Small Business Coalition, a collaborative network of organizations and w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

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professionals dedicated to helping small business owners scale and grow across the region. The coalition meets regularly to coordinate efforts within the regional ecosystem, share resources and strengthen the pathways that allow entrepreneurs to start, scale and thrive in the community, Hallingse said. Hallingse was recognized during the N.C. Economic Development Association’s annual conference this year for his work on a deal that brought FedUp Foods, a private fermented beverage manufacturer, to Wilmington. The company planned to invest $34 million to expand its operations into the area, creating more than 100 jobs. ECONOMIC DEVELOPER: This year, Hallingse earned the

designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council. He is one of more than 1,250 active CEcDs worldwide.

KIM HUFHAM PRESIDENT & CEO, WILMINGTON AND BEACHES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

s head of the

and AWilmington Beaches CVB, Hufham

oversees tourism marketing efforts. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: Hufham has led the creation of New Hanover County’s first-ever 10-year Tourism

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Master Plan, a strategic initiative designed to align the direction of the region’s tourism industry with community needs and partner opportunities. An action plan called Destination on the RISE was moving into its implementation phase as of press time, and the plan includes specific strategies, tactics and timelines for execution beginning in 2025. Hufham is also a key part of a collaborative effort to expand the CVB’s Holidays on Water marketing campaign. The 2025 campaign will include holiday events throughout New Hanover County, building upon last year’s downtownfocused programming. The Wilmington riverfront drone show – one of the event’s main attractions – expanded

from three weekends to four, featuring more drones and an extended show. Partners in the effort include the Wilmington Downtown Business Alliance, Wilmington Downtown Inc., the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and the city of Wilmington. Under Hufham’s leadership, tourism remains one of New Hanover County’s top industries, generating more than $1.1 billion in annual economic impact and supporting over 7,000 local jobs, according to 2024 stats. AWARD SEASON: In September, Hufham was named as the WILMA Women to Watch Award winner in the Public Sector category, recognizing her leadership in public service and regional tourism.

BEAU GUNN

OWNER, BEAU GUNN PRESENTS

hrough his production company, Beau Gunn helps bring the musical acts that take over Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Gunn also serves as general manager for Local Daily Media and program director for WUIN, 98.3 The Penguin. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: Gunn connects artists, audiences and local businesses through live music events, radio programming and media promotion. He’s played a key role in keeping Wilmington

on touring artists’ radar. Gunn’s work spans multiple aspects of music and media, from producing concerts to managing bands, curating radio content and promoting local businesses. This year, Gunn produced 55 shows at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, the highest number of shows ever produced in a single season at the venue and is actively booking the 2026 concert season at the outdoor venue. As WUIN’s program director

Gunn constantly searches for new artists to feature on the radio, expanding exposure for both emerging and established talent. On the talent side, Gunn has produced major events, including a performance by Willie Nelson at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, and programmed The Penguin to serve and entertain the local community. MUSIC MANAGER: Gunn recently began managing Big Something, a rock/jam band from North Carolina.

photo by MADELINE GRAY

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ALEXIS HUNTER EXECUTIVE, STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS & FOUNDATION, WILMINGTON HEALTH

his year, Alexis Hunter

from the role of Tmoved Wilmington Health’s

community liaison to the practice’s point person on strategic relationships and its foundation. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: Hunter connects local employers, health care providers and community resources to expand access to care, workforce development and health education. Her primary responsibilities include building and maintaining relationships for Wilmington Health’s direct service lines. Those services provide direct-to-employer health care solutions, including occupational medicine, consulting and on-site clinics. (Currently, Wilmington Health operates three on-site clinics: Live Oak Bank, city of Wilmington and MegaCorp Logistics.) Hunter represents Wilmington Health on the Healthcare Talent Alliance, a collaborative initiative by the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and SEAHEC. She works with other employers and educators to address workforce development, helping health care professionals remain in the region rather than commuting. This collaboration marks a new approach where competitors coordinate to

build a local health care workforce pipeline. Additionally, Hunter recently began managing the Wilmington Health Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by the physicians group over 10 years ago. The foundation focuses on supporting patients’ health outside traditional appointments through education and other initiatives, aiming to expand access to health resources creatively. ON AIR: This year, Hunter also created a podcast for the Wilmington Health team, publicly available on Spotify. She records, edits, mixes and masters episodes that help staff and providers understand updates in health care and the organization.

VELVA JENKINS PRESIDENT & CEO, YWCA LOWER CAPE FEAR

elva Jenkins has served as head of the YWCA Lower Cape Fear since 2020. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: In 2025, Jenkins oversaw growth across every program under her leadership. She implemented wraparound services for children and families enrolled in the Brighter Days program in partnership with Med North and the New Hanover Community Endowment. The organization’s Early Parenthood Program expanded in Columbus County by relocating to the Whiteville Health Department and extending

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services to individuals up to 19 years old. The Grandparent Support Network also broadened its reach. Over 300 New Hanover County second graders participated in the Schools in Pools initiative. The group, which has a $9.8 million capital campaign, exceeded its $5 million benchmark to enhance empowerment programs, services and facilities. Jenkins secured scholarships for families facing financial difficulties in child care. She hosted programs and events including the third Black Maternal Health Summit in partnership with UNCW’s College of Health and Human Services; the first Girls Empowerment Camp; and launched the H.E.R. Path (Hope, Empowerment and Resilience) program to support women through all stages of life. She also led the establishment of the YWCA strategic plan for 2026 to guide ongoing efforts. IN THE BUBBLE: The YWCA aquatics center underwent upgrades including bubble relining, installation of an inflation unit, installation of a new pool heater, HVAC system, new generator and revolving door.

ALTHEA JOHNSON CEO, MEDNORTH HEALTH CENTER

lthea Johnson

patients, Aconnects health care providers

and community resources to expand access to primary,

dental and behavioral health services in New Hanover County. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: Johnson this year secured funding for a 35,000-square-foot new building for MedNorth Health Center, which will house clinical, dental and behavioral health services. The two-story building, at the corner of North Third and Bladen streets, is scheduled for completion in March. Following the completion of the new facility, renovations will begin on the current building, a 17,000-squarefoot facility at 925 N. Fourth St. Johnson is overseeing the design of the existing building’s layout to include new ancillary and administrative support services. Under Johnson’s leadership, MedNorth has expanded both its staff and its capacity. The organization’s staff has grown from 97 employees in 2020 to 145 in 2025. The new facility expansion will increase the number of exam rooms from 25 to 51 and dental operatories from five to 12. This growth in space is intended to support an increase in the number of patients seen annually, reflecting the organization’s commitment to accessible and affordable health care. CARE ROLE: MedNorth, formerly New Hanover Community Health Center Inc., was incorporated as a nonprofit in North Carolina receiving a 501(c) (3) classification in 1993. The center saw its first patient in the spring of 1994 and has been in continuous service since then, adding MedNorth Health Center as a dba (doing business as) in 2013. W I N T E R 2025

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JANET KANE CEO, CAPE FEAR REALTORS

s CEO of Cape Fear

(CFR), Janet ARealtors Kane leads a local

association serving more than 3,600 members. CFR is a professional Realtor alliance “working together for our communities and members to protect, advocate and promote real property ownership and investment,” Kane said. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: Kane is currently engaged in several strategic initiatives. She is working with the Realtor Relief Foundation to provide funding nationwide to homeowners who have lost their homes due to natural disasters, including homeowners in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. She is overseeing the association’s transition to a new association management system to better serve and communicate with CFR members. She is also involved in a range of community service projects throughout the year. In 2025, Kane completed the Cornell University Executive Leadership Certificate Program. She was appointed vice chair of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) AEC Recognitions & Recommendations Advisory Board. Within her organization, Kane said, she encourages innovation through a culture of trying new things, making mistakes without blame and celebrating what is learned. “The mantra I share with our staff and members is

that ‘We find blameless solutions,’” Kane said. “We don’t point fingers, we’re a team and we have each other’s backs.” OUTSIDE OF WORK: She enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures, which she says inspires her by exposing her to people from all walks of life and helps her gain understanding of differing perspectives.

KATRINA KNIGHT

fund an expansion of the organization’s main campus. This year, Gov. Josh Stein also appointed Knight to the N.C. Interagency Council for Coordinating Homelessness Programs. HOUSING LEADER: Knight said people should know about Tyrone Garrett, CEO of the Wilmington Housing Authority. Garrett and his team oversee several housing developments, provide vouchers to subsidize housing costs and are embarking on the rehabilitation or redevelopment of hundreds of affordable units in Wilmington.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER

atrina Knight leads

Good KWilmington’s Shepherd Center, an

organization that aims to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and foster transition to housing in Wilmington. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: In the last year, Knight led the Good Shepherd Center’s 40-person staff in efforts to connect more than 500 homeless adults and children with shelter and helped more than 200 homeless individuals and families transition from shelter to housing. In June, Good Shepherd broke ground on The Sparrow, a 32-unit housing community for chronically homeless individuals with special needs. Knight has helped lead the development of the $7.5 million project, which is under construction on Carolina Beach Road. Knight, who has served as executive director since 2004, is working to raise the remaining $10 million in the Home for Good campaign, which will

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SHERI LEAVENS ASSISTANT DEAN FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND ACADEMIC ADVISING, UNCW CHHS

heri Leavens is part of

leadership team Sthe at the University of

North Carolina Wilmington’s College of Health and Human Services. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: In 2025, Leavens supported nearly 5,000 students through her role at the college. She expanded campus pipeline programs that provide early exposure to health care careers, including iHEAL, iHPSS, SEEDS, VITALS, Future Health Scholars and the iHEAL Summer Research Opportunities Program. These programs create structured pathways beginning as early as fifth grade, preparing students for future health care roles. Under Leavens’ leadership, CHHS initiatives secured more than $2

million in grants from Novant Health and UNC Health to expand health care pipelines, scholarships and research opportunities. Leavens engages in keynote presentations, workshops and mentorship throughout Southeastern North Carolina for students and professionals. She serves on multiple boards and advisory committees, including the DC Virgo Preparatory Academy Chancellor’s Advisory Board, the SEAHEC Education Committee and the Willie Stargell Foundation board. She also is a member of the WILMA Leadership advisory board, mentors emerging women leaders and participates in The Links, Incorporated. WORDS TO SHARE: This year, Leavens published the book My Mama Always Said: 7 Leadership Lessons Adapted from Southern Wisdom and continued hosting the Black Woman Working podcast.

HEATHER MCWHORTER DIRECTOR, UNCW CIE

eather McWhorter

been at the Hhas helm of UNCW’s

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) since 2022. She currently leads a staff of four employees, along with nine interns and more than 200 volunteers. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: In her role, McWhorter leads efforts to link local entrepreneurs and startups with the resources and establish Southeastern North Carolina as an

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innovation hub. This September, CIE hosted its third annual Ocean Innovation Conference. The event was the largest conference to date, with more than 400 participants and an international reach. According to McWhorter, approximately 10,600 people participated in CIE’s programs over the last year. McWhorter was appointed to the NC IDEA Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2025. The board guides the foundation in its mission to strengthen North Carolina’s economy by supporting entrepreneurial growth. During her time at CIE, McWhorter helped support the development of the UNCW Blue Economy Index, the first global tool to track the sector’s growth and impact, and the Idea Test Lab, a five-week-long, early-stage entrepreneurship course. AVID PHOTOGRAPHER: Outside of work, McWhorter said she enjoys photographing the Cape Fear region with her Nikon D7500 camera.

PAM HARDY

DISTRICT MANAGER, DUKE ENERGY

n her role, Pam Hardy facilitates connections between Duke Energy’s

resources, volunteer initiatives and local community Ifinancial organizations.

WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: In 2025, Hardy was recognized as an NC Project Lead Emerging Leader, an honor highlighting her work in creating impact within the communities Duke Energy serves. She is involved in programs through the Duke Energy Foundation, including a newly announced grant opportunity offering $500,000 to support small businesses across North Carolina. Through this program, nonprofit organizations can apply for $25,000 grants, which in turn fund awards of up to $5,000 to individual small businesses. Funding can be used for renovations, equipment or technology purchases, inventory or other business needs. Duke Energy, under Pam’s leadership in the region, maintains a commitment to community service and volunteerism. In 2024, Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation contributed more than $413,000 in donations, sponsorships and philanthropic support to the Cape Fear region. MENTORING MATTERS: Hardy said she supports emerging leaders and students through mentorship.

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JOHN MONAHAN VISTAGE CHAIR, VISTAGE WORLDWIDE

n 2025, John Monahan led three high-performing peer advisory groups as Wilmington’s first established Vistage Chair. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: Those groups include over 45 CEOs, business owners and senior executives from diverse industries such as hospitality, marketing, real estate, retail, software, health care, construction, financial planning, manufacturing and technology. The groups provide structured platforms for collaboration and learning. Members also utilize

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 WILMINGTONBIZ 100! We sincerely appreciate your dedication and contributions to our region.

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each other’s services when aligned with business needs. Monahan organizes monthly CEO Climb Events, webinars designed to provide business leaders with insights from world-class speakers and community interaction. These events help leaders navigate complex business challenges and enhance their professional effectiveness. The peer advisory groups also offer valuable networking opportunities. Monahan’s work through Vistage supports Wilmington-area growth by building a community of high-integrity business leaders. OTHER ROLES: Monahan serves as a board member and leadership coach, leveraging over 35 years of C-Suite and board experience in marketing services, SaaS, advanced technology, private equity, health care innovation and data intelligence.

CAMERON MOORE EXECUTIVE OFFICER, WILMINGTON-CAPE FEAR HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

s executive officer

2014, Cameron Asince Moore has helped lead

the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association to national and statewide recognition. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: Under his leadership, the National Association of Home Builders acknowledged the WCFHBA’s membership recruitment and retention efforts by awarding the association the 2024 NAHB

Membership Cup Award. Additionally, the WCFHBA earned multiple honors at the 2024 STARS Awards, presented by the North Carolina Home Builders Association, including Best HBA Social Media and Best HBA Parade of Homes Marketing campaign. In 2022, Moore was named NAHB’s Local Executive Officer of the Year. As executive officer, Moore manages the association’s operations, staff and strategic initiatives out of its Wilmington office at 3801‑5 Wrightsville Ave. Moore’s role involves liaising with builders, remodelers and industry stakeholders throughout the Cape Fear region, as well as supporting continuing education, public‑policy advocacy and promotional events, such as the association’s annual Parade of Homes. His duties include coordinating membership recruitment and retention efforts, managing communications and marketing platforms and representing the association at the local, state and national levels. BUILDING MEMBERS: The WCFHBA was chartered in 1965 and represents 1,835 members, making it the second largest HBA in the state and the third largest in the nation.

TRACEY NEWKIRK & GIRARD NEWKIRK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO, GENESIS BLOCK FOUNDATION/GENESIS BLOCK

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irard and Tracey

lead the GNewkirk day-to-day operations

of Genesis Block, which supports small business owners, entrepreneurs and startups with a focus on ventures led by minorities and women. WHY THEY’RE CONNECTORS: In 2025, they advanced the Genesis Block Foundation’s reach with the launch of its first Jumpstart Academy in Jacksonville. This expansion follows the ongoing momentum of the second 2025 Jumpstart Academy in the Cape Fear region, scheduled to culminate with Demo Day in January. Another milestone this year has been the foundation’s collaboration with the ENC Women’s Business Collective. Through this partnership, the Newkirks helped extend support for womenowned businesses into five additional counties – Nash, Pitt, Craven, Onslow and Carteret – broadening access to training, resources and entrepreneurship networks across Eastern North Carolina. They also continued its Meet the Neighborz initiative in partnership with local coworking spaces. This program connects business owners, innovators and community members, creating opportunities for relationship-building and increased visibility for local ventures. BOOK RELEASE: This year, Girard Newkirk released his book Newkirknomics: The Blueprint to Build the Neighborhood Economyy, which

focuses on “empowering Main Street, revitalizing underserved communities and creating scalable, measurable prosperity at the neighborhood level.”

YOLANDA POLLARD DIRECTOR, UNCW SWAIN CENTER

olanda Pollard became

head of the Swain Ythe Center for Executive

Education and Economic Development in 2023. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: Pollard this year concentrated on expanding the Swain Center relationships across the region by engaging organizations and entrepreneurs to explore new opportunities for leadership development and organizational support. The Swain Center provides customized leadership programs designed to help organizations strengthen strategy and performance. Its services include strategic planning support, executive coaching, process assessments and a range of open enrollment courses. Under Pollard’s direction, the center continued to collaborate with partners to tailor these offerings to their individual goals and operational challenges. Throughout the year, Pollard engaged with diverse sectors to understand emerging needs and build connections that support learning and professional development. Her outreach helped highlight opportunities for the Swain Center to provide resources that address both immediate organizational priorities and long-term leadership growth. By cultivating relationships and developing programs, she supported W I N T E R 2025

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efforts to strengthen organizational capacity and enhance the skills of leaders working across industries.

TAMMY PROCTOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREATER TOPSAIL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM

Battlefield. The chamber is also collaborating with the Pender County Tourism Development Authority to market all of Pender County. ON INNOVATION: Proctor said, “We are not your grandmother’s Chamber. We are young, vibrant, adding programs, coordinating educational opportunities and welcoming partnerships with other organizations.”

ammy Proctor has

as the executive Tserved director of the chamber since December 2023. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: In collaboration with the chamber’s board of directors and volunteers, Proctor has overseen the creation of several programs, including the Leadership Pender initiative and the Topsail Young Professionals group. The chamber also has expanded its WomenConnect networking program, hosted municipal candidates’ nights and established the Chamber Foundation to pursue grant funding. “Economic growth is one of our goals at the chamber,” Proctor said recently. “We are a resource to businesses that desire to establish in the Scotts Hill to Sneads Ferry area.” Currently, Proctor and the chamber are engaging in multiple projects: working with the regional America250 Celebration, including Colonial Topsail on Feb. 21, in collaboration with the Historical Society of Topsail Island and the First in Freedom Festival at Moores Creek National

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SCOTT SATTERFIELD CEO, WILMINGTON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

cott Satterfield has led

Business SWilmington Development, an economic development organization that serves New Hanover and Pender counties, since 1995. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: In his role, Satterfield connects businesses that are considering relocating or expanding into the Wilmington area with site-selection resources, infrastructure partners, workforce development networks and local governments. Satterfield played a role in bringing a new Amazon robotics fulfillment center to a site on the New HanoverPender county line. The project, which is currently under construction, will have more than 3 million square feet in floor area across four-and-a-half floors. It’s expected to employ more than 1,000 people. Work is underway

KEN MORRIS & CONNIE MORRIS CORPS OFFICERS, THE SALVATION ARMY CAPE FEAR

en and Connie Morris lead The Salvation Army of Cape Fear, a nonprofit group that aims to provide housing, food and assistance to those in need across a five-county area in Southeastern North Carolina. WHY THEY’RE CONNECTORS: The Morrises have spearheaded efforts to connect homeless individuals and families with housing and other resources. This year, Salvation Army officials dedicated the Center of Hope, a 20,500-square-foot shelter with beds for up to 75 people, including seven suites designed for families. The project, situated on 22 acres off Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, was years in the making. The Morrises led fundraising for the center, which included the sale of The Salvation Army’s downtown Wilmington location in 2023. Proceeds from the sale went toward the new project. They also oversee The Salvation Army’s five Wilmington-area thrift stores, along with the organization’s worship services and other social service support programs for children and adults. The Salvation Army, which employs 70 people in the Wilmington area, has a global presence, serving in 134 countries. GETTING OUTSIDE: When they’re not working, the Morrises both enjoy going to the beach and outdoor activities.

photo by MALCOLM LITTLE

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on another Amazon facility, a delivery station. Wilmington Trade Center, a masterplanned industrial park on U.S. 421, broke ground on its second phase this year. The 13-building park is set to have a combined area of more than 3.2 million square feet. FOREIGN INVESTMENT: The Wilmington region has witnessed investment in recent years from companies based outside of the U.S. That includes the expansion of India-based industrial hose manufacturer Polyhose, and Protocase, a Canadian rapid manufacturing firm that established a production facility in the Wilmington area this year. German-firm Kesseböhmer also completed the first phase of its Wilmington-area headquarters in 2025.

BARNES SUTTON ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, TOWN OF LELAND

arnes Sutton has led economic

efforts for the town of Bdevelopment Leland since stepping into his role in 2023. WHY HE’S A CONNECTOR: Sutton works to attract businesses to Leland by connecting them with facilities that meet their needs by working in coordination with developers, existing businesses and other economic development partners in the region. In his role, Sutton has worked to grow the town’s industrial and life science sectors. He is leading the ongoing development of Leland Innovation Park and the creation of the town’s inaugural economic development incentive program. This year, an industrial developer purchased 31 acres inside the park to build small bay industrial spaces. US MgO, a firm that makes magnesium oxide cement sheathing panels, also announced plans to buy more than 20 acres inside the park to establish a manufacturing facility. Sutton also spearheaded the development of a new strategic plan for the Leland Tourism Development Authority. The plan will help guide the board’s focus, investments and strategies for growing tourism in the area.

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LENEICE RICE

COASTAL COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM MANAGER, UNCW & CFCC n 2025, Leneice Rice created and launched three chapters of the Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship (CCHF), including two at UNCW and one at CFCC. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: Those chapters establish a structured network for developing health care leaders in the region. She currently mentors 45 fellows, who serve as peer mentors to prospective health care students, creating a ripple effect of leadership, professional development, and community engagement. Rice oversees programs including UNCW iHPSS, Stop S.I.S. (Suffering in Silence) and mentorship programs for UNCW Vitals Scholars and CFCC Pathway to Nursing students. She also supervises New Hanover Community Endowment-sponsored programs and roles such as the Community Connection position. Additionally, she facilitates Interprofessional Healthcare Partnership Sessions (IHPSs) at UNCW, providing students with hands-on interdisciplinary learning experiences designed to prepare them for collaborative health care environments. She has developed resilience-based programming and presented research on resilience-focused activities, as well as tailored mentorship training for nursing students to equip emerging health care professionals with skills and confidence to guide and inspire others. STRENGTH FINDER: Rice provides strength-based coaching as an International Gallup Strengths Coach, further supporting student and professional development.

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LOCAL EXPERIENCE: Sutton has been with the town of Leland since 2021. Before that, he served as the director of planning and development for the town of Navassa.

CYNTHIA WALSH CEO, BRUNSWICK COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

ynthia Walsh has been

of the Brunswick CCEO County Association of

Realtors (BCAR) for more than a decade. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: Under Walsh’s leadership, BCAR supports Realtors but also connects Realtors and other real estate industry professionals to the community. In 2025, BCAR launched the BCAR Cares Foundation to extend its philanthropic efforts beyond the more than 15 community-giveback events already held, Walsh said. She is involved in planning and launching the new foundation. Walsh said BCAR members “are dedicated to ensuring a better quality of life for everyone in their communities.” BCAR also introduced new programs to strengthen its affiliate membership segment, including Affiliate University, regular affiliate networking luncheons and enhanced memberaffiliate collaboration – initiatives that Walsh said have resulted in growth of affiliate membership. Individually, Walsh was invited to teach the orientation/bootcamp for new executives at the NC Association of Realtors and

MEADE VAN PELT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE HARRELSON CENTER

eade Van Pelt serves as executive director of The Harrelson Center, a campus of nonprofit organizations in downtown Wilmington. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: The Harrelson Center serves as a hub for nonprofit agencies with the aim of helping them operate more efficiently and better use their funding, according to the

the Georgia Association of Realtors, and she served as chair of the NC Association of Realtors’ Bylaws Committee. OUTSIDE WORK: Walsh said she finds relaxation and focus through cooking and baking, which she describes as one of her “superpowers.”

HEATHER WILSON CEO, CAMERON ART MUSEUM

eather Wilson was

head of the art Hnamed museum in 2023 after serving as deputy museum

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organization’s website. Under Van Pelt’s leadership, in May the center began its Housing Navigation program, “which has proven to be a valuable approach to preventing homelessness,” Van Pelt said. “Through collaborative partnerships and resourceful funding, we are supporting renters and homeowners who are at risk of losing their housing.” The organization has also launched the Minding Our Business campaign “to stabilize capacities in the nonprofit sector amid shifts in funding sources and government priorities. The campaign equips nonprofit executives with fresh resources to adapt to ongoing challenges and disruptions, even as needs continue to grow,” she said. Additionally, Van Pelt and the center are advancing a partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina to expand civil-legal services on campus in 2026 (with funding from the New Hanover Community Endowment). OUTSIDE WORK: Van Pelt serves in a leadership role in her church, enjoys hot yoga and early morning walks and advocates for skin-cancer screenings and sunscreen after being diagnosed with melanoma in her 20s.

director. WHY SHE’S A CONNECTOR: Cameron Art Museum serves as an arts and cultural destination for North Carolina and beyond. The museum operates as a creative campus and greenspace, providing visual art experiences unique to the region. Through its exhibitions, programs and outreach, the museum contributes a $6.9 million economic impact to New Hanover County while attracting tourists and newcomers to the area. In 2024, Wilson was recognized with the Museum Leadership Award by the Southeastern Museums Conference. Under her leadership, Cameron Art Museum

achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to professional standards and cultural stewardship. Wilson oversees exhibitions that bring traveling works by Minnie Evans to venues across the United States, connecting contemporary art to broader themes of the natural world. She also manages outreach opportunities that engage cancer patients, individuals living with dementia, stroke survivors, and veterans, connecting these communities to art and creative expression. SIDE PROJECT: Wilson is currently working on writing a novel. W I N T E R 2025

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THE

RISING

STARS THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS WHO ARE ALREADY MAKING WAVES (LIMITED TO THOSE 35 YEARS OLD AND YOUNGER)

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W I L M I N GTO N B I Z 1 0 0 R I S I N G S TA R S

MEGAN BUCHBINDER

joining the local CVB, Buchbinder served as director of marketing for Visit Springfield, Missouri, where she led the organization through a full rebrand and campaign development.

EVP OF MARKETING & STRATEGY, WILMINGTON AND BEACHES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

ince joining the

and SWilmington Beaches CVB in

March, Megan Buchbinder has focused on advancing several major initiatives tied to economic development through tourism. WHY SHE’S A RISING STAR:

Buchbinder helped launch Holidays on Water in partnership with the CVB, the city of Wilmington, Wilmington Downtown Inc. and the Wilmington chamber. She also supported the rollout of the Tourism Master Plan Action Plan, a multiyear roadmap guiding the growth of the county’s tourism economy. As part of her work on long-term strategy, she contributed to planning efforts to promote New Hanover County as a leading destination. Buchbinder also restructured the marketing department, promoting team members and bringing content creation in-house. This shift strengthened the CVB’s ability to share community-focused stories while generating organizational cost savings. She developed a new community engagement manager role designed to help redefine the CVB’s commitment to local connection. MOVING EAST: Before

TRAVIS HENLEY COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN MANAGER, CITY OF WILMINGTON

ravis Henley’s role

shaping Tincludes how Wilmington

grows physically, socially and economically. Before joining the city of Wilmington, Henley served as planning and community development director for Pender County and development services director for the city of Southport. WHY HE’S A RISING STAR:

This year, Henley’s main accomplishment has been leading the drafting and release of the city’s Greater Downtown Plan. Developed with input from more than 5,000 residents, the plan outlines a roadmap for Greater Downtown neighborhoods, the Central Business District and emerging retail corridors. Henley is now guiding the transition from planning to implementation, continuing engagement efforts to ensure community priorities remain central to each step. At the same time, he is contributing to preparations for an update to the Create Wilmington

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Comprehensive Plan to support long-term, strategic growth. Henley is also helping develop a citywide Community Engagement Framework intended to make public participation more accessible and consistent across city initiatives. This work supports future efforts, including a Neighborhood Planning Program designed to bring planning discussions directly to local communities as part of plan implementation. HIGHER LEARNING:

Henley also teaches in UNCW’s Master of Public Administration program, focusing on how local policy and decision-making influence long-term community outcomes.

DEVIN LESSARD FOUNDER, NSEA SWIM

Swim is focused NSEA on increasing water safety and preventing drownings in the area.

WHY SHE’S A RISING STAR:

This year, founder Devin Lessard has led NSEA Swim during a period of significant growth. The organization has reached its largest team size to date, increasing from 20 swimmers in 2019 to 95 in 2025. Under Lessard’s leadership, six swimmers who trained with NSEA Swim are currently competing at the collegiate level. Alongside team development, the organization continues to

EION DOCKERY CO-FOUNDER, PORT CITY FC

ort City FC is Wilmington’s soccer team, founded by Tim Williams, Joey Lipoff, Nic Gunyon and Eion Dockery in 2022. It includes a men’s and women’s team. WHY HE’S A RISING STAR: Port City FC men's team bounced back from a winless season in 2024 to finishing second place in conference after regular season play, then competed in the regional semifinals in what was a turnaround season. In the club’s four years, the team has been promoted to a higher division each year. Port City FC introduced women’s semi-professional soccer to Wilmington. The club’s women’s team completed its first regular season this year in a nationally recognized league, maintaining a top-15 ranking throughout the season. Dockery said that the club provides a platform showcasing the efforts of talent, hard work and dedication for college athletes who are aiming higher to become professional individuals on and off the field. LEAGUES OF THEIR OWN: The latest promotion is for the men's program to compete in the USL League Two and the women's program stepping into the USL W League.

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focus on providing water access and instruction for individuals and families across the Wilmington community, including aquatic therapy, swim lessons and water-based classes. NONPROFIT WORK: Through its nonprofit arm, the NSEA Swim Foundation, the organization provides free swim lessons for children and adults as well as free water aerobics classes. Additional offerings include certification courses in CPR, lifeguarding and water safety instruction.

WHY SHE’S A RISING STAR: Topsail Young

ALEXIS SIEBERT FOUNDER, TOPSAIL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

2024, Alexis Siebert, Inmarketing coordinator for Patriot Roofing, partnered with the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism to form Topsail Young Professionals.

Professionals is a networking and career development group for the Pender County demographic. Siebert this year also supported the growth of Topsail Young Professionals (TYP), helping to expand engagement and opportunities for emerging leaders in the community. TYP meets monthly and will offer various types of events, such as networking events, lunch and learns, open forum

conversations, workshops, business mentorship events and community service projects. In 2025, Siebert was appointed to the Greater Topsail Chamber of Commerce’s board. MARKETING NODS: In her role at Patriot Roofing, Siebert was part of the team that earned non-builder Best Social Media, Best Video Marketing and Best Marketing Campaign (nonbuilder) accolades this year at the WilmingtonCape Fear Home Builders Association’s MAX! Awards.

STEFANIE ROBACK

THERAPIST & FOUNDER, ALLORA RISE COUNSELING AND THERAPY

tefanie Roback is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical addictions specialist. WHY SHE’S A RISING STAR: Roback this year led several developments at Allora Rise Counseling and Therapy. The practice expanded its team by three new members, increasing its capacity to serve clients. This year, Roback also established a partnership to provide pro-bono services for the Wilmington Fire Department. As owner of Allora Rise Counseling and Therapy, Roback guides the practice’s efforts to offer mental health support and wellness services to the community. The organization seeks to address barriers connected to mental health care and works to ensure accessible, high-quality services for individuals seeking support. COLLECTIVE MEASURES: Roback is also a co-founder, along with Shaina Frank, of the Millennial Therapist Collective, a group that holds bi-monthly meetups for mental health professionals in the area.

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On with the

Show BY EMMA DILL

| PHOTOS BY MADELINE GRAY

THALIAN HALL CHARTS ITS NEXT CHAPTER WITH A $25 MILLION RENOVATION

ilmington’s Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts is poised for a grand transformation that, according to CEO Shane Fernando, will touch all four floors and every corner of the 167-year-old building. The proposed project would nearly double Thalian Hall’s footprint, as it expands into a 17,000-square-foot wing that’s been occupied by the city of Wilmington since the building’s completion in 1858. The multi-faceted proposed renovation includes a new 300-seat theater, a listening room that would serve as a cafe by day and a martini bar at night, an incubator for theater productions, music and dance as well as upgrades to Thalian’s historic main stage and other existing spaces. As planning and a $25 million capital funding campaign are underway – Thalian officials launched the ambitious project in March – the hall’s new era is beginning to unfold.

A N E V O LV I N G S PA C E

On a Tuesday night in August, the Wilmington City Council met for the final time in its chambers at 102 N. Third St.. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo called the moment “bittersweet,” as city leaders prepared to move out of a room that had

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housed the council’s meetings for more than three decades. The move completed the exit of city operations from the building, which began after the city’s $68 million purchase of Skyline Center, a building that formerly housed PPD and then Thermo Fisher Scientific, in 2023. The next chapter for the former council chambers, located on the second floor of the former city hall wing, is more of a full-circle moment, Fernando said. When Thalian Hall opened its doors in 1858, the room served as a theater that was about one-third the size of Thalian’s current main stage. The room remained a theater until the 1890s, when it was converted into a rollerskating rink. In 1906, it became the city library, a use that continued until the 1950s, when it was divided into cubicles for city staff, Fernando said. The Wilmington City Council began meeting in the room in 1990. As the room evolved over the decades, Thalian’s main stage hosted touring road shows and attractions and underwent several renovations and capital investments. As part of the capital campaign, Thalian’s existing theaters will see new investments, including the replacement of seating, sound and lighting upgrades, new scenic effects and improvements to make backstage areas more accessible for performers with disabilities. The newly proposed theater (in the former council chambers on the second floor), will be called the Hippodrome. It will include state-of-the-art, immersive technology, along with updated lighting and

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annual economic activity, supporting nearly 1,300 local jobs and producing more than $11.4 million in government revenue, according to a 2022 study from Americans for the Arts. Thalian Hall officials estimate that the venue currently has a $4.3 million annual economic impact on the Wilmington area.

D E V E LO P I N G T A L E N T

Shane Fernado sits in the former city hall lobby, a space that will become the Wilde Cat Club, a new 100-seat music venue, cafe and bar at the renovated Thalian Hall theater.

sound equipment, Fernando said. “That’s the legacy of that room,” he said, “and now it’s returning back to its original intention, which is exciting.” Construction on the new 300-seat theater is set to begin in September. Until then, the room will be rented out for performances. Shannon Sandlin, president of the Thalian Hall Board of Trustees, said the size of the proposed theater will fill a gap for local theater groups and other community organizations. Production companies typically pay per seat when they buy the rights to a play, Sandlin said. If producers don’t think they can fill all 650 seats in Thalian’s main stage theater but need more than the 100 seats in the Ruth

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and Bucky Stein Theatre, the 300 seat theater could be a good fit, she said. Rhonda Bellamy, president and CEO of The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County, sees Thalian Hall as a landmark that helps “anchor Wilmington’s identity as a regional arts destination.” The new theater spaces help “address longstanding space constraints for local performing arts organizations, enabling more productions, expanded schedules and greater audience access,” she wrote in an email to the Business Journal. According to Bellamy, New Hanover County’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a proven economic engine. The arts created $75.6 million in M A G A Z I N E

Fernando and Thalian’s board of directors are using the project to shine a spotlight on the need for arts incubation and development spaces in the region. “We have a lot of projects here. Companies, artists who are creating work, writing plays, creating dance work, writing music,” Fernado said. “And they get to a certain point in their development, and they can’t go any further.” Typically, they have to leave Southeastern North Carolina, taking their work and talent to New York City, Chicago or Washington, D.C., – cities where the infrastructure is in place to support the development of new works of art, Fernando said. “You have Wilmington artists who’ve created Wilmington work, and then New York gets its name on it or another city gets its name on it,” Fernando said. “I think it’s very important to have Wilmington’s name on the work that has been birthed here.” Part of the planned overhaul of the former city hall space includes converting former city offices on the building’s lower floor into a creative studio lab and a recording studio that would house the incubation and development of new works of theater, music and dance. A trial run came in October when Thalian Hall premiered RED, a play about the life of abstract painter Mark Rothko. After hearing about Thalian’s proposed incubator, Fernando said he got a call from a production company in New York City, asking if he and the theater could help stand up the new play. Fernando directed RED, a twoperson show that featured a Wilmington actor alongside an actor from New York City. The crew and creative team were

Longtime Thalian volunteer Betty Hays is shown at the concession stand where she often works at the theater.

all local to Wilmington, Fernando said. After getting the production on its feet at Thalian Hall, it’s been sent to theaters for booking and will be staged in cities across the U.S. in the coming years. “This is the first national tour that has been developed here at Thalian Hall,” Fernando said. “This is a precursor of what’s to come.” The creative studio lab is part of an initiative led by Linnae Budusky, Thalian Hall’s first director of education and entrepreneurship. Budusky is creating the programming that will fill some of Thalian’s renovated spaces. “All of the physical renovations are slated to (be completed) in about two years,” she said, “and my goal is to be able to have the programs established, set and filled, so by the time we’re ready to open, we already have a whole list signed up and excited to participate.” The initiative also includes a new scenic lab and workforce training program that aims to address a shortage of skilled stage and film crews, Fernando

said. It will focus on skills such as sound engineering, lighting design, carpentry, rigging and stage management. Bellamy sees the proposed initiative as a response to a regional shortage of maker and creative spaces. The new facilities, Bellamy said, could help attract new talent, support professional development and foster innovation across the creative sector. Budusky’s work also includes the expansion of the Pied Piper Theatre, which brings first- and second-graders to Thalian Hall each January for a play, and the development of the Pied Piper Institute, which will offer continuing education opportunities to area teachers.

INVESTING IN THE HALL

After eight years, there’s not much Thalian Hall volunteer Betty Hays can’t do. She works the concession stand, bartends, takes tickets and ushers theatergoers to their seats. Hays, a retired travel agent, moved

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to Wilmington with her husband from Flagstaff, Arizona, in 2017 and began volunteering as a way to give back to her new community. She now volunteers three to four times a week. She sees the planned renovations as a way for Thalian Hall to remain relevant in the community, grow the theater’s capacity and refresh and activate certain spaces in the Hall. The project includes redesigning and enlarging the theater’s lobby, with a new box office and four concession stands. The renovation will also include a reimagining of the Hall’s south portico and Innes Park, which Fernando said will be converted into an amphitheaterstyle venue for outdoor performances, movie screenings and other events. The proposed Wilde Cat Club would take over the former city hall lobby. It would operate as a listening room, serving coffee and tea during the day and cocktails at night. Hays said she thinks that could draw people into the Hall during daytime hours. W I N T E R 2 025

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1. Hippodrome a newly reimagined 300-seat venue with state-of-the-art capabilities 2. Third Street Entrance the portico featuring the iconic front steps will be re-established with outdoor seating for coffee & cocktails 3. Education Center a center to support and expand Pied Piper Theatre and continuing education programs, archives and library and incubation center for emerging artists 4. Creative Studio Lab a new space to support development of new theater, music and dance work 5. Wilde Cat Club named for playwright Oscar Wilde and Wilmington-born opera singer Caterina Yarborough, the 100-seat music venue will feature a rotating stage in an art deco lounge 6. Recording Studio a space with ecording technology to mix and produce performances 7. Lobby redesign the lobby will be redesigned and enlarged to include four new concessions stands, concierge, new box office, greater accessibility and larger restrooms 8. Scenic Lab a new area to support construction for scenic elements, and serve as a space for job training and workforce development for regional stage and film crews 9. Stein Theatre sound and lighting upgrades, addition of scenic effects, and accessibility upgrades 10. Historic Main Stage replacement of the theater's 650 seats, upgrades to sound and lighting, new scenic effects and accessibility improvements

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“That will be so utilized,” she said. “We’ll have more usable space when it’s all said and done. It’s just exciting to be a part of something like this.” The walls of the Wilde Cat Club will be adorned with 100 black-andwhite portraits of artists who have performed at the venue over the years. The portraits, which double as sound-absorbing panels, are also a means of sponsorship fundraising, said Tom Rosamilia, who co-chairs Thalian’s capital campaign committee. The group also plans to raise funds through naming rights, corporate sponsorships and individual donations. “There’s all kinds of different opportunities that people have to make a mark and leave their mark on Thalian and on the transformation,” Rosamilia said. In October, the campaign got a boost, when the New Hanover Community Endowment announced a $3 million grant to support the expansion of Thalian Hall’s footprint and new programming. The funding includes an immediate grant of $1 million, with the remaining $2 million structured as a 1:2 matching grant, according to M A G A Z I N E

Amber Rogerson, the endowment’s communications director. That means the endowment will contribute $1 for every $2 Thalian Hall fundraises. Apart from the endowment funding, Thalian officials said they’ve already raised around $3.5 million toward their goal. Fernando said he’s working on a state-level grant and looking into corporate gifts to try to bring the campaign to its $25 million goal by next summer. Thalian won’t be going to the city to ask for funding, though, Fernando said. That’s because the city of Wilmington, which owns Thalian Hall, has continually invested in the building’s envelope and systems, Fernando said. He points to the city’s replacement of Thalian Hall’s HVAC system as a recent example. “I don’t see a need to ask the city to contribute more. The city has always been there for this building,” he said. “In terms of this project, in terms of the additional interior features, that’s our responsibility as an organization to maintain and to keep the interior features of this building relevant and modern for our community use.”

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FEAST UNWRAPPED

T I D E TO

TABLE THE OYSTER BARN OFFERS A U N I Q U E LY C O A S T A L DINING EXPERIENCE

B Y L A U R A M O O R E | P H O T O S B Y C H A N D L E R B R O C K H AT C H

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FEAST UNWRAPPED

hen Conor and Alyssa MacNair invite guests to their N.SEA Oyster Co’s Shuck & Chill events at The Oyster Barn, not only are they inviting them to enjoy their Dukes of Topsail Sound oysters, but they invite them to be a part of their mission.

“Dedicated to raising craft sustainable shellfish that embody the taste of North Carolina while maintaining a positive impact on the environment,” reads in capital letters as the first words to follow their “Welcome to the N.SEA. Oyster Barn” greeting on their website. In addition to farming and supplying customers locally and across the nation with fresh oysters, N. SEA Oyster Co welcomes guests to its headquarters at its Shuck & Chill tide-to-table experience on Fridays and Saturdays from noon-6 p.m. at 674 Old Landing Road. “We bring in oysters fresh from the farm, and customers get to shuck them on their own or have lessons, and we educate them to do so. If they don’t want to shuck, we can do it with our shucker and chef on staff,” Alyssa MacNair said. “They get to get their hands on our product and have an intimate experience with our farmers.” The MacNairs’ oyster farm has been operating for seven years, and each year they have planted more and expanded to build a farm of 2 million oysters that they harvest from each week to provide oysters to local customers and restaurants, as well as for shipping oysters around the nation. “Our farm is our way to be our own farm stand and be the freshest option. We do shipments each week via UPS to customers who like that option,” Alyssa

MacNair said. Conor MacNair is a secondgeneration oyster farmer whose uncle also owns an operation on the West Coast and taught him from a young age how to surf and how to grow sustainable oysters. “My uncle pushed me into a wave surfing when I was 9 years old, and he taught me about regenerative farming of sustainable oysters and oysters in general. From that point on, surfing and ocean health is all I wanted to do,” Conor MacNair said. Through directed independent study and oceanography studies as a University of North Carolina Wilmington student, he worked on his uncle’s farm and helped to build California’s first oyster hatchery. Eventually, Conor and Alyssa were able to buy their land and start their farm, where The Oyster Barn was initially built as a processing facility. Now, The Oyster Barn has been established as a place to bring the community together around oysters as a gathering space for guests. “It is a place to celebrate the farm and where our food comes from. The farm is our pride and joy, and we like to share that with the community,” said Alyssa MacNair, who also graduated from UNCW. “The farm comes first for the first part of the week, then our doors are open to the community.”

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Conor MacNair said that the barrier islands of North Carolina play a major role in the taste of the oysters. Topsail Island, being a nearly 30-mile island with two major inlets on either side, impacts the taste of the oysters as well. N. SEA. Oyster Co’s Dukes of Topsail Island oysters are known for their briny, sweet flavor thanks to the area’s nutrient-rich waters. “We are obsessed with a good quality shuck,” Alyssa MacNair said. “It takes two years to grow a good oyster, and how each oyster is presented very much affects flavor.” Picnic-style and bar-top seating welcome guests to try out the local oysters at the Shuck & Chill events. The menu offers picnic kits to grill oysters, hot dogs or s’mores over Kudu grills. Tinned fish, caviar and touches from mignonette to baked breads round out the lineup for a unique open-air experience. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages are served along with other “laid-back goodies,” according to Alyssa MacNair. The kid and dog-friendly atmosphere invites guests to do exactly what the name implies. “We like to bring people together. Our motto is, ‘Slow, No Wake,’ to encourage people to sit among the pine trees, watch the farm crew, listen to the bluegrass play and enjoy the fresh local seafood,” Alyssa MacNair said. The barn is also the site for customers to pick up oyster orders to take home, to rent out for private events and to visit for special public events throughout the year. N. SEA. Oyster Co focuses on the entire food system. It uses Wilmington Compost Co. and the N.C. Coastal Federation’s shell recycling to make sure they create no waste to embody the farm’s mission. “We do the work, and we do the extra,” Alyssa MacNair said, “to see that it’s all going to see another lifetime.” For more restaurant news, sign up for the weekly Feast Unwrapped email newsletter at FeastWilmington.com. W I N T E R 2 025

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THE TAKEAWAY

In the

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rews moved pipes into place near Freeman Park as work for a major beach nourishment project kicked off last month for Pleasure Island. The pipes will be used to move sand from Carolina Beach Inlet to the shorelines of Carolina and Kure beaches. Contractors are expected to fill in more than 1.5 million cubic yards of sand for the nearly $23.5 million project, and the dredging is expected to last until April, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Wilmington District office. Residents can keep track of the sand placement as it moves south along the beaches at the Corps site here: bit.ly/4i29bwo. photo by SUZI DRAKE

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