One thing I certainly believe everyone in our community can agree on is that New Hanover County is a unique place. Whether rooted here for generations or a new addition to our community, the people who call this place home know that it is unlike any other. From our shorelines inward, we are fortunate to live in a thriving, beautiful coastal region with so many natural amenities. 
 
Which begs several questions, like how do we maintain environmental integrity, even as we experience significant growth? Are there best practices for today that will reap benefits tomorrow? And what can we do to preserve this space for generations to come? 
 
Late last year, we brought on Madelyn Wampler to serve as the county’s first Sustainability Manager, creating a position that helps oversee what we can do as an organization to better protect our natural resources and create a resilient community. 
 

For this month’s Public Service Profile, I asked Madelyn about her role with New Hanover County and what lies ahead. That conversation is below … 
 
Madelyn, you have been with our organization for a short period, joining us as the county’s first Sustainability Manager back in October. That said, I know you have been involved in work surrounding sustainability, environmental policy and project management for more than a decade. Where does the passion for this line of work come from? How did you get involved in sustainability efforts and what keeps you coming back?  
 
Public service has always been deeply rooted in my family’s values as my mom was a teacher and my dad served in the military. I believe this strong sense of purpose influenced my career path and ultimately led me to local government. 
 
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the devastation a hurricane could have, but I was also fortunate to experience the many ways nature enriches our lives through things like recreation, food, tourism, mental and physical health, and more. My grandparents were avid beachgoers who piqued my curiosity about the environment. That left a lasting impression on me and made me realize how deeply connected we are to nature, and how critical it is to protect it. 
 
I’ve been involved in sustainability and environmental work in various capacities for years, and each experience has given me a deeper understanding of how research, funding, and specialized expertise intersect to create real, lasting impact on communities. 
 
For me, sustainability isn’t just about preservation – it’s about making sure the environment continues to support us while maintaining the natural beauty and resources we rely on. This means balancing the protection of vital ecosystems with the growth of communities. The direct impact of this work, whether through pilot studies or community-wide initiatives, is what keeps me motivated. 
 
You have certainly hit the ground running since coming on board. I know you’ve met with leadership throughout our various departments and are working through a lot of plans and strategies for ways we can be more environmentally conscience. Take me through some of the areas you see as key focal points moving forward.   
 
I am grateful to my supervisor, Jessica Loeper, the Executive Leadership Team, and the department heads who have taken the time to meet with me, share their work, and highlight opportunities for collaboration. These conversations have been valuable, and I am looking forward to meeting with the rest of the department heads in the coming weeks. 
 
One of the first things I realized in this role – and something I think is important to emphasize – is that while my position is new, sustainability itself is not new to our operations. Every department that I have met with is already engaged in efforts that contribute to sustainability. There is a strong foundation to build on, and I have been impressed with some of the initiatives already underway. 
 
My main focus will be completing a Sustainability Assessment to provide recommendations aligned with the county’s Strategic Plan goals. I will also highlight areas that may not yet be a priority, and work on defining what sustainability means for New Hanover County. A clear, shared definition will help guide decision-making, set measurable goals, and ensure that sustainability efforts are both actionable and impactful. 
 
While the assessment is underway, I am prioritizing the Board of Commissioners’ commitment to greenspace protection and conservation. I am also looking at grant opportunities to support resilience planning and flood mitigation efforts. Another important part of my work has been relationship-building, both within the county and across the broader region, to better understand the sustainability landscape in our community and identify opportunities for strategic partnerships.  
 
Last month, our Board of Commissioners approved a resolution for the county to join in the state’s Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Program. In brief, this basically allows commercial property owners to apply for a loan program that can fund work related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and storm-resilient improvements. What does that mean for us as a community and why is having a program like this place an important step forward?  
 
As New Hanover County continues to grow, being a coastal community facing more frequent extreme weather makes it even more important to invest in stronger, more efficient buildings. That’s why I’m excited that we are the first county in North Carolina to join the C-PACE program, which makes long-term, private financing available to all commercial property owners in the county for upgrades that reduce operating costs, improve energy efficiency, and enhance storm resilience – without upfront costs holding them back.  
 
This step not only benefits our local businesses but also sets an example for other communities across the state. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this program on our local economy and built environment. 
 
I want to thank Madelyn for her commitment to jumping right in and working quickly to help our organization build a roadmap for sustainability, resiliency and conservation. We’re excited about the work she’s doing and what it will mean for our community’s future. 
 
To learn more about the county’s sustainability practices or the C-PACE program Madelyn mentioned, visit NHCgov.com/Sustainability.