The Cape Fear Future effort being led by the Chamber of Commerce took an important step forward this week with the hiring of Program Coordinator Sallie Smyth. Smyth comes to Cape Fear Future with an excited outlook toward the work.

“There is a lot of responsibility ahead of me,” Smyth said. “But this is a great opportunity to make the community I love better. I am really excited.”

Smyth will be the first employee working exclusively for Cape Fear Future, previously the work had been dispersed amongst existing Chamber employees and volunteers.

“The volunteers and chamber staff here help, but Sally will be completely focused on the effort. She will be waking up and going to bed thinking about it,” said Connie Majure-Rhett, president and CEO of the Chamber.

Cape Fear Future is an initiative sponsored by the chamber to promote economic development and ensure the future prosperity of the region. The initiative focuses on expanding the knowledge sector of the local economy with more hi-tech jobs.

Smyth comes to Cape Fear Future as a dual graduate of UNC-Wilmington. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration, and has lived in Wilmington since 2005.

Majure-Rhett said that Smyth has a unique skill set. “She will help us set a clear path and get there.”

While in graduate school, Smyth worked for the city in the environmental planning office. Smyth said she really enjoyed this work and the experience will be helpful in her new role.

“Hopefully I can forge new partnerships in the area and keep the ones we already have. I am a homeowner in Wilmington, I understand what makes Cape Fear Future really matter,” Smyth said.