The Influencers: The changemakers, in front of or behind the scenes
Joseph Apkarian
Owner, The Pour House, Tacobaby & The Eagle’s Dare
As 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.
Christopher Barnes
Superintendent, New Hanover County Schools
Christopher Barnes serves as head of the 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 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.”
Chris Boney
Chief Relationships Officer, LS3P
As the chief relationships officer at LS3P, Chris 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, 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 Coudriet
County Manager, New Hanover County
Chris Coudriet has been manager of New 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
Since becoming Thalian Hall’s CEO in 2024, 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 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, Fernando 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.
Becky Hawke
City Manager, City of Wilmington
Becky 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 (2016-25) 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.”
Chad Hodges
President, McKinley Building Corp.
Chad Hodges became the president of McKinley Building 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.
Jim Hundley Jr.
Executive Vice President, Thomas Construction Group
Jim Hundley Jr. leads Thomas Construction Group, overseeing 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
Lauren Krall Ivey and Sunny Gerhart opened 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 fine-dining 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 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.
OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN: Ivey enjoys outdoor adventures and backcountry cooking, while Gerhart finds time to surf and spend time at the beach.
Mike Kozlosky
Executive Director, WMPO
Mike 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 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.
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.
Ryan Legg
CEO, MegaCorp Logistics
Ryan Legg leads Wilmington-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 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 AI-driven 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.
BJ Losch
President, Live Oak Bank
BJ Losch was named president of Wilmington-headquartered 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 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.
Chris Norvell
Founding Principal, Edgewater Ventures
Chris Norvell serves as a founding partner of Edgewater Ventures, a 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 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.
Aubrey Parsley
Economic Development Director (Former), City of Wilmington
Aubrey Parsley led economic 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 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.”
Jerod Patterson
President & CEO, Business Alliance for a Sound Economy
Jerod Patterson was named CEO of Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE), a nonprofit group that advocates for business and industry in Southeastern 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.
Roger Shew
Retired Senior Lecturer, Earth and Ocean Sciences and Environmental Sciences, UNCW
Roger 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.
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 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.
Gene Smith
President, Brunswick Community College
Gene Smith is president of Brunswick Community College, a role he has 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 enrollment to roughly 100-plus 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
Lynda Stanley leads a growing community hospital in Southport 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 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 replacement surgeries in 2021 and implemented teleneurology in 2023. The hospital plans to add high-definition mammography in 2026, incorporating AI and predictive analytics to improve imaging precision.
Jason Swain & David Swain
Developers, Swain Associates
Father-and-son developers David and Jason Swain, along with partner The Beach Co., are leading the creation of Center Point, a major mixed-use 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 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 three-bedroom units.
Bryan Thomas
President and CEO, Monteith
Bryan Thomas leads 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 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
Kenneth Waldroup took the helm of Cape Fear 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
Jack Watson joined the university’s College of 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 accomplishments center on leading the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington through several major workforce-focused 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 programs, including a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies.
Margaret Weller-Stargell
President and CEO, Coastal Horizons
Named director in 1995, Margaret Weller-Stargell began her work 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, Weller-Stargell, 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 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
Gwen Whitley has spent over 35 years in health care in the area, moving 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 second-largest 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.
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.
In addition to his position at Zimmer 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.
Read more about the 2025 WilmingtonBiz 100 honorees by clicking here.
