The steering committee will play a vital role in providing big picture strategic direction and better connecting us to the many communities of greater downtown. This committee will help to ensure the feedback from those communities is accurately reflected in the plan and its recommendations. The committee will review community input gathered by the project team, share personal input, and provide further direction for project actions.
Who makes up the Steering Committee?
The Steering Committee is made up of stakeholders representing community organizations (5), business and development (6), public safety (2), greater downtown neighborhood residents (6), and other local agencies (4). The community was asked to apply to fulfill these roles and those selected were appointed by the City of Wilmington Appointments Committee and approved by City Council.
Greater Downtown Neighborhood Residents
Andrea Arth
Downtown Core
Denis McGarry
Historic Wilmington
Tony Peele
Northside/Love Grove
Linda Higgins
Dry Pond/The Bottom
Dana Sargent
Southside/South Front/Greenfield
Suzanne Wertman
Carolina Heights/Winoca Terrace/Carolina Place/Ardmore/Delgado
Community Organizations
Jermaine Armour, Brock Meyer
Faith-based Organizations
Rhonda Bellamy, Executive Director
Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County
Travis Gilbert
Historic Wilmington Foundation (HWF)
Cierra Washington
Commission on African American History
Business and Development
Christina Haley, President
Wilmington Downtown Inc. (WDI)
Terry Espy, Board of Directors Member
Downtown Business Alliance (DBA)
Stephanie Norris
Developer: Affordable Housing
Andrew Hewitt, Zeke Nathans, Mike Normandeau
Developer: Emerging Districts
Public Safety
Wendy Gianini-King, Risk Reduction Coordinator
Fire Department
Lt. Jason Nichols, Downtown Task
Police Department
Other Governmental Agencies
David Kanoy, Executive Director
Cape Fear Community College
Dr. Stephanie Willis, Assistant Principles of Snipes Academy
New Hanover County Schools
Stephanie Ayers, Director of Planning and Development
North Carolina Ports
Tyrone Garrett, Executive Director
Wilmington Housing Authority