Leadership Wilmington Alumni Council July 25-June 26

Jerry Coleman, director of CFCC’s Small Business Center, has decades of experience in business and consulting, having owned his own consumer products manufacturing company in Wilmington NC. Jerry is committed to helping other small business owners succeed. “Starting, managing and growing a small business can be a daunting task. At CFCC’s Small Business Center, we help entrepreneurs plan and navigate the startup process; getting off to a good, solid start is essential. We really do become a partner and are always available to act as a coach and cheerleader for our clients. We will work with them as long as necessary to keep them going and help them achieve their goals and be successful in the long run.” Jerry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University, and Master of Business Administration at UNCW. He earned his certificate in Project Management from UNCW and has secured multiple patents.

L.S. “Bo” Dean Jr., serves in New Hanover County Government professionally as a Senior HR Analyst for Learning and Development with the over 2000 public servants. Bo is a Community Resilience Model and Resources for Resilience Certified educator. In his private life, he has had the blessings to be involved with and a part of his local New Hanover Regional hospital-Novant foundation, Vice Chair of the Board for the Miracle League of Wilmington, the Healing Place, as well a proud member of the Wilmington Central Rotary. If he is not on a microphone for an event, running on the beach, or collecting shells, he spends every precious minute with his better half of over 29 years, Dr. Michael Freeze and their lab, Jax.

Founder, CEO, and Queen of Promotional Products who holds two Industry certifications (MASI, MAS+) - an accomplishment that less than 3% of promotional and advertising professionals have!  Currently serving as a Board of Directors for the Promotional Products Association International.   A member of Wilmington Central Rotary and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.

 

A business owner and entrepreneur since 2002, I have been helping people heal and feel better for over 20 years. After selling my massage practice in 2023, I am currently the owner of two acupuncture clinics. One in Midtown Wilmington and the other in Hampstead/Surf City. We employ two additional acupuncturists and four staff to keep the clinics open and ready to serve our communities. 
In addition to being a Doctor of Acupuncture, I am a wife and mother, plus a grandmother to four boys and one girl. Cooking and gardening are my feel-good hobbies, but my true passion lies in helping people get well. There is nothing more satisfying than watching a patient's face light up because they are no longer suffering.  

Jason was born in Dayton, Ohio, but grew up in eastern North Carolina. He graduated from UNCW with a BS in finance and an MBA. Rob Penn, Jason’s business partner, hired him in 1999 and the two began a successful business relationship, highlighted by the formation of Pathfinder Wealth Consulting in 2005.

Jason’s passion for the business begins with helping our clients, working with select families to accomplish their personal and business goals. Jason’s role also includes managing the firm, leading its growth initiatives, and enhancing operations.

Jason resides in Wilmington with his wife, Ashley and their daughter, Merritt.

I spend my time building relationships throughout the community with employers, healthcare providers, and the general public. I communicate with the community to bring awareness to healthcare issues and the services that we provide at Wilmington Health. 

Heather is the Director of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) (uncw.edu/cie). CIE nurtures high-impact startups with education, connections, and incubation and collision space, and accelerates the entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeastern North Carolina as a vibrant hub of innovation.

I am the Group Sales Manager at the beautiful Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront.  Please let me know if you ever have a need for a block of rooms for your company, or family needs.  We also have a bunch of fantastic event space with incredible views of the Cape Fear river as the hotel is situated right on the Riverwalk next to the Wilmington Convention Center.  

Graham Elmore is the Director of People + Culture at Vantaca. Vantaca is a fast-growing, Wilmington based, fintech company that provides a cloud-based software solution that supports over 20,000 homeowner associations and 2.5 million homeowners. As the Director of People + Culture, Graham supports and drives initiatives that provide a world-class employee experience.

Prior to working with Vantaca, Graham spent over a decade as an educator in the roles of Teacher, Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal for New Hanover County Schools.

Graham is a two-time graduate of UNC Wilmington and holds a Masters of School Administration and an undergraduate degree in Middle Grades Education, with a concentration in Math and Science. Graham is also a North Carolina Principal Fellow and North Carolina Teaching Fellow.

Drew Smith currently serves as Director of Communications for Copiers Plus, Inc. Drew joined the company professionally in February 2014 after graduating from UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies. In his time at Copiers Plus, Drew has focused primarily on marketing and ensuring the brand is communicated effectively across their five locations in North Carolina. In 2016, Drew married his wife, and fellow Seahawk, Jessica Di Biaggio and they welcomed their first child, Addison Smith, in February of 2023. Drew loves spending time with his family, going to the beach, golfing, grabbing a drink with friends downtown, and watching his Atlanta Braves play.

Rebekah Thurston is the Public Information Officer for the Wilmington Fire Department. She manages the department’s internal and external communications, including content creation, advises senior leadership, and facilitates media relations and community programs. Rebekah took the reins at WFD after spending nearly five years serving as the Fire and Life Safety Educator/Public Information Officer for Greenville Fire/Rescue. Before her time in the fire service, she was a television news reporter in ENC and IL. Rebekah’s accolades include producing the award-winning “Close B4 U Doze” video, presenting at conferences in NC and NY, being named one of Greenville's 30 Under 30, and receiving a STARS Award for Service from the City. Aside from her work with WFD, Rebekah assists small businesses and nonprofits with marketing and communications.

Serving NC and TN with Commercial Real Estate sales, purchase, tenant representation and leasing.

I'm Dori Bishara the Community Engagement Coordinator for REV!  As you may have guessed by my title, my job is all about community.  REV is invested in helping to build resilient communities and giving back in the communities that we serve.  I am fortunate that my job aligns with my personal interests and passions: to be of service, to contribute to making our communities vibrant and wonderful places to live, and to create meaningful connections. 

My background includes: owning a small business for six years; working for multiple nonprofits and businesses; living in the Midwest, Southwest, and Northwest before settling in North Carolina; volunteering for many different organizations including performing art centers and elementary schools; and being a mom to two kids ages 10 and 7! 

Brad Rudiger is a Tax Manager for PBMares, CPAs and Consultants and holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Masters of Science in Accountancy from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.  Brad's diverse career spans various industries, including nuclear waste technologies and entrepreneurship, having owned his own business.  Since joining PBMares in 2022 through the acquisition of the Wilmington RSM office, Brad has played a key role in cultivating community relationships and providing comprehensive tax compliance solutions to a wide array of clients. Outside of work, Brad enjoys spending time with friends and family, often taking walks with his sheepadoodle, Jelly Beans, or relaxing on the beach with friends.

As Executive Director of CFCLT, Workforce Housing Advisory Committee appointee, member of NC Leadership Forum, & past-Chair of CF Housing Coalition, Paul Stavovy is deeply immersed in housing. His MPA degree, a lifetime of building, & strong nonprofit management, make Paul a housing expert. As construction manager for New Orleans Habitat post-Katrina, Paul built over 200 homes with 1000s of volunteers. As a remodeler, & owner of Classic Craftsmen LLC, Paul has amassed decades of design, building, remodeling, & PM experience, while his graduate education provided in-depth knowledge of urban policy, planning, land use, sustainability, & housing policy. Paul’s goal is to use his practical experience, coupled with his education & training, to have a positive impact on housing & the greater community. Paul is a critical thinker and eternal optimist.

Anderson King, born and raised in Wilmington, discovered his passion for the outdoors and community service through the Boy Scouts, where he achieved Eagle Scout at 17 after a decade of involvement. After graduating from New Hanover High School, Anderson earned a chemistry degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 2023, where he developed a strong interest in entrepreneurship. He returned to Wilmington to work as a project manager at Risley Padula Construction, focusing on expanding commercial projects. In his free time, Anderson enjoys surfing, hiking, and running.

I was born and raised in Wilmington, NC where I grew up in the construction industry working for Norris Construction. I received my bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I joined Andrew Consulting Engineers as a Structural Engineer in 2021 and received my Professional Engineering license in June of 2024. My responsibilities include the analysis and design of low to midrise buildings, marine structures, and existing structures.

Blair Deen is a Design & Construction Project Manager for Novant Health where she is responsible for the planning, oversight, execution, and management of comprehensive design services for major and minor construction projects in the coastal market, focusing primarily on ambulatory and off-site facilities. She also serves as point of liaison for artwork in all markets.

Blair is a long-time resident of NHC and been a part of numerous fields/industries throughout our local community including education, hospitality, events, retail and is a small business owner. Blair enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and colleagues. In her off time, she can often be seen near the water or on the sidelines at a baseball game cheering on her son, James. Blair is also a board member of the Echo Farms Residents Association.
 

As the Strategy and Performance Manager at CFPUA, I facilitate our strategic plan and performance management program to drive continual improvement.  I have been with CFPUA for 15 years and have served in many roles across the organization. I have an AAS with a focus in Marine Technology from CFCC, BA in Leadership in the Public Sector from NC State University and am currently working on my master's in public administration at UNCW. I am a Lifetime Girl Scout Member with 30 years of membership as a girl and adult volunteer. As a North Carolina native I enjoy spending time with my family experiencing the many things the state has to offer. 

I am a Wilmington native with 25 years in the banking industry.  My Dad was a business owner in Wilmington in the 70's and served on the Wilmington Chamber board in 1988.  I'm proud to be serving the community in the role of commercial banker with Southern Bank and have 25 years' experience in banking.

I'm a 2021 graduate of the Leadership Wilmington program.  In addition, I serve on several boards in our community including the Wilmington Symphony and the Wilmington Rotary Club.