Encounter Spring 2025

I started my career in Raleigh about 18 years ago and moved to the Wilmington area a little over two and a half years ago.  I came to Stewart as an instrument operator in the geomatics and surveying department.  Worked my way up to becoming licensed and recently the manager of the Survey Department in Wilmington. 

Strategic, solutions-oriented, and endlessly curious—I thrive at the intersection of planning, execution, and impact. With a strong foundation in cause marketing, strategic partnerships, and program development, I bring a big-picture mindset backed by the operational know-how to drive results.

I’m skilled in forecasting, budget ownership, and contract negotiations, and I have a track record of turning ideas into scalable, efficient programs that move the needle. Whether it’s building brand-aligned community initiatives, leading cross-functional teams, or negotiating partnerships that maximize value, I bring a thoughtful and agile approach to every challenge.

Known for my ability to see around corners and connect dots others might miss, I’m most energized when building something that didn't exist before and making sure it runs smoothly once it does.

As a strategic HR leader with 25+ years helping small/mid-sized businesses navigate people operations, I connect strategy, people, and culture to help organizations grow, mitigate risk, and extend reach. I've led HR for companies from startups to 600+ employee organizations across multiple locations.

My expertise spans manufacturing, technology, non-profit, and professional services, covering the complete employee lifecycle. Through UpLevel HR Consulting, I deliver tailored solutions for each organization's unique needs, going beyond traditional advising—asking tough questions and proposing innovative solutions.

I'm passionate about giving business owners back their time, freedom, and focus by handling HR complexities, empowering businesses to thrive one solution at a time.

Dr. Christine Reed Davis is the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UNC Wilmington, a role she began in January 2024. She previously served for over 20 years at UNC Charlotte, including as Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students, and also held positions at Boston College, the University of Georgia, and Central Connecticut State University. At UNCW, she leads 15 departments and nearly 200 staff dedicated to student life and success. Christine holds an Ed.D. from UNC Charlotte, M.Ed. from the University of Georgia, B.S. from Central Connecticut State University, and certificate in Crisis Leadership from Harvard University. She is a Leadership North Carolina (Class 30) alum and active in several professional associations. Her honors include NASPA’s 2021 Dissertation of the Year, UNC Charlotte’s 2023 Employee of the Year, and the UNC System’s 2025 John L. Sanders Student Advocate Award.

Amy Passaretti Willis is the first internal communications coordinator for the City of Wilmington. She started in January 2024 and serves as a communications liaison among departments, ensuring relevant and accurate information, as well as stories of success, is shared with employees. Prior to working for the city, Amy was a journalist and assistant editor at Port City Daily. She also worked as a magazine editor and news reporter for a local publishing company in Alabama. Originally from New Jersey, Amy earned a Bachelor of Arts in media arts and design from James Madison University with a minor in Italian and political science. She has a culinary arts degree from Johnson and Wales University and worked in fine dining restaurants in Rhode Island, New York City and Puerto Rico. Amy is married to Jason Willis, co-owner of Bearded Skulls MUFX Group and a 20-plus year make-up and special effects artist in film and television. Together, Amy and Jason have two fur babies, Richie and Gizmo.