LWAC Advisory Committee 2026-2027

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. 

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.

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! 

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.