December 18, 2024 | Sarah Carter '26
Numerous alumni have been featured in the WilmingtonBiz 100 showcasing the change makers in the community. Explore below to see how these seahawks are shaping the Wilmington and New Hanover communities.
Chris Capone ’11, ’12 founded Capone & Associates LLC in 2022 and now has 10 employees. In addition to his company, he began a podcast called “Fractional” which showcases local businesses and leaders.
Jack Fleming ’19, a Cameron School of Business graduate, is working as the lead organizer for an entrepreneurship platform called 1 Million Cups. This program allows entrepreneurs to engage in their communities and discover solutions to problems.
Sarah Gibbs ’14 was appointed as the local YMCA Vice President of Development. Her efforts are growing the YMCA in New Hanover County through grants and partnerships.
ChyAnn Kethum ’23 is a Public Information Officer for the city of Southport. She manages the city’s outreach – such as updating locals with necessary information during Hurricane Debby.
Isabelle Shepherd ’17 is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, a nonprofit that raises awareness of tree preservation in the Cape Fear area. She also has a background working for the Historic Wilmington Foundation, where she advocated for the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
Jim Morton ’88, Cape Fear Community College President, has shaped the school’s health care and human services programs through new classrooms, laboratories, and student centers. The college also raised $11.1 million, its largest fundraiser.
Jim Hundley Jr. ’00 is the Executive Vice President for Thomas Construction Group. He also engaged in several community organizations which aim to grow New Hanover County through new facilities and programs.
Rebekah Roth ’05, ’08 is dedicated to improving quality of life in New Hanover County as the Director of Planning and Land Use. Her goal is to provide a new land use vision for the western bank of the Cape Fear River while considering pedestrian priorities.
Brett Caines ’07 created his own financing software called Lumos Technology with the focus of creating efficient and accurate models for small businesses. The company hopes to expand its presence with the development of new features.
Laura Brogdon-Primavera '15, as part of Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, developed a program called the Career and Leadership Development Academy (CLDA) for students to gain fundamental life skills. Her standout work with CLDA garnered attention, and she was then chosen to work with the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Education and Workforce program.
John Gillespie ’08, a Technology Officer for MegaCorp Logistics, is recognized as a co-chair for Tech Talent Collaborative. Tech Talent Collaborative aims to grow Wilmington’s network of technology professionals by predicting future technology needs.
Christina Haley ’10 plays a key role in downtown Wilmington’s economic health. She has been promoted to president and CEO of Wilmington Downtown Inc. She plans to gain an overview of the progress made in addition to potential growth by examining concert venues and hotel needs.
Velva Jenkins ’80 is President and CEO of the YWCA of the Lower Cape Fear. She oversees community programs which aim to empower young women and people of color. The YWCA partnered with New Hanover County schools to teach water safety to second graders, with the goal of implementation in all local elementary schools.
Cameron Moore ’00 is the Executive Officer of the Wilmington – Cape Fear Home Builders Association. He facilitated the development of the state’s first stormwater transfer process and is dedicated to improving the community as a teacher for the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors.
Scott Satterfield ’89, the CEO of Wilmington Business Development, guides prospective companies through the site selection process. He acts as a liaison between the company executives and government officials making him a key player in Wilmington’s economic development. Satterfield’s work brings career opportunities as each prospective company looks to employ new talent.
Barnes Sutton ’15 represents the town of Leland as the Economic and Community Development Director. He serves as a point of contact for aspiring business leaders looking to establish themselves in Leland. This year Sutton focused on bringing life science and medical technology industries to Leland by hosting a summit geared towards these companies. This is a step forward to Sutton’s goal of expanding the town’s capabilities and business development.
Linda Thompson ’86 works to create a welcoming community as the Chief Diversity and Equity Officer for New Hanover County. Her office highlights accomplishments of community members, supports minority groups and sheds light on Wilmington’s Black history.
Gene Merritt ’64 is a co-founder of Eastern Carolina Rail, a company that promotes railways as a form of public transportation. Merritt and his partner hosted various events to raise public awareness of the benefits of traveling by railway. The pair received a grant from the United States Department of Transportation to further their mission.
Cierra Washington ’19 is combatting food insecurity through her efforts to bring a grocery store to the food desert in the northern region of Wilmington. She works as the Project Manager for Northside Food Co-op, where she fosters connections across the community to promote food accessibility. Washington’s efforts earned the support of New Hanover County leaders, and the grocery store is planned to open in 2026.
Heather Wilson ’05 serves as the Executive Director of the Cameron Art Museum (CAM). Her work to improve accessibility and inclusion in the museum awarded her the 2024 Southeastern Museums Conference Museum Leadership Award. Wilson has made CAM a place for everyone to enjoy.
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