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            • Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Leadership Wilmington Cohort and Award Recipients

              Wilmington, NC, July 29, 2024 – The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the members of its 2025 Leadership Wilmington Cohort. This year’s cohort comprises a diverse group of professionals dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in our community.
               
              Leadership Wilmington, presented by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce for 40 years, cultivates leaders and strengthens the regional economy through hands-on community immersion and interaction with current leaders. Boasting over 800 graduates, the program offers participants a close-up view of the region’s challenges and opportunities while fostering lifelong relationships with fellow aspiring leaders. A key component of the program is the collaborative planning and execution of Work on Wilmington, the community’s largest one-day volunteer service event.
               
              The 2025 cohort includes a diverse mix of professionals from various sectors, representing a wide range of employer sizes, industries, educational backgrounds, and lived experiences. This diversity ensures a rich and cohesive group experience, fostering unique perspectives and innovative solutions.
               
              Karl Davis Alumnus of the Year: Jason Clamme, Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center, Class of 2007
























                      



              Class Member of the Year: Kayla Byrd Richardi, North Carolina State Ports Authority, Class of 2024


              Additionally, over twenty members of the Leadership Wilmington Alumni Council joined the celebration to honor the recipients of two distinguished awards:

              • Class Member of the Year: Kayla Byrd Richardi, North Carolina State Ports Authority, Class of 2024
              • Karl Davis Alumnus of the Year: Jason Clamme, Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center, Class of 2007
               
              The selected individuals are:
              • Daniela Ayers, LS3P Associates LTD.
              • Roy Bechtold, Raymond James & Associates
              • Dori Bishara, REV Federal Credit Union
              • Philip Michael Blalock, Samet Corporation
              • Zachary Brigman, Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront
              • Webster Burrier, Dominion Wealth Management
              • Robin Davis, Corning Credit Union
              • Blair Deen, Novant Health
              • Julia Eckel, Cape Fear Commercial
              • Will Gammons, Vantaca
              • Rebekah Garcia, Legal Aid of North Carolina – Wilmington
              • Jasmine Henry, Wilmington Housing Authority
              • Marie Humphrey, North Carolina State Ports Authority
              • Ben Jacobson, EARNEY Accountants & Advisors
              • Jamir Jumoke, Leading Into New Communities (LINC)
              • Anderson King, Risley Padula Construction
              • Julia Kost, Advanced Marketing International, INC (Admark)
              • Madeline Lipe Williams, Ward and Smith, P.A.
              • Lauren Masters, Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity
              • Peter Miller, United Way of the Cape Fear Area
              • Megan Mullins, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
              • Zackery Norris, Andrew Consulting Engineers, PC
              • Sonya Peele, YWCA of the Lower Cape Fear, Inc.
              • Donterio Perkins, Cape Fear Community College
              • Jesse Dixon Pridgen, Liberty Health
              • Brad Rudiger, PBMares
              • Dario Salzano, GE Hitachi
              • Elizabeth Severt, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
              • Kenny Siddons, nCino
              • Drew Smith, Copiers Plus
              • Nicole Smith, City of Wilmington
              • Samantha Suozzi, DMJPS, PLLC
              • Jodi Walker, New Hanover County
              • Ethan Walling, First Citizens Bank & Trust
              • Stephen White, Thomas Construction Group, LLC
              • Spencer Wright, Live Oak Bank
               
              "We are excited to welcome this talented group of professionals into our leadership development program," said Wilmington Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, Natalie English. "Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to community development make them ideal candidates to become the well-informed leaders our community needs. With strong networks and a deep understanding of the challenges we face, they will be well-equipped to tackle these issues head-on and drive Wilmington's growth and innovation into the future."
               
              For more information about the program or to get involved, please visit www.wilmingtonchamber.org or reach out to our VP of Leadership Development, Laura Brogdon-Primavera at primavera@wilmingtonchamber.org.
               
              For media inquiries, please contact Mara McJilton, Communications Manager, at 910.762.2611 ext. 213 or McJilton@wilmingtonchamber.org.
               
              About the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce:
               
              The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is North Carolina's first and oldest continuously operating Chamber of Commerce. Since its founding in 1739, the Wilmington Chamber has been at the forefront of safeguarding and fortifying the Wilmington business community, nurturing business growth and economic prosperity. Its membership encompasses over 1100 businesses, both large and small, representing a workforce of more than 40,000 in southeastern North Carolina.