NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Chair of the New Hanover County planning board, Donna Girardot, has died.
New Hanover County commissioner chair Bill Rivenbark addressed her death in a statement released Thursday.
“Donna Girardot had a tremendous heart for public service,” he said. “Since April 2014, she has been a fixture on our county’s Planning Board, serving as chair four separate times, including as the current chair.”
Rivenbark notes Girardot, who also served on the tri-county technical review committee, was crucial in helping design the county’s first comprehensive plan.
Girardot was also chief strategy officer for CIL Capital since 2022, previously serving as the former chair of the New Hanover County Airport Authority — the first female authority chair in the state. She oversaw ILM’s most recent terminal expansion.
Gov. Roy Cooper also recognized Girardot with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, one of the state’s most prestigious awards and highest service recognition.
Rivenbark said the award “was a testament to her commitment to serving the public good and her dedication to our community.”
“More than that, Donna was a truly special person and a great friend. Our sympathies go out to her family and friends during this difficult time,” Rivenbark said.
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