WILMINGTON — The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority has announced 2026 appointments and officers to serve on its 17-member board of directors. Appointments were made by county commissioners, with officers elected at the March 25 board meeting.
The TDA operates as part of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau to market and develop the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place.
According to an announcement from the TDA, New Hanover County Commissioner Chair LeAnn Pierce has been reappointed. Other elected officials continuing to serve are Kure Beach Mayor Allen Oliver, Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee, Wrightsville Beach Alderman Zeke Partin and City of Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo.
Barbee was elected as board chair, with Zachary Brigman, the general manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront, as vice chair, and Nicole Jones, general manager of Hilton Garden Inn Wilmington Mayfaire Town Center, as secretary. Eric Credle, New Hanover County Finance Officer, will serve as treasurer.
A multitude of business owners and nonprofit leaders also have been announced to serve the board, including:
- Jamie Alfalla: Co-owner of Alfalla Hospitality Group (The Verandas B&B; Front Street Inn; Graystone Inn), to represent New Hanover County Bed and Breakfasts
- Holli Saperstein, Executive director of Wilmington Railroad Museum, was appointed to represent New Hanover County Attractions
- Cassandra Tollens, Co-owner of Seabirds Motel, was appointed to represent Kure Beach Hotels
- Meaghan Walsh, Managing director of Trailborn Surf & Sound, was appointed to represent Wrightsville Beach Hotels
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