Women to Watch Awards Finalists – Public Sector

This category recognizes women who work in the area’s public service sector – public safety agencies, local and state government, military, etc.

Jane Horrell

Budget Analyst, New Hanover County

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I liaise with assigned departments to ensure we’re being the best possible stewards of taxpayers’ dollars. I’m their internal customer service representative – helping them create their yearly budget requests, managing their approved budgets throughout the year, creating and reviewing their performance measures, etc. Our goal is to maximize their funding to provide our very best to our community.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“In recent years, I’ve had the privilege to organize and host multiple Brewing Budgets events in various locations around New Hanover County. These events are casual opportunities for citizens and/or coworkers to chat and ask questions of the budget team. The feedback we’ve received has been very positive, and it’s been such fun to be able to connect with citizens and receive their input.”

What impact do you make in the community?

“I work for New Hanover County, but my family and I live here, too. I feel strongly that everything I do is for my community, and I’m mindful of the contribution I’m making. It’s such an honor to be able to contribute to the county’s amazing legacy projects – new parks, museum, libraries, etc., all make New Hanover County a premier place to live.”

Kameko Howell

Sergeant, Wilmington Police Department

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I am a sergeant with the Wilmington Police Department. I serve as an internal affairs investigator with the Wilmington Police Department, where I conduct administrative investigations, review use-of-force incidents, vehicle pursuits, and citizen complaints, and ensure compliance with department policies and professional standards. My role requires fairness, discretion, accountability, detailed documentation, and a strong commitment to maintaining public trust and strengthening the organization.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Promoted to corporal in 2018 and sergeant in 2024, I have been fortunate to serve in several specialized assignments, including the Marine Unit, Radio Team, Peer Support Team, and Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums. I am honored to be the recipient of the 2025 NCLEWA President’s Award and a two-time, first-place winner with the Public Sector Band Category at the Scotland County Highland Games. Giving back to the community has always been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Through PAL, Cop Camp, Santa Cop, and other community engagement initiatives, I have had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the people we serve. One of my greatest passions is serving with Pipes and Drums. Whether honoring a fallen officer, supporting a grieving family, or celebrating a special occasion, I am grateful to use music to bring comfort, pay tribute, and represent my department with pride.”

Paige Lundberg

Nutrition Services Program Manager, New Hanover County Senior Resource Center

Describe your role and work that you do.

“My role with New Hanover County is to oversee the implementation of all nutrition services authorized under the Older Americans Act. As a public health professional, my career has evolved around the intersection of strategic planning, health promotion, program development, and collaboration across local government, public health, and nonprofit systems.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“In 2023, I was recognized for my work in youth injury prevention with the National Association of Counties Award for a vaping prevention program I designed, as well as the Safe Kids North Carolina Coalition of the Year Award, and was offered the opportunity to present this work at several conferences. Most recently, I’ve had the honor of co-authoring a chapter on program planning that will be published in a health education manual in 2027.”

What inspires you to do public sector work?

“I have deep empathy for people who need just a little extra support to navigate life’s challenges. We all face seasons where circumstances feel overwhelming, and sometimes the smallest act of kindness or assistance can make the greatest difference. Public service gives me the opportunity to help create those moments of hope and stability.”

Christie Schreckengost

Project Manager, Town of Leland

Describe your role and work that you do.

“Currently, I am serving in the role as project manager for the town of Leland overseeing the town’s capital improvement projects, as well as managing maintenance, developer, stormwater, resiliency, and grant projects for the town. I am well-versed with federal and state grants, involved with the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO), and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) on various projects.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“My ultimate career highlight is retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard with over twenty years of faithful service to the nation. I have served as the Senior Reserve Officer for Sector North Carolina in Wilmington for the last four years, where I oversaw the training and readiness of 150 reservists across the entire state.”

What impact do you make in the community?

“My impact on the community is in the infrastructure that residents and visitors use every day. Recently, the town finished the construction of the Ocean Gate Plaza Roundabout project. … I worked closely with developers, town council, NCDOT, and local businesses to install a teardrop roundabout. After many years of design, permitting, and construction, that project is complete and the intersection is operating safely for all users.”

Hillary Taylor

Long-Range Planner, City of Wilmington

Describe your role and work that you do.

“As an urban planner for the city of Wilmington, I engage residents to help shape long-range planning initiatives, including the Greater Downtown Plan and Comprehensive Plan update. I also support Wilmington’s LEED for Cities certification and co-manage the city’s Resilient Coastal Communities Program, which identifies disaster vulnerabilities and develops strategies to strengthen community resilience.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“One of my proudest career highlights has been helping shape Wilmington’s recently adopted Greater Downtown Plan and developing the city’s neighborhood planning framework to support future planning efforts. Before joining the city of Wilmington, I worked with UN-Habitat, where I worked on resilience planning initiatives and helped develop guidance for integrating urban resilience into National Urban Policies across the Asia-Pacific region.”

What inspires you to do public sector work?

“My background in international development instilled the mindset to ‘think globally, act locally,’ and public service allows me to put that into practice every day. I’m passionate about making the community I live in a better place by supporting both people and the environment here at home, while considering how local best practices can contribute to broader global sustainability efforts.”

To view more of photographer Madeline Gray’s work, go to madelinegrayphoto.com.

Want more WILMA? Click here to sign up for our WILMA newsletters and announcements.