Leader Q&A: Terri Everett

Photo by Stephanie Savas Photography

After a lengthy career in public service and working for the federal government, TERRI EVERETT grew up in North Carolina and returned, buying a home in Wilmington in 2011 and moving here permanently in 2017.

Can you tell us about your background and career?

“I was in public service for thirty-six years. My career was interesting, adventurous, humbling, and rewarding, and I was passionate about going to work every day. It was an honor to work with amazing people who felt the same way.

When I got up each morning, I knew that in some small way, I was helping to keep my family, friends, and U.S. citizens safe. When I went home at night, I knew that in some small way, I had contributed to that same goal. Some of my colleagues gave the ultimate sacrifice. I am forever humbled by that.

While my technical roots were in program management, project management, and procurement and contracting, we were strongly encouraged to get out of our comfort zones and understand other aspects of the mission. In addition to those, I led organizations comprising logistics, human resources, training, finance, and budget functions.

Those leadership experiences enable me to analyze issues and find solutions using a multidisciplinary approach.”

What made you choose Wilmington?

“Although I grew up in New York, I am a native North Carolinian. I was born in Onslow County, and my formative years were spent with my paternal grandparents on their farm. My paternal grandmother, PHEBE BURNETT, and my maternal grandmother, ERMA GERALD, were my role models. Among other ethical and moral values, they instilled in me an obligation to give back and serve others and taught me humility and the value of hard work.

I lived in Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia, for a while. I chose Wilmington specifically because it had all of the things that I loved about Old Town. The Cape Fear River reminded me of the Potomac, and there are great restaurants here.

I am a history buff, so Wilmington’s history and its historic homes were a draw. Thalian Hall and the Wilson Center remind me of the Kennedy Center. I love culture and the arts, and both venues have fantastic shows.

C\ombined with the ability to walk to all of these places, Wilmington as a retirement spot was hard to beat. In addition, my mother is a native Wilmingtonian and attended Williston until age twelve. It felt like home.”

What have you been involved with since moving here?

“Volunteering has become my full-time job! Always mindful of the obligation from Phebe and Erma for me to serve, I was a board member at the Wilmington Housing Authority, city of Wilmington Sister Cities Commission, Cape Fear Collective, WHQR, and the Rotary Club of Wilmington. I currently serve on boards at GLOW, the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern North Carolina, the Gullah Geechee Heritage Trail, and NC Project Lead. I mentor in UNCW’s Cameron Executive Network and WILMA’s leadership program, and volunteer in other activities in my spare time.”

During your career, what were some of the leadership lessons you learned along the way and adopted to your style?

“An important early leadership lesson for me was to learn to delegate and not ‘let perfect be enemy of the good.’ I was somewhat of a perfectionist and tried to do a lot myself.

One of the requirements of a senior leadership program was a 360 evaluation with input from peers, supervisors, junior staff, and stakeholders. My feedback was that I did not delegate enough. From that early lesson, I learned to trust my staff.

My job was to get them the resources and tools they needed to do their job, advocate on their behalf, and pitch in when we had a last-minute task with a 24-hour or less deadline. They were talented, and although they did not do things the way I would have, they got the job done.

We consistently delivered results on time or ahead of schedule. That early leadership lesson to trust and empower my staff was so critical. It also helped me evolve my leadership style into a servant leadership model while maintaining mission as the first priority.”

Was there anything you feel like you failed at but learned from?

“I would reframe that. Failure is subjective. My philosophy on failure is not that anyone fails, but that we are presented with opportunities to learn and grow from something that did not go as planned.

I was fortunate to work for leaders who encouraged creativity and innovation. Jim Devine comes to mind. He placed emphasis on developing creative, innovative solutions to problems. If they did not work, we were not penalized but were acknowledged and used as an example for new thinking and a change to doing things ‘the way it’s always been done.’”

What advice do you have for other women honing their leadership skills?

“Read good books on leadership by well-known authorities on the subject. Listen to podcasts. Expand your network. Get to know and talk with leaders who run successful organizations. Ask if you can shadow them for a day. Understand your leadership style. Get an advocate and a mentor or mentors – it is okay to have more than one. Understand your strengths and weaknesses.”

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