Women to Watch Awards Finalists – Public Sector

MARISSA BLACKBURN

Schools in Parks Specialist, North Carolina State Parks

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I coordinate and lead environmental education programs at Carolina Beach State Park for school groups and the public, including the Schools in Parks program, a year-long professional development opportunity for educators. I facilitate teacher workshops and student programs both in the park and on school grounds. I also assist with natural resource management, trail maintenance, and volunteer coordination at the park. Currently, I’m obtaining Wildland Firefighter certification to support future controlled burns.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“I am a Certified Interpretive Guide and Certified North Carolina Environmental Educator and received the 2021 Outstanding Practitioner Award from Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC). I served on the EENC board for two years (2020-21) as Eastern Section Chair. In my previous role as Environmental Education Manager at Cape Fear River Watch, I helped secure over $100,000 in grant funding for an urban greenspace revitalization project along Burnt Mill Creek in Wilmington.”

What inspires you to do public sector work?

“Protecting the environment and expanding access to natural spaces drive my work. I especially love working with children, nurturing their innate curiosity and providing equitable environmental education experiences. Carolina Beach State Park is free to visit, and all educational programs are offered at no cost, with transportation funding available for school field trips. My mission is to inspire and educate both children and adults, empowering others to become stewards of our shared environment.”

KIM BREEDEN

UAS (Drone) Program Manager, Wilmington Police Department

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I started my career twenty-four-and-a-half years ago as a crime scene investigator. Last November, I was promoted to UAS Manager. In this role, I oversee our multi-agency UAS team, which is made up of members from the Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Fire Department, and Leland Police Department. Our responsibilities include responding to missing persons calls, search and rescue, major traffic accidents, outdoor crime scenes, fire scenes, providing overwatch at major events, and any other requests the agencies may have.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“I have been deemed an expert in CSI and fingerprint analysis in court, was promoted to Senior CSI (2022), and was awarded Senior Civilian Employee of the year (2024). I also have a few collateral duties: I am a general instructor through the North Carolina Justice Academy, and I am a background investigator for the department. This has also led me to be a part-time instructor with Cape Fear Community College, teaching Criminalistics: An Intro to Forensic Science.”

What impact do you make in the community?

“I love sharing the knowledge I have gained with others, whether it’s with complainants on a scene, in the courtroom, or the general public. I have taught CSI and/or drones at several STEM events at local schools, for scouting groups, and other nonprofit organizations for kids. Within our agency, I volunteer with Cop Camp, demo days, and I work with the CSI Unit to host a CSI event each September for middle and high schoolers in honor of National Forensic Science Week.”

KIM HUFHAM

President & CEO, New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I am responsible for the operations, management and overall strategic direction of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, the official destination marketing organization that markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place. I also advocate for issues that face the local tourism/hospitality industry and manage a destination marketing budget of $18 million.”

What impact do you make in the community?

“Tourism is among New Hanover County’s top industries, generating more than $1.1 billion in annual economic impact and creating 6,790 jobs. The CVB provides a multi-faceted, research-based Program of Work designed to strengthen our destination, community, and partnerships. … Our impact in the community continues to evolve as we implement the county’s first Tourism Master Plan and become more engaged with stakeholders and residents.”

What inspires you to do public sector work?

“It gives me the opportunity to advocate for both small and large businesses that comprise the hospitality industry. … It is an honor to be a part of the planned economic development of our community that improves the quality of place for visitors to our destination and for citizens of New Hanover County.”

MELISSA LONG

Deputy Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, New Hanover County

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I serve as the deputy county clerk, supporting our Board of County Commissioners and ensuring public meetings run smoothly and transparently. I manage official records, schedules, boards, and committees, and work closely with colleagues across departments. … I’m passionate about public service and take pride in making government more accessible and accountable to our community.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“I received the 2024 Howard Holly Outstanding Clerk of the Year Award, a state recognition given each year to a county clerk. I’ve also had the opportunity to lead within the North Carolina Association of County Clerks, where I currently serve as the immediate past president. I take pride in promoting collaboration within my organization and forming relationships with officials to deliver transparent, effective community services, both in my professional role and beyond.”

What impact do you make in the community?

“I help make local government more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the people it serves. … I’m proud to create opportunities for public input and make sure that decisions are well-documented and clearly communicated. My goal is to serve with integrity and make a meaningful difference every day.”

NICOLE SMITH

Strategic Plan & Performance Manager, City of Wilmington

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I ensure alignment between the resources, programs, and services of the city of Wilmington with community priorities as defined in the City Council’s Strategic Plan. My responsibilities include spearheading initiatives for organizational change, which encompass the development and execution of the citywide strategic plan, as well as departmental business plans, benchmarks, performance measures, and targets.”

What impact do you make in the community?

“I serve as a bridge between vision and implementation, ensuring each initiative I undertake is grounded in equity, accountability, and long-term community well-being. I translate big picture goals into measurable results-driving transparency, efficiency, and progress. My work reflects the diverse perspectives of our community, aiming to improve the health, vibrancy, and connectivity of our neighborhoods.”

What inspires you to do public sector work?

“Working in the public sector allows me to positively impact people’s daily lives. I am motivated by the challenge and opportunity to transform diverse needs and ideas into effective strategies, while also removing obstacles and fostering collaboration to develop comprehensive and meaningful solutions.”

To view the Women to Watch Awards Finalists main page, click here.

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

To view more of photographer Sasha Sheldon’s work, go to sashasheldon.com.

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