Wilmington, N.C. - March 30, 2026: Kim Hufham, President/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), announces the 2026 appointments and officers to serve on the 17-member TDA Board of Directors. Appointments to the TDA Board are made by the New Hanover County Commissioners. Officers were elected at the TDA regular board meeting, held on March 25, 2026.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors:
New Hanover County Commissioner LeAnn Pierce has been reappointed to serve on the TDA Board as the New Hanover County Commissioner representative.
Kure Beach Mayor Allen Oliver, Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee, Wrightsville Beach Alderman Zeke Partin and City of Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo continue to serve on the TDA Board as representatives of their municipalities.
Jamie Alfalla, Co-owner of Alfalla Hospitality Group (The Verandas B&B; Front Street Inn; Graystone Inn), was appointed 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.
2026 Officers of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors:
Lynn Barbee, Carolina Beach Mayor, was elected to serve as Board Chair.
Zachary Brigman, General Manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront, was elected to serve as Board Vice-Chair.
Nicole Jones, General Manager of Hilton Garden Inn Wilmington Mayfaire Town Center, was elected to serve as Board Secretary.
Eric Credle, New Hanover County Finance Officer, will serve as Treasurer of the authority as directed by the enabling legislation (HB 1707).
The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place.
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