7.19.23 MAB Minutes
Board Members Present: Susan Barbee, Dana Crater, Stephen Fortlouis, Ben Ivey,
Kevin Maurer, Stewart Moon, Eileen O’Malley, Jhaniqua Palmer
Others Present: Dane Scalise, Jessica Loeper, Tara Robles, Tim Pinnick
Absent: Rick Andrews, Gwen Brown, Lucy Holman
Staff Present: Kate Baillon, Barbi Baker, Kitty Yerkes
The Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board held its monthly meeting on Wednesday,
July 19, 2023, in the Williston Auditorium and via Zoom. The meeting was called to
order by Dana Crater at 4:05 pm.
Consideration of Absences: Dana Crater
• Andrews, Brown & Holman were unable to attend.
Approval of Minutes: Dana Crater
• A motion to accept the May 17, 2023, minutes was made by Maurer,
seconded by Palmer, and approved without opposition.
Slate of Officers: Dana Crater
• Crater presented the officers for FY2023-2024: Dana Crater, Chair, Eileen
O’Malley, Vice-Chair and Kevin Maurer, Secretary.
New Member Introductions: Kate Baillon
• Baillon introduced two newly appointed board members: Ben Ivey & Lucy
Holman. Ivey is retired from over 40 years in the banking industry with
BB&T/Truist. Holman is the Dean of the Randall Library at UNCW.
Associates Report: Kitty Yerkes
• Yerkes noted that the Associates Board just went through a similar process
and welcomed new board members and officers.
• The fundraising committee is beginning to work on ideas for the new fiscal
year and annual STEM event.
Museum FY2024-2028 Strategic Plan: Tara Robles, NHC Strategy Office
• Robles detailed the strategic plan process and shared a graphic that detailed
the steps taken. The process began in September 2022 and finished in May
2023.
• A small group of board members also participated throughout the process.
Cape Fear Museum Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
4 pm, Williston Auditorium & Zoom
2015-16 Board
David Ball Stuart Borrett
Gwen Brown Melissa Collins
Will Oden, III Dan Owen
Tim Potter Nancy Pritchett
Bill Terrell Allen Trask, III
Rob Zapple NHC
Commissioner
Ex-officio: Mike Hudson CFMA, Inc.
2023-24 Board
Rick Andrews
Susan Barbee
Gwen Brown
Dana Crater
Stephen Fortlouis
Lucy Holman
Ben Ivey
Kevin Maurer
Stewart Moon
Eileen O’Malley
Jhaniqua Palmer
Dane Scalise
NHC Commissioner
Ex-officio:
Katie Gloe
CFMA, Inc.
Jessica Loeper
Assistant County
Manager
Kate Baillon Interim Museum
Director
Barbi Baker
Marketing & PR
Specialist
• A second graphic showing the full strategic plan and new mission and vision
statements was reviewed with the board.
• The strategic plan is included with the minutes as an attachment.
Project Grace Updates & Overview: Jessica Loeper & Kate Baillon
• Loeper began with an overview of the project timeline. The Board of
Commissioners will be considering the development agreement that
includes maximum price based on recent construction bids at the August 7,
2023, meeting. If approved, the project will be presented to the LGC at the
September 12, 2023, meeting. A community update will be sent out prior to
the commissioner meeting on August 2, 2023.
• Mauer asked a question about LGC approval. Scalise responded that the
county is feeling confident as all changes requested from the prior LGC
meeting have been incorporated.
• Baillon presented an exhibition overview presentation. It included
renderings of each gallery, high level descriptions of the experiences and
interactives within each gallery and floor plans.
• Crater asked a question about community partner connections. Baillon
noted that we are working with different partners throughout Wilmington in
the design process and will also bring in community connections through
future programming.
• Palmer asked about African American representation and the desire to see
stories told throughout the gallery. Baillon confirmed this would be the case
and that the Williston story will be incorporated as well.
• Barbee noted that the design looks balanced and integrated, and she is very
excited.
• Fortlouis asked about a volunteer docent program. Baillon noted volunteers
will be essential once the new building is complete and open.
Board Letter of Support: Dana Crater
• Crater noted that she is working on a letter supporting the county and
Museum that would come from the Advisory Board. It would be sent to the
LGC prior to the September 12, 2023, meeting.
• Crater is drafting the letter through an economic development lens and
alignment with the county’s new strategic plan.
• Palmer noted to mention the importance the new museum will have in
telling the full, inclusive story of the Lower Cape Fear region.
• Fortlouis seconded that sentiment as a unifying space that is inclusive to all.
• Ivey noted the importance of this project not only for the region but for the
entire state of North Carolina.
• Barbee mentioned the ability to create a hub in downtown to also drive
other investment in Wilmington. This project will bring the community
together and will be a gathering space for all.
• Scalise noted this project is an engine for future economic development and
that NHC has the capacity to service the debt for the project.
• Fortlouis asked if the library was also sending a letter of support. Baillon
noted that she was unsure at this time. But the Museum Associates Board
would also be sending a letter.
• Crater finished by saying the new museum and library will be an asset for
the region. She requested that any additional thoughts be sent to her,
Baillon or Baker via email.
• Crater will finalize a draft of the letter and circulate to the board soon.
• Once finalized, the letter will be sent to county leaders by August 4, 2023.
Old Business: Dana Crater
• No old business was noted.
A motion was made by Fortlouis, seconded by Barbee to adjourn the meeting. With
unanimous consent, the meeting ended at 4:55 pm.
The next board meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 4 pm in
the Williston Auditorium and via Zoom.