HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-08-2024; 8 - Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board – Appointments Discussion 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 8, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No. 8
SUBJECT: Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board —Appointments
Discussion
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Recommendations Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125
Member and Applicant Summary Sheet
Applications of Persons Recommended
Membership Roster
Applicant Interest List
No Other Eligible Applicants
PURPOSE: To discuss appointments to the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory
Board.
BACKGROUND: The Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board is charged with
developing and coordinating visitor services in Orange County. It also implements marketing
programs that will enhance economic activity and quality of life in the community.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all seventeen (17) members, with representation
from specific entities and fields.
The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
David Putnam Town of Chapel Hill- Partial Term 12/31/2025
Economic
Development Staff
Sam Vadgama Orange County First Full Term 12/31/2027
Lodging (reappointment)
Heidi Werner- Orange County Second Full Term 12/31/2027
Dawson Lodging
Meredith At-Large First Full Term 12/31/2027
Sa be (reappointment)
Paris Miller- Chapel Hill Town First Full Term 12/31/2027
Foushee Council (reappointment)
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If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancy remains:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Economic 12/31/2026 Vacant since 06/30/2024
Development
Advisory Board
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: There are no Orange County Strategic Plan Goals
applicable to this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to
the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board.
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HILLSBOROUGHCHAPEL
HILL
ORANGE COUNTY
VISITORS BUREAU
September 23, 2024
To: Orange County Board of Commissioners
c/o Tara May, Orange County Clerk's Office
From: Laurie Paolicelli, Director, Orange County Visitors Bureau
Cc: Hannah Hemphill, Business Officer, Orange County Visitors Bureau
Please accept the following nomination to the Visitors Bureau Board for consideration by the Orange
County Board of Commissioners. This seat remains open due to a resignation.
Thank you and please let us know if we can provide any additional information:
• Economic Development Director, David Putnam, has been recommended to replace Anita
"Spring" Council as the Economic Development Staff for the Town of Chapel Hill.
Additionally, we would like to request the following advisory board members be reappointed for another
term:
• Sam Vadgama,AC Hotel Chapel Hill Downtown
• Heidi Werner-Dawson, Carolina Inn
• Meredith Saybe, Union Grove Farms
• Paris Miller-Foushee, Chapel Hill Town Council
All nominees will make wonderful contributions to Orange County's tourism goals.
Laurie Paolicelli
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Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board Members and Applicants
Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on
Paris Miller-Foushee Member Female African American Chapel Hill
Donald Bryan Member Male White 60+ Chapel Hill
Grace Holtkamp Member Female White 18-34 Cheeks
Tanya Moore Member Female White Chapel Hill
Karen M.Dehart Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Matt Hughes Member Male African American 18-34 Hillsborough
Shailan Vadgama Member Male Asian American 35-59 Chapel Hill
Randee Haven-
Member Female White Chapel Hill
O'Donnell
Stephen Peck Member Male White Non-Resident
Heidi W.Dawson Member Female 35-59 Non-Resident
Wendy Smith Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Jon Hartman-Brown Member Male White 18-34 Chapel Hill
Jeri Lynn Schulke Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Meredith Sabye Member Female White 35-59 Bingham
Anna Richards Member Female African American Chapel Hill
VACANT
VACANT
Craig Lloyd Applicant Male White 35-59 Cheeks
Jonathan Sosidka Applicant IMale lWhite 18-34 IChapel Hill
David Yonkovich-
Putnam Applicant Male White 18-34 Non-Resident
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Page 1 of 2 David Yonkovich-Putnam
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. David Yonkovich-Putnam
Name Called:
Home Address: 405 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Chapel Hill NC 27514
Phone: 919-841-3370
Email: dputnam@townofchapelhill.org
Year of OC Residence: 2000
Township of Residence: Non-Res.Consult
Zone of Residence: Non-Resident Consultant
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 18-34
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Town of Chapel Hill, Economic Development Director
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have 9+ years of experience as an economic development professional, developing,
implementing, and analyzing innovative initiatives to achieve organizational objectives. Economic
Development has strong alignment with TDA/CVB activities and are complimentary to one
another.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I want to serve on this board to contribute to the Town I serve in a new way. This board is also a
great opportunity to be engage with a hard to reach and busy audience -- hoteliers.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I bring a mixed lens to CVB/TDA work. Through my role, I m hands on with a variety of diverse
initiatives locally and regionally that can contribute new perspectives and viewpoints to the board
s activities.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
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Page 2 of 2 David Yonkovich-
This application was current on: 9/11/2024 2:48:42 PM Date Printed: 9/13/2024
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Page 1 of 2 Shailan Vadgama
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. Shailan Vadgama
Name Called: Sam
Home Address: 214 W. Rosemary St.
Chapel Hill NC 27516
Phone: 919-969-2800
Email: shailan.vadgama@marriott.com
Year of OC Residence: 2017
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: Asian American
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Triangle Area Hotel & Motel Association, Board member Asian American Hotel Owners
Association, member
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
Served on the Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau from 2017 to 2021
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I am a 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry as an operator and investor working closely with
local and national associations/businesses/institutions to promote travel and tourism.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I've worked very closely and collaboratively with other hotel partners in the area including the
Carolina Inn, the Siena Hotel and the Atma Group as well as other institutions to help promote
tourism in Orange County. My goal is to continue to work closely with the town and other
partners to help promote tourism in Orange County.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I have lived and worked in many parts of the world including Europe and Africa and possess very
diverse experiences. Furthermore, I have worked for multiple brands notably Marriott, Hilton and
Choice Hotels.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
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Page 2 of 2 Shailan Vadgama
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
Application Date: 7/28/2019
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have been a part of the lodging industry for several years, the last three years in the Chapel Hill
area. Furthermore, I have lived and travelled in many parts of the world and have had a lot of
success in attracting visitors to Orange County.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I have been a firm believer of the notion when the tide is high, all boats rise. Therefore, my goal
is to leverage the area branding of the area to promote tourism to help prosper the lodging
establishments in the area.
Conflict of Interest:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 7/28/2019 12:16:35 AM Date Printed: 10/4/2023
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Page 1 of 1 Heidi W. Dawson
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Heidi W. Dawson
Name Called:
Home Address: 107 Perth Ct.
Cary NC 27511
Phone: (757) 544-1626
Email: heidi.werner@carolinainn.com
Year of OC Residence:
Township of Residence:
Zone of Residence:
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background:
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Director of Sales and Marketing-The Carolina Inn-11yrs TABLE-Board Member 2012
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
This is my first time volunteering for this board
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
Application Date: 10/29/2021
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have been a orange county resident 2010-2015 before moving to Cary after getting married. I
have been a part of the Chapel Hill and Carrboro community assisting with the sales and
marketing effort not just for The Carolina Inn but offering ideas and par
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I love the Chapel Hill/Carrboro community. I have 25+years experience in the creation and
implementation of successful marketing campaigns. In addition, I have a comprehensive
understanding of the economic activity of the community combined with strong b
Conflict of Interest:
N/A
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 10/29/2021 Date Printed: 9/30/2024
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Page 1 of 2 Meredith Sabye
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Meredith Sabye
Name Called:
Home Address: 3111 Dairyland Rd.
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone: 919-995-0531
Email: m@ug.farm
Year of OC Residence: 2022
Township of Residence: Bingham
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
I am the founder and director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Union Grove
Farm in Hillsborough (formerly the Maple View Ag Educational Center). I am responsible
for the development of our educational programs on Union Grove Farm. Additionally, we
are a member and sell our compost at the Hillsborough Farmer s Market.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
I am not currently serving on any boards.
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
My education and career have been focused on communication. In my recent role as a Director
of Communications for a large enterprise tech company, I understand the value of
communications and marketing in creating successful programs that drive awareness and
engagement. I believe I can leverage this valuable experience to help support the Visitors
Bureau Advisory Board as they work to enhance and accelerate economic activity in our
beautiful Chapel Hill and Orange County while continuing to focus on engaging our strong
Chapel Hill community.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
As we continue to experience significant growth in our area, I would like to serve on this board to
support the Visitors Bureau to help drive successful marketing initiatives and increased
economic activity, with potential focus on increased opportunities for agritourism for the many
farms in our Orange County.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
As a farm owner and leader of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Union Grove Farm, I
am working to continue to preserve agriculture in our rural areas and help to educate farmers on
the value of regenerative farming. I will bring the valuable perspective of the substantial
agriculture community in Orange County, including focusing on education and agritourism.
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Page 2 of 2 Meredith Sabye
Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 7/7/2023 4:19:09 PM Date Printed: 7/12/2023
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Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
Meeting Times: 8:00 am Third Wednesday of every month except Jul.&Dec. Contact Person:Laurie Paolicelli&Hannah Hemphill
Meeting Place: Varies Contact Phone: 919-245-4323
Positions: 17 Length:3 years Terms: 2
Description: All members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. The Visitors Bureau is charged with developing and
coordinating visitor services in Orange County. It also implements marketing programs that will enhance the economic
activity and quality of life in the community.
Paris Miller-Foushee
1 First Appointed: 03/07/2024
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024
Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2024
Age Range: Special Repr: Chapel Hill Town Council Number of Terms:
Donald Bryan
2 First Appointed: 03/07/2024
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Comme Number of Terms: 1
Dr. Grace Holtkamp
3 First Appointed: 11/01/2022
Gender Identity: Female Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 12/04/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026
Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Orange County/Hillsborough Chamber of Number of Terms: 1
Mrs. Tanya Moore
4 First Appointed: 01/22/2019
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 12/06/2021
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2024
Age Range: Special Repr: UNC Chapel Hill Number of Terms: 2
VACANT
5 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026
Age Range: Special Repr: Economic Development Advisory Board- Number of Terms:
Karen M. Dehart
6 Chair First Appointed: 11/01/2022
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 11/01/2022
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: NC High School Athletic Association Number of Terms: 1
Monday,September 30,2024 Page 1
13
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
Meeting Times: 8:00 am Third Wednesday of every month except Jul.&Dec. Contact Person:Laurie Paolicelli&Hannah Hemphill
Meeting Place: Varies Contact Phone: 919-245-4323
Positions: 17 Length:3 years Terms: 2
Matt Hughes
7 First Appointed: 03/07/2024
Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/07/2024
Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: Hillsborough Twnshp Expiration: 12/31/2025
Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Town of Hillsborough Board of Commissi Number of Terms: 3
Mr. Shailan Vadgama
8 First Appointed: 12/04/2023
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 12/04/2023
Ethnic Background: Asian American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2024
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: O/C Lodging Assoc. Number of Terms:
Ms. Randee Haven-O'Donnell
9 First Appointed: 03/07/2024
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025
Age Range: Special Repr: Carrboro Town Council Number of Terms:
Stephen Peck
10 First Appointed: 03/07/2024
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025
Age Range: Special Repr: Alliance/Hist.Hillsborough Number of Terms:
Heidi W. Dawson
11 First Appointed: 12/06/2021
Gender Identity: Female Township: Current Appointment: 12/06/2021
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2024
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: O/C Lodging Assoc. Number of Terms: 1
Wendy Smith
12 First Appointed: 03/07/2024
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: O.C.Arts Commission Number of Terms: 1
Monday,September 30,2024 Page 2
14
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
Meeting Times: 8:00 am Third Wednesday of every month except Jul.&Dec. Contact Person:Laurie Paolicelli&Hannah Hemphill
Meeting Place: Varies Contact Phone: 919-245-4323
Positions: 17 Length:3 years Terms: 2
VACANT
13 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Ex-officio Expiration: 12/31/2025
Age Range: Special Repr: Economic Development Staff-Town of C Number of Terms:
Mr. Jon Hartman-Brown
14 First Appointed: 10/06/2020
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/20/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Ex-officio Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Economic Development Staff-Town of C Number of Terms: 2
Ms. Jeri Lynn Schulke
15 First Appointed: 03/07/2024
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Ex-officio Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership Staff( Number of Terms: 1
Meredith Sabye
16 First Appointed: 12/04/2023
Gender Identity: Female Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 12/04/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2024
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms:
Anna Richards
17 First Appointed: 12/12/2023
Gender Identity: Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 12/12/2023
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Expiration: 12/31/2024
Age Range: Special Repr: County Commissioner Number of Terms:
Monday,September 30,2024 Page 3
15
Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Contact Person: Laurie Paolicelli&Hannah Hem
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Contact Phone: 919-245-4323
Mr. Craig Lloyd
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 08/28/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Cheeks
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Mr. Jonathan Sosidka
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 08/12/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 18-34 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On:
Mr. David Yonkovich-Putnam
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 09/11/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Non-Res.Consultnt
Age Range: 18-34 Zone of Residence: Non-Resident Consultant
Also Serves On:
Monday,September 30,2024 Page 1 of 1