Reverse Pitches - March 28
David Ingram, LEED AP+, Sustainability Project Manager, City of Wilmington, Public Works Department
David is the Sustainability Program Manager for the City of Wilmington and brings over 15 years of experience in energy efficiency, renewable energy, green building design and operations, and recycling/zero waste programs. He is passionate about integrating sustainability best practices
into City of Wilmington operations and actions. David has BS in Wildlife Biology from the University of Georgia, and is a LEED AP through the US Green Building Council. David brings his diverse background toward advancing the City toward becoming more environmentally, socially,
and economically sustainable.
Marae West, PhD, Executive Vice President, Sandbar Oyster Company
Marae received her B.S in Biology from Appalachian State and her Ph.D. in the Biology and Marine Biology Department at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She studied winter population biology and impacts of sea level rise on Saltmarsh, Nelson’s, and Seaside Sparrows in tidal marshes in Southeastern North Carolina. Marae is thrilled to be working at SANDBAR focusing on large project development and general business management. She has a passion for conservation and birds and loves going on adventures with her family.
Rob Zapple, New Hanover County Commissioner
County Commissioner:
Rob Zapple has been elected to serve a four-year term from December 22, 2014 to December 3, 2018, from December 3, 2018 to December 2022, and from December 5, 2022 to December 2026.
Personal Data:
Commissioner Rob Zapple and his wife Michele have lived, worked and made a positive contribution in New Hanover County for more than 22 years as community members and small business owners. Rob is a licensed General Contractor, residential and commercial builder, and owner of Rob Zapple Design and Build Inc., and Michele is co-owner of Carolina Gymnastics Academy. They have three children, all of whom attended New Hanover County public schools and have graduated from North Carolina Universities. Rob is an advocate for the public process and is active with several non-profit organizations that serve Wilmington and New Hanover County in his efforts to help our community grow and prosper.
Design Thinking Workshop - March 29
Leigh Rubin, Cartoonist-in-Residence, Rochester Institute of Technology
Leigh Rubin is an accomplished author and cartoonist. He has written more than 20 books. 2024 marked the 40th anniversary of Leigh's internationally syndicated cartoon, Rubes®, which is, distributed by Creators Syndicate to hundreds of newspapers and media outlets worldwide.
His work has been featured in film, television, and advertising. Leigh also enjoys a busy schedule giving thought-provoking and entertaining presentations on art and creativity at conferences, as well as professional organizations all around the country.
In 2018 Leigh began serving at Rochester Institute of Technology as the college's first Cartoonist-in-Residence.
His 21st book, Think like a Cartoonist-a Celebration of Humor and Creativity was recently published by RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) Press.
Business Model Canvas Workshop - March 29:
Jamie Stalfort, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, UNCW
Jamie Stalfort joined the faculty full-time in 2023 and supports the Entrepreneurship concentration. Jamie Stalfort is a double graduate of UNCW. She received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in Business Analytics. After working in the startup world for several years, she transitioned to the Small Business and Technology Development Center at UNCW in 2019, where she provided free advice and counseling to aspiring entrepreneurs. She has helped over 350 promising businesses to launch successfully, created over 350 jobs, and helped to raise over $3 million in capital for these businesses. She is certified in Economic Development Finance and Ice House Entrepreneurship Facilitation. She lives here in Wilmington with her dog, Ruby, and loves going to the beach, traveling, and is an avid vinyl collector.
Lightning Talks - March 29
Richard Keary, UNC Wilmington Blue Economy Index
Garrett Mitchell, Nautigen Blue Biotechnology