André Nabors, Chair
Tourism Development Manager for the NC Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development, André Nabors is a marketing professional with a focus on heritage tourism development. Nabors is committed to supporting sustainable efforts to preserve, protect and promote North Carolina’s natural, historic and cultural resources. During his tenure with West Virginia tourism, he created the first Civil War Trail Guide and the first African-American brochure identifying cultural and historic attractions throughout the state of West Virginia. He also serves as co-owner and co-director of Rising Star Athletics in Charleston, WV and is on the Concord University Foundation board.
Greg Bell, Treasurer
Greg Bell has coordinated the Eno River Association’s Festival for the Eno since 2001, presenting many of North Carolina’s traditional performers and artisans to large mainstream audiences and creating opportunities for hands-on interactive learning for attendees. A musician, he has performed with artists ranging from Ora Watson to Blind Melon and worked extensively in both theatrical and musical production. Additionally he is on the Board of the Chapel Hill Library Foundation and leads the pre-school chapel service at the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church.
Jamilla Hawkins
Community & Rural Development (CRD) Agent for the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service in Edgecombe County, Jamilla Hawkins was reared in Riegelwood, North Carolina and at an early age, the concept of “leading by serving” was etched into her heart. As the CRD Agent, Hawkins enjoys working with citizens and staff to promote tourism, small business development, community unity, and leadership development in Edgecombe County by providing workshops and facilitating group meetings. She has a passion for serving others and uses the tools of listening, healing, and commitment, to support growth and equity for all people. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a B.A. in Political Science and a graduate of North Carolina Central University with a Masters’ in Public Administration. Her greatest joy comes from reading, writing, enjoying nature and spending time with her family, godchildren and close friends.
William “Mac” McLaughlin
William McLaughlin is a retired pharmacist, a pianist for 45 years and a jazz musician whose interest in jazz has followed him since high school. He has been known throughout the City of Durham, Durham County and the State of North Carolina community as an avid jazz artist committed to keeping the art of jazz alive, especially in communities of color. In 1988, he established the Winston Band and continues to be the owner, conductor and keyboard artist. His fervent desire is to re-introduce jazz to African-American youth. a practicing pharmacist for over 37 years, a pianist for 45 years and a jazz musician whose interest in jazz has followed him since high school. He has been known throughout the City of Durham, Durham County and the State of North Carolina community as an avid jazz artist committed to keeping the art of jazz alive, especially in communities of color. In 1988, he established the Winston Band and continues to be the owner, conductor and keyboard artist. His fervent desire is to re-introduce jazz to African-American youth.