From CEOs to engineers, here are new hires in the Wilmington area

The town of Burgaw welcomes new planning director

Ron Meredith has been appointed as the new planning director for the town of Burgaw, effective April 16. Meredith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Geography from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he also earned a certification in Geographical Information Systems. He is currently advancing his knowledge through the Master of Science in Planning and Development Program at East Carolina University. He also is contributing his expertise to Pender County Planning and Community Development as a current planner.

New executive director joins Nir Family YMCA

The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina recently named Josh Gravette as the new executive director of its Nir Family YMCA branch on Market Street in Wilmington. Gravette served as executive director of the Southside Virginia Family YMCA in Farmville, Virginia, for the past five years. Originally from Lynchburg, Virginia, Gravette earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in human genetics from Tulane University.

WARM NC announces new CEO

WARM NC’s Board of Directors recently selected Andy Jones as CEO. He has served in several capacities with WARM NC since 2018 and in his most recent role as chief strategy officer, Jones was responsible for establishing the strategic direction for the organization. Jones earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia College and State University and holds a Master of Divinity from McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. He also has a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.

Community Association Management Services

Community Association Management Services hired David Raber as director of accounting services. He has 20 years of accounting and finance experience, serving as vice president of finance, controller, corporate internal auditor and regional financial services manager. He holds a bachelor's degree in business and economics.

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare's inpatient palliative medical director

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare announces the advancement of Maria Sturchler to inpatient palliative medical director. In this role she will oversee LifeCare inpatient palliative medicine team working in partnership at Novant/New Hanover Regional Medical Center. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida Atlantic University, master’s degree in mathematics education and doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Sturchler also earned her bachelor’s degree in biological chemistry from Florida Atlantic University, and Doctor of Medicine from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Andrew Consulting Engineers hires new employees

Andrew Consulting Engineers recently hired four employees.

Gavin Cunningham of Clayton is an engineer-in-training. He joined the company in September of 2023. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

Cole England, engineer-in-training, joined the firm in August of 2023. He is originally from Marion and is a graduate of the University of East Tennessee State with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction engineering and technology.

Graham “Mac” Richardson joined the firm as PC as a structural technician. He is a Wilmington native and has his Associate of Applied Science in Architectural Technology from Cape Fear Community College. He has prior construction experience with Crossroads Custom Homes.

Jamison Ruoff, from Edinboro, Pennsylvania, is not new to Andrew Consulting Engineers. Ruoff returned in 2024 to resume his position as senior structural designer, a position he held for nearly 20 years. Prior to rejoining the firm, he worked as a project manager at Tongue & Groove, a Wilmington based design-build firm. Ruoff is a 1999 graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies and computer applications. He also studied architecture at Virginia Tech.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: From CEOs to engineers, here are new hires in Wilmington, NC