The Cool Spring Downtown District (CSDD) is looking to fill a crucial leadership position following the departure of its previous CEO Bianca Shoneman. 

In mid December, Shoneman announced to the CSDD Board of Directors in an official letter that she would be resigning from her position. 

“It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I am writing to formally announce my decision to resign from my position as CEO with the Cool Spring Downtown District effective Jan. 2, 2025. This decision was not made lightly and it comes with deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve this incredible organization and community,” said Shoneman in her letter.

Shoneman will be moving forward with a new position as Vice President of Community Development with the NC East Alliance, a regional economic development organization representing 29 counties in eastern North Carolina. NC East Alliance has a history of economic development in eastern NC since the early 1990s.

As Vice President of Community Development, Shoneman will oversee the Alliance’s initiatives aimed at community development planning and impact, leader and talent engagement and regional systems outreach. 

“Bianca’s proven track record of fostering economic vitality through innovative initiatives and her passion for rural development make her an exceptional fit for our team,” said Todd Edwards, chair of NC East Alliance in a press release. “Her leadership will be instrumental in furthering our mission to enhance the quality of life and economic opportunities across eastern North Carolina.” 

Shoneman began her time with CSDD in September of 2019. Since then, she has been able to foster growth within the organization. Her achievements include tripling the CSDD budget and seeing a 21% increase in the value of the Municipal Service District. She and her team curated over 100 free community events and numerous placemaking initiatives. Previously, she also led Uptown Greenville through significant revitalization efforts, attracting over 600,000 square feet of new residential and commercial development.

SOME OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE CSDD INCLUDE:

• Being recognized by the NC Arts Council as a premier Arts Organization and securing three years of administrative funding.
• Bringing both permanent and temporary placemaking initiatives to life, including Prismatica, Mi Casa, Su Casa, 2.0, the Old Street Oasis Mural, several additions to the City’s Holiday Decor and most recently, the Hay Street Deck Lighting Project. 
• Designing, launching and financially stabilizing the Safety Engagement Ambassadors program, one of the state’s only in-house Downtown Ambassador programs. 
• Purchasing, managing and circulating the Can-Do Coldwell Banker Trolleys to enhance connectivity downtown. 
• Curating and hosting large format signature events, such as Juneteenth Jubilee and the Night Circus, a District New Year’s Eve Spectacular and more according to her resignation letter. 

“These successes are a testament to the collective efforts of the board, staff, community partners and supporters, all of whom have contributed to the transformation and vitality of downtown Fayetteville,” Shoneman shared in her letter. “I am grateful for the trust, support and collaboration I have experienced during my time with Cool Spring Downtown District. I remain deeply invested in our mission and will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition.”

Before departing, Shoneman collaborated with the CSDD Board to present an updated job description and provided input on where to announce the job opportunity. To begin to address the question of new leadership, the CSDD Board has formed a Transition Team composed of members from the CSDD Executive Committee, the Arts Council and the City of Fayetteville. This team will lead the organization as it leans into its recently adopted strategic plan. 

It was announced at the top of the year that Ashanti Bennett has been appointed Interim President of CSDD. Bennett initially served as director of special projects for CSDD and successfully curated significant community events, including the Juneteenth Jubilee and the Night Circus. A creative connector with a passion for the arts and humanities, Bennett brings nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit arts administration to her role.

As Interim President, Bennett looks forward to building on Shoneman’s legacy and amplifying Downtown Fayetteville as a premier destination to live, work, play and invest. 

As of Jan. 13, 2025, no announcement has been made regarding new leadership within CSDD. 

Ashanti Bennett has been appointed Interim President of CSDD. 

As Interim President, Bennett looks forward to building on Shoneman’s legacy and amplifying Downtown Fayetteville as a premier destination to live, work, play and invest.

Keep up to date on the latest developments with the CSDD on their website: www.visitdowntownfayetteville.com.