The Cool Spring Downtown District (CSDD) Board of Directors is pleased to share that after a thorough and competitive selection process, Ashanti Bennett, who has served as interim president/CEO, has been appointed to the role permanently as of Saturday, July 26, 2025. 

Bennett’s promotion follows her term as interim president /CEO which began on Jan. 2, 2025 following the departure of Bianca Shoneman who previously held the roles. 

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 the director of special projects at CSDD before being appointed her interim positions, Bennett successfully curated significant community events, including the Juneteenth Jubilee and the Night Circus.

“This decision reflects our strong belief in her vision and leadership, which has already guided the organization through a time of transition. We are confident that Ms. Bennett will continue to serve with integrity, transparency, and purpose, marked with servant leadership and joy,” shared the CSDD Board in a released statement. “The Board of Directors would like to thank the community for your continued support as we move forward together in our mission to grow and sustain a thriving arts and entertainment district in downtown Fayetteville.” 

A proud Fayetteville ‘replant,’ Bennett shared earlier in the year that she draws inspiration from her roots and education at George Mason University, where she interned at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

"I started with Cool Spring Downtown District as a committee volunteer when it was being created back in 2017. It is a distinct pleasure and honor to now be leading an organization whose mission that I believe in and means a great deal to me," shared Bennett. 

Bennett can be found co-hosting joint, quarterly meetings between the Fayetteville Downtown Alliance and CSDD, updating downtown business owners about new developments. Recently, Bennett also helped build support to bring the later canceled Crown Event Center project to downtown Fayetteville, writing a letter to local leadership to continue the project after it was paused for reconsideration. 

The Cool Spring Downtown District board and staff remain committed to engaging the community, advocating for policies that support downtown growth and leveraging the creativity of local investors, artists, entrepreneurs and civic leaders.

Learn more about CSDD and their mission on their website here.