‘I have absolutely adored Fayetteville:’ Another leader announces plans to leave in 2025

The head of Fayetteville’s Cool Spring Downtown District will be going out with fireworks at the start of the new year.

Bianca Shoneman, president and CEO of the Fayetteville Cool Spring Downtown District, submitted her resignation Wednesday, which will be effective Jan. 2.

Shoneman’s resignation is the third in the Cumberland County area that’s been announced this month, with Police Chief Kemberle Braden announcing he will retire in March; and Dr. Marvin Connelly, Cumberland County Schools superintendent, announcing he will retire in July.

Shoneman told The Fayetteville Observer on Friday that she’s accepted a job as vice president of community development for the NC East Alliance, which is a regional economic development organization focused on 29 “livable communities in eastern North Carolina.”

“I’m excited to assume the position in the new year but will be here for the New Year’s celebration, so will literally be going out with fireworks,” Shoneman said. “I have absolutely adored Fayetteville, and it has been brighter and better than I ever imagined. I feel like there were a lot of wonderful projects that I hope leaves a lasting impression for Fayettevilleians and visitors alike.”

She said that if there is an opportunity to talk about Fayetteville in her new role, she will share with others that “Fayetteville is a wonderful community.”

“It’s full of arts. It’s full of great culture and fantastic international cuisine,” Shoneman said. “It’s one of the most charming cities I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”

Previous reporting: Cool Spring Downtown District hires new CEO after national search

Shoneman has been director of the district since 2019 and previously was CEO of Uptown Greenville, which is now known as the Downtown Greenville Partnership and supports downtown business growth.

The Cool Spring Downtown District is a nonprofit that receives some city financial support and was formed in 2017 to create and sustain an arts and entertainment district in downtown Fayetteville through artistic, cultural, civic, and commercial activity.

Accomplishments

During her time in Fayetteville, Shoneman has worked with community partners to establish events here like the annual New Year’s Eve celebration and Juneteenth Jubilee, along with bringing temporary art displays to downtown, a permanent mural on Old Street and the Can-Do Coldwell Banker Trolley used for weekends and downtown events.

She also worked with a team to formalize Fourth Friday events, expand monthly street festivals that bring foot traffic downtown and promote quarterly resident socials to keep downtown residents connected with each other and the community.

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“I think the creation of the Downtown Social District was an important post-COVID strategy to help restaurants and retailers,” Shoneman said.

The Cool Spring Downtown District supported the Downtown Social District that was approved by the Fayetteville City Council as a pilot district in 2022 and permanent district in December 2023.

The Downtown Social District is an area where people can sip alcohol in to-go cups within designated public spaces.

Shoneman said there are projects and programs like hotel developments and the Cool Spring Safety Engagement Ambassador volunteer-based program that she would love to see the new director carry forward.

“We have a very qualified staff, and I’m trusting the good work they know how to do,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing any successor lean into that and trust the staff while bringing a good energy and vision to the table.”

Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Cool Spring Downtown District CEO Bianca Shoneman leaving Fayetteville

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