City Hires Downtown Services & Special Events Director

Published on July 16, 2026

The City of Wilmington is excited to announce Laura Brogdon-Primavera has been hired as the first Downtown Services & Special Events Director.

Created as part of the City's organizational realignment, the new leadership position reflects Wilmington's commitment to enhancing downtown services, strengthening partnerships, coordinating special events, and elevating the experience for residents and visitors as downtown continues to grow and evolve.

In this role, Brogdon-Primavera will oversee citywide downtown services and initiatives, including special events permitting, film permitting, downtown programming, social districts, and coordination of municipal services that support the downtown community. She will also manage key partnerships, including the City’s Municipal Services District program and Convention Center services contract, to showcase Wilmington’s downtown as a vibrant and welcoming destination.

"Laura has spent years bringing people together around a shared vision for our city's success," said City Manager Becky Hawke. "She has earned the trust of businesses, nonprofits, educators, and community leaders through her collaborative leadership and commitment to making Wilmington a better place. Those relationships and her passion for this community will be invaluable as we continue shaping the future of our downtown."

Brogdon-Primavera joins the City after more than a decade of serving the Wilmington community through leadership roles at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Leadership Development at the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, where she led programs focused on connecting and developing regional leaders. Earlier in her career, she served with the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, helping cultivate partnerships that supported the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Brogdon-Primavera holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Appalachian State University and a Master of Education from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is honored to continue serving the community she calls home by helping shape the future of downtown where residents, businesses, and visitors feel connected, welcome, and proud.

She starts her role at the City on Aug. 10.