Chatham County Roundup: News + Record Reporter Taylor Heeden

Three new high-speed internet projects are coming to Chatham County thanks to grant awards from NCDIT.

This Week: Melissa Driver Beard, CORA, Executive Director Melissa has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, including 20 years in executive leadership. She has directed local, state, national, and international programs that advocate for basic human needs and rights. Under Melissa’s leadership, CORA has achieved over a 200% increase in income and an 88% rise in direct client services, demonstrating her ability to drive transformative growth. With a background in global advocacy, program development, and organizational capacity building, Melissa has championed solutions to food insecurity since 2009, fostering collaboration and sustainability. Rebecca Hankins, CORA, Development and Communications Director Rebecca brings more than 20 years of experience as a skilled fundraiser, communication strategist, and project manager. During her tenure at CORA, she spearheaded initiatives that increased fundraising revenue by 250% and expanded donor support by 50%. Rebecca is known for her creative approach to donor engagement, digital and traditional media strategies, and rebranding efforts that elevate CORA’s visibility. Her expertise lies in leveraging partnerships and technology to ensure program sustainability and community impact.

After searching Thursday evening and early Friday morning, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office said first responders recovered the body of a drowned fisherman just south of Jordan Lake.

Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 18. She discussed the passage of the budget for Chatham County, including what she is most proud of in the budget. She discussed the latest on Wolfspeed as that company cuts positions as part of a Chapter 11 restructuring. She also talked about new "Welcome to Chatham County" signs that will be put on 15-501, and more.

This Week: Steve Sandeep Rao, a native of Charleston WV, Steve serves as an At Large Council Member for the Town of Morrisville and served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2015-2017. He served as a Senior Business Development Executive at Alphanumeric Systems, a global tech company headquartered in Raleigh from January 2011 to May 2020 and now serves as Of Counsel and Adviser to State Federal Strategies, where he advises Technology Companies on State and Local Government Business Development Strategy. Council Member Rao is the longest serving Asian-American elected official in NC

Randy Voller — a realtor and former mayor of Pittsboro — joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, June 11 for the "Chatham County Roundup."

Pittsboro recently adopted an interlocal agreement with Chatham County, which could help transform its downtown area.

This Week: Cal Cunningham is founder of Cunningham Law, PLLC, where he represents clients in real estate development and complex civil litigation. He is also manager of Axiom Property Development, LLC, to deliver workforce-affordable housing in the Triangle. Through Cunningham Capital, LLC, Cal engages in venture capital investment, is a board member of Archaius, Inc. (drone technology) and a member of the Charlotte Angel Fund. Cal also currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve, most recently as deputy commander of a legal detachment. He is also a veteran of tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2020, Cunningham was the Democratic Nominee for United States Senate in North Carolina.

Co-Founders and Executive Directors of Chatham Pride, Rob Schooley and Mindy Jacobs spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, June 5. They discussed the formation of Chatham Pride as an organization, and how that led to them joining forces with the PBO Pride event at The Plant. They discussed each of their journeys to leadership positions in the Chatham County Pride Alliance. They discussed this year's PBO Pride schedule, which includes a drag show Friday night, and a parade, festival, and vendors on Saturday. They also discussed other initiatives by the organization and more.

As Chatham County continues to grow, CORA is looking to increase its food services. But threats to federal funding may hinder those goals.