Jeff Bourk
Airport Director, Wilmington International Airport
Jeff Bourk is the Airport Director at Wilmington International Airport. Bourk has over 30 years of aviation experience, including 20 years focused on airport management. He has managed airports publicly and privately operated. He soloed his first aircraft at age 16 and received his pilot’s license at age 17 (the youngest the FAA permits). Bourk holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an MBA from Daniel Webster College. In 2003, the American Association of Airport Executives designated Bourk as an accredited airport executive (A.A.E.), a prestigious honor within the industry.
Brian Clark
Executive Director, North Carolina State Ports Authority
Brian Clark has served as Executive Director of the North Carolina State Ports Authority since January 2021. Under Clark’s leadership, NC Ports has completed several critical infrastructure improvements and during his tenure, the Port of Wilmington’s container terminal was recognized as the fourth most productive port in North America by the World Bank Group and S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Clark has more than 25 years of experience in the maritime industry, having worked in senior positions in port operation in several US locations. He is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and is also a graduate of Duke University Fuqua School of Business Executive Education Program.
Lowell Davis
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Lowell Davis joined the University of North Carolina Wilmington as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in May 2021. Prior to his tenure at UNCW, he held posts at Western Carolina University, University of Alabama, Indiana University and Hampton University.
In addition to his Vice Chancellor duties, Davis is also a member of the Chancellor’s cabinet; President of the North American Association of Summer Sessions Council; a member of the New Hanover County Commission for African American Heritage, History, and Culture; involved with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; on the Council of Advisors for Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina; and extremely involved with national accreditation efforts through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Davis holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University in higher education administration and student affairs, a master’s in counseling and a bachelor’s in English arts-secondary education from Hampton University.
Natalie English
President and CEO, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Natalie English began her role as president and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce in 2017, after serving 11 years with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, including as its chief public policy officer. She has served for over 20 years in a chamber of a commerce leadership role and has almost 30 years of experience monitoring legislative and regulatory issues locally, statewide, and at the federal level.
Natalie received her B.A. in Communications from North Carolina State University and achieved her designation as a Certified Chamber Executive in 2012, one of only several hundred. Natalie has also been an active volunteer and board member for numerous nonprofit organizations in Wilmington, Charlotte and at the state level.