Dick has always felt giving back to the community is a citizen’s responsibility, when he and his wife Margie settled in North Carolina after a lifetime of memories made in New Jersey, he felt Keep New Hanover Beautiful would be a great way for him to continue his philanthropy efforts.  Dick has been a part of their impact since 2012 and currently serves as the Executive Director. With a mission to reduce litter, improve recycling and beautify New Hanover County, the nonprofit’s goals align with his ethics. Dick has recently been elected as the Treasurer of the Executive Board for Cape Fear River Watch, an environmental nonprofit with the mission to improve and protect the Cape Fear River through education, advocacy and action.  

“At present, I am extremely excited about the composition and diversity of our board as well as our growing list of volunteers.” Dick’s favorite accomplishment thus far is the Cigarette Litter Recycling Campaign, kickstarted in 2017, the momentum has grown from an idea to involving many businesses throughout New Hanover County.

Executive Director

Dick Brightman

David is the Sustainability Manager for the City of Wilmington and brings over 10 years of experience in recycling/zero waste programs, energy efficiency, green building operations, and project management. He is passionate about integrating sustainability best practices into City operations and actions. David has BS in Wildlife Biology from the University of Georgia, and is a LEED AP through the US Green Building Council. David brings his diverse background toward advancing the City toward becoming more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. David has been with Keep New Hanover Beautiful since April 2017.

Board Member

David Ingram

Riley Alber, owner and founder of the Wilmington Compost Company,

organic farmer, and environmental enthusiast. My passion and love for

nature, both land and water, began at a young age. Born and raised in the

Pine Barrens of Southern Jersey and spending summers along the Jersey

coastline, it was only natural to grow connected to the land and water.Over the years, activities such as fishing, hunting, surfing, camping and travelling instilled a passion in me for

the outdoors. Those very passions led me to study at Cape Fear Community College and graduate from the University of North Carolina

Wilmington with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Geospatial Information Systems. During that time, I participated in an internship at the UNCW Aquaculture Facility; obtained Certifications in Natural Resource Conservation and Management & Wildland Wildfire Management. After graduation, I did land surveying and eventually worked for UNCW MarineQuest Outreach Program, doing educational guided kayak tours. These experiences, as well as working on a local organic farm, inspired me to take action. To apply the tools, skills, and knowledge I learned in order to create an impact on the sustainability of our surroundings and environment. And so, “Wilmington Compost Company” was born. I joined the KNHB board fall of 2018 and am excited to begin working to improve our community.

Board Member

Riley Alber

Veda is a graduate of UNC-Wilmington with a BS in Environmental Sciences and is currently working on a Master's in Coastal Management. Her passion for the environment began in 2015 with the Don’t Drill NC campaign; since then Veda has been teaching outdoor education and working on environmental programs such as installing a living shoreline in Sunset Beach, NC, and bringing TerraCycle recycling to UNCW. Veda has been with Keep New Hanover Beautiful since December 2017; her responsibilities include managing the website and record keeping for the organization.

Secretary

Veda Anglin

Elissa was born and raised in Georgia, but is happy to now call Wilmington home. Her love of the outdoors and the environment began at a very young age. As a child, you'd always find her outside catching frogs and salamanders, playing in the creek, climbing trees, and hunting and fishing. These early experiences inspired her to seek a career where she was able to share her love for Mother Earth with others and to help make it a better place. Elissa has a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology and a Master's in Natural Resources, both from the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!). In addition to her role at KNHB, Elissa also works for the local Soil and Water Conservation District, chairs the Wilmington Earth Day Alliance, and is the Resource Development Chair for the Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC). She was awarded the 2016 YWCA 'Women of Achievement Award' for Environmental and the 2016 'Outstanding Newcomer Award' from EENC. Outside of work, Elissa enjoys international travel, hunting and fishing, hiking, and spending time with her fur babies and the love of her life, Cody. 

Treasurer

Elissa Anderson

Growing up in a military household, Patrick has lived up and down the east coast. Born in NYC but raised by the Mississippi River and Atlantic Ocean. Patrick spent his summers in Wilmington, NC staying with his grandparents. Every moment of free time was spent outside, either in the woods or in the water. As a graduate from the EVS Dept. of UNCW, he has a strong attachment to our community and to our waterways. He is proud to be a staff member of Cape Fear River Watch and member of Keep New Hanover Beautiful's board. 

Board Member

Patrick Connell

Native North Carolinian. Raised in the Piedmont, educated in the Mountains and grown to maturity on the Coast. Yes, I have salt water running in my veins. Retired from a life of service to families and children in various jobs including juvenile probation officer, wilderness camp social worker and lastly, children's protective services investigator. Life long passion for animals and underdogs with a willingness to work hard to improve our environment.

Board Member

Ruth Massey

Adrienne’s commitment to preserving and protecting coastal resources began in childhood. A true Wilmingtonian, she credits her family with nurturing a deep love of nature. Many happy childhood days were spent learning about marine life and the important connections among animals, humans, rivers and the ocean.

Today, as 3rd generation owner and COO of James E. Moore Insurance Agency, Inc. in Wilmington, she continues the agency’s record of corporate citizenship through financial support, and also by leading agency personnel in local clean-ups and service drives. 

In addition to her enthusiasm for and commitment to KNHB goals, Adrienne brings a collaborative leadership style and extensive community ties. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Aquarium Society and on the Lower Cape Fear YWCA Women of Achievement committee. Prior civic service includes being past vice president of Keep New Hanover Beautiful and chair of Big Sweep, past member of the UNCW Alumni Board, past member of Women’s Impact Network as well as supporting many other non-profits.

Board Member

Adrienne Moore