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Wilson 20/20 taps new executive director




A retired Army officer who moved to Wilson with the goal of making a difference has been tapped as the new executive director of Wilson 20/20 Community Vision.

Tom Curran, a volunteer for several community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, succeeds Luella Gunter who recently moved to West Virginia.

"I am looking forward to working closely with the leaders, managers and everyday citizens of the city and county of Wilson to achieve the vision of Wilson 20/20," Curran said. "I am, like so many, deeply committed to our community and excited about our future."

Curran, who starts today, will coordinate the efforts of Wilson 20/20, which is a collaborative effort to map the future of Wilson County into the year 2020 with a focus on health and wellness, managed growth, education, the economy, quality-of-life and the community.

Curran will work part time, approximately 15 hours a week, for $1,500 a month. Gunter, who worked about 30 hours a week on average, earned $30,000.

"I'm pleased that Tom Curran has accepted the executive director position for Wilson 20/20," said Norval Kneten, Barton College president and chairman of the 20/20 board of directors. "He brings a strong background in community service and his experience will support the board of directors as they move into the future."

Curran, who moved to Wilson in 2007, has been actively involved in several community organizations. He is on the board of directors for the Wilson Area Habitat for Humanity, a member of the Wilson's Human Relations Commission, a board member and public relations officer for the Wilson Rotary Club and a founding member of All About Youth, with works to help youth organizations better address the needs of youth in the Wilson area.

Curran retired from the U.S. Army in 1988 as a chief warrant officer, specializing in electronics. He then worked a 20-year civilian career in employee relations before retiring in 2006. He moved to Wilson with his wife, Barbara Conklin, who is the director of the Social Work Program at Barton College.

Curran has a bachelor's degree in computer science and technical business management from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in behavioral science from Cameron University, in Oklahoma.

As part of his 20/20 responsibilities, Curran will report annually on the progress of the 20/20 effort. He will also identify new initiatives important to the community.

"This is a forever home for me," Curran said of Wilson. "My interest in being involved, whether it be with Habitat for Humanity or All About Youth or any of the things I'm doing, is to give back to the community. (That's) what I want to do."

rochelle@wilsontimes.com | 265-7818
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Now that you mention it said...

Business Incubator? Oh yeah, speaking of BIG waste of tax payer money!

Tuesday, July 07, 2009 at 8:52 PM
Money Ditch said...

Any incubatin' lately?

Tuesday, July 07, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Another Grant Leech said...

Barton College president and chairman of the 20/20 board of directors is pleased. And the mans wife works at Barton. How convenient. Gave no one else the opportunity to apply? But funds this job via our Taxes. Where have we seen this before??

Monday, July 06, 2009 at 1:48 PM
native71 said...

1,500 dollars a month to work 15 hours a week!!! I know a lot of people who would like that pay. Is this why the city didn't have enough money for fire works. After 2 whole years of living here I am sure Mr.Curran will have a great vision for Wilson. Too bad none of us living here more than a decade are able to identify new initiatives important to our community. Is it the Wilson 20/20 plan or the Barton College 20/20 plan?

Sunday, July 05, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Joke Town said...

Look around you. Wilson 20/20 has made NO difference in this community, and NEVER WILL. We don't need 20/20. We don't want it. Make it go away.

Sunday, July 05, 2009 at 12:40 PM
unethical hiring practices said...

Remember when they held that Summit during business hours so no one could go? They didn't want it on a weekend when MOST people could attend, because the Boards and Committee rulers, might have to actually work and wouldn't be able to go the Beach. You would think one of those people could step in and organize this thing for free. Most of them get paid enough!

Sunday, July 05, 2009 at 9:34 AM Hey Barton? said...

The Employment rate is at an all time high and by all accounts this person has two pensions! I am sure there are plenty of people with equal if not MORE experience who need a job who were not given the chance to even apply! Why not give someone who Really Needs A Job a chance?

Friday, July 03, 2009 at 7:22 AM Shame said...

Would anyone expect anything different? This is Wilson after all. This is just how it's done here.

Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 4:39 PM You betcha said...

...could it be that at least three citizens have contacted the UNC School of Government; Employment Security Commission; the AG's office and the John Locke foundation about regarding officials, committees and Boards' habit of "hand picking" tax-money sponges?

Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 10:53 AM said...

Country Club Mentality I noticed that too. It's not what you know, it's who you Know!!!

Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 9:18 AM i41 said...

could it be that at least one well-connected, overlooked candidate is bitter?

Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 8:06 AM Country Club mentality said...

Wilson truly is a tale of two cities. For futher proof, notice which crime stories are allowed comments-- and which are not.

Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 7:52 AM Hmmm said...

This Everday Citizen objects to the Board of 2020 giving out Jobs this way. How about giving back to the Community by setting an example of fairness and opportunity for all? Not just the well connected?

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 at 2:30 PM Stop the Madness said...

It will not abolish itself-- because the people in charge and those who enable them give these jobs out via nepotism (read the story carefully)and cronyism. And the City council kowtows to them. We must Demand the City stop funding these kinds of blatant rip-offs of the People's money!

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 at 12:57 PM Marty said...

The best thing Wilson 20/20 can do for the community is abolish itself.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 at 11:23 AM Steve said...

What is the real purpose of Wilson 20/20 anyway.....in these economic times it is stupid to waste money on crap like this.....any political person should be impeached for supporting this crap! it is a total waste of time, money, and other precious resources.....besides there are other ways to waste tax money in the area!

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 at 10:52 AM would like to know said...

Will someone answer this question for me please? Who is in charge of hiring for these executive postions, and why are they not posted for the citizens of wilson to apply for? We don't know anything about these positions until we read about who has been appointed to them in the paper. (This is so unfair)

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 at 10:35 AM More of the same said...

The elite in this city sure take care of each other. With our money.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 at 7:01 AM More cronyism. said...

Why can't these people ever ADVERTISE any of these jobs as opposed to appointing their friends? And rewarding them with OUR tax money?

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7:11 PM
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