A District’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular ›
Our board and staff are passionate about Downtown Fayetteville — its culture, its community, and its growth. Get to know the people behind the work.
Director of Design & Strategic Storytelling
Community Space & Operations Manager
Safety & Engagement Ambassador
Board Vice Chair, Exec Committee
LeJuane “El’Ja” Bowens is an award-winning spoken word poet, author, host, and arts educator whose work bridges storytelling, culture, and community empowerment. Born in Detroit and raised in Lima, Ohio, he served six years in the United States Army, including two deployments to Iraq—an experience that shaped his voice and commitment to creative expression.
El’Ja has collaborated with major national arts and community organizations, including The Kennedy Center, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and the Wounded Warrior Project, using poetry as a tool for healing, advocacy, and connection. He has been featured at notable cultural events such as the National Folk Festival, Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival, West End Poetry Festival, TedX: Faurot Park, and the Big Ears Festival, and currently serves as the Director of the Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Slam.
A former poetry slam champion with the Bull City Slam Team, El’Ja is a multiple award-winning poet whose performances and work have appeared on All Def Poetry, NPR, Amazon, and PBS. His artistry continues to inspire audiences while uplifting the literary arts across the Southeast and beyond.
Entrepreneur, Real Estate Broker, Community Advocate
Santina Epps-Thomas is a real estate broker and the owner of The Real Estate Concierge and The Sip Room Wine Bar, both located in downtown Fayetteville. As the founder of Sisters With a Purpose, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls and women, she is deeply committed to community development and leadership.
A proud entrepreneur and active supporter of local growth, Santina is passionate about contributing to the continued revitalization and long-term success of the Cool Spring Downtown District. She brings a unique perspective as a business owner, nonprofit leader, and resident stakeholder who is invested in fostering economic development, inclusive progress, and vibrant community engagement.
Through partnerships, creative placemaking, small business advocacy, and collaborative events, Santina is dedicated to helping shape a downtown that residents are proud of and visitors are drawn to.
Gerard Falls is the Superintendent of The Capitol Encore Academy, a K–12 public charter school in downtown Fayetteville, where he has advanced through roles from teacher to school leader. A former Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division, he brings discipline, collaboration, and purpose to his work in education, specializing in organizational development, student success, and arts-integrated learning.
Beyond his professional role, Gerard serves as an Executive Board Member (Treasurer) of Cool Spring Downtown District Board and as the Board President of Cameo Collective. He previously served as Board Chair of Sweet Tea Shakespeare and has supported organizations including the North Carolina Immigration Law & Justice Center, and Teach for America.
Recognized with honors such as Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40, a North Carolina Museum of Art Teaching Fellowship, and executive leadership professional development through Deloitte University, he holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Fayetteville State University and is committed to building communities where people can thrive.
President of McLaurin Consulting, LLC
Brittany S. McLaurin is a lifelong Eastover native and accomplished government finance leader with nearly two decades of experience in public service. She currently serves as CEO/President of McLaurin Consulting, LLC. A proud Fayetteville State alumna, Brittany brings a proven track record in federal and local government, having managed over $100 million in grants for the City of Raleigh and served as Assistant Chief Finance Officer for the City of Fayetteville. Committed to community, youth empowerment, and transparent governance, Brittany is passionate about using her skills to strengthen the Cool Springs District for future generations.
Board Chair, Exec Committee
Born in Fayetteville in 1982 to Italian American businesswoman and real estate guru Suzanne Tramontine Pennink and Dutch-Indonesian neurosurgeon Menno Pennink. The sixth of seven brothers and sisters. Educated at Montesori School, Alma Easom Elementary, Fayetteville Academy, UNC Chapel Hill, and finishing at UNC – Chapel Hill School of Law. Bought first house on Woodside Avenue in 2009 and have been a loyal property taxer payer and property investor ever since. Began practicing law under the mentorship of renowned tax and estate attorney Robert G. Ray, concentrating in estate planning and administration, small business/corporate law, tax litigation, guardianships and matters before the Clerk of Superior Court. In 2015, took a three year grant position at Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity as Director of Neighborhood Revitalization for the B Street Neighborhood. In 2018, began again actively practicing law and became a North Carolina Real Estate Broker working with Franklin Johnson Commercial Group. Also in 2018, got a gig as the lead singer and rhythm guitar player for The Infamous Guy Unger Band, now with about 225 shows under my belt. In 2019, added one last item to the work list, becoming a manager of Pennink Properties, LLC, whose responsibilities range from renovation design for some of Fayetteville’s most interesting properties all the way down to official cleaner of forgotten basements and crawlspaces. Lives in an apartment with girlfriend Amber and dog Jackson.
Trivia: Passed the NC State Bar Exam with no prep course using only the notes of Fayetteville native and resident genius Adam Stedman. On a $100 be from brother Andrew, once walked 75 miles in day from Chapel Hill to Fayetteville. Won the 2000 NCISAA Division II Men’s Tennis Championship with Fayetteville Academy and two NCISAA Division II Men’s Soccer Championships. Joined the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Men’s Varsity Fencing Team from 2002 – 2006. Awarded World’s Greatest Uncle seven consecutive years, 2014 – 2021 and I challenge anyone in this room to a game of ping pong. Skills include, but are not limited to, casting iron cooking, free throws, minor woodwork, and email.
Executive Director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival
Kaylynn Suarez serves as Executive Director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, where she leads strategic growth, community partnerships, and large-scale event execution. A passionate advocate for collaboration and community impact, Kaylynn is dedicated to strengthening local businesses, uplifting the arts, and ensuring the longevity of Fayetteville’s most iconic festival. Her leadership focuses on sustainability, inclusivity, and building meaningful connections that benefit Cumberland County for generations to come. All while being a mom to two little girls and a wife.
Rev. David Woodhouse is an ordained elder in the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and has served full-time pastoral appointments in central and eastern North Carolina for 37 years. David is a graduate of James B. Hunt, Jr. High School (1982), UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School (BSBA 1986) and Duke Divinity School (M.Div. 1989). He has served on the CSDD Board since July of 2021.
