Our board and staff are passionate about Downtown Fayetteville — its culture, its community, and its growth. Get to know the people behind the work.
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.
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.
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.
Manager of Parking Operations, City of Fayetteville | Event Planner & Consultant | Community Leader
Ebony is a dedicated public servant, community leader, and entrepreneur, currently serving as the Manager of Parking Operations for the City of Fayetteville. In this role, she oversees the city’s parking systems and works to ensure efficient, accessible experience for residents, businesses, and visitors. With a passion for urban planning and a commitment to sustainable growth, Ebony strives to make Fayetteville a more connected, vibrant city for all.
Beyond her work in parking operations, Ebony is deeply involved in community leadership. She serves as the President of the Lafayette Society and sits on the Executive Board for the Coolspring Downtown District, helping to shape the future of Fayetteville’s downtown area. As a member of several esteemed organizations, including the Junior League of Fayetteville, the American Friends of Lafayette, and the NAACP, Ebony is passionate about fostering inclusivity, promoting local culture, and contributing to meaningful community development.
In addition to her public service work, Ebony is the founder of EWG Events Planning & Consulting, an event planning business that focuses on creating memorable experiences for clients. As the Events Manager at 226 The Warehouse, she brings creativity, attention to detail, and a love for bringing people together to every event she organizes. When she’s not working, Ebony enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and spending quality time with family. Driven by a belief that every person and place have the potential to grow and thrive, Ebony is always looking for new ways to make a positive impact on both her professional and personal life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
President/CEO for Cool Spring Downtown District (CSDD)
Ashanti Bennett is a creative connector with a deep passion for the arts and humanities. With more than 20 years of experience in non-profit arts administration, Ashanti has excelled in various roles, from executive administration to event programming, artist development, grants management, and more. She has been President/CEO for Cool Spring Downtown District (CSDD) since 2025, lending her expertise and dedication to the continued work of amplifying Downtown Fayetteville, NC as a premier destination to live, work, play and invest.
In her work with CSDD in Fayetteville, NC, Ashanti curates significant community events, including the Juneteenth Jubilee and the Night Circus New Year’s Eve Spectacular, and leads the organization in managing both the arts and entertainment district, as well as the municipal services district. Ashanti’s impactful work in the arts reflects her belief in the transformative power of creative expression, articularly for marginalized voices. She is dedicated to personal and community development, enriching quality of life through arts and culture experiences.
Ashanti considers herself a Fayetteville ‘replant’ – her family originates from the area going back many generations, but she was raised in Northern Virginia, where she studied Medieval and Renaissance Literature and History at George Mason University. Beginning Fall of 2026, Ashanti will continue her education through the pursuit of her MBA in Global Arts Innovation.
In her downtime, Ashanti is a foodie who loves to read, travel, make art, and spend time with loved ones, including her fur-babies, Tawny and Arya.
Development and Engagement Director for Cool Spring Downtown District (CSDD)
Larissa Via serves as the Development and Engagement Director for Cool Spring Downtown District, where she advances economic vitality and community connection in downtown Fayetteville through strategic fundraising, business development, and creative placemaking. She leads initiatives that strengthen partnerships, attract investment, and support small business growth.
With over a decade of experience in urban planning, public engagement, and economic development, Larissa brings a data-driven and relationship-centered approach to her work. She has secured and managed grant funding, developed high-impact proposals, and built sustainable sponsorship pipelines that support long-term organizational success. Her expertise spans multi-stakeholder collaboration, market research, and translating complex data into actionable strategies that drive measurable outcomes.
Before CSDD, Larissa led public engagement and sustainability initiatives across the Southeast, contributing to award-winning climate action planning, infrastructure projects, and equitable development strategies. She is known for fostering inclusive engagement, aligning diverse stakeholders, and delivering projects that reflect community priorities.
Larissa holds an MBA in Data Analytics and Marketing Management from NC State University and a BA in Geography and Technical Communication from James Madison University.
Dominique Womack is an advocate, storyteller, and arts supporter whose work is rooted in uplifting and connecting the Fayetteville community. She graduated from East Carolina University in 2005, earning a B.S. in Communications, with a concentration in Radio and Television Production. Dominique made local broadcasting history as Fayetteville’s first Black female on-air personality when she joined Carolina’s Rock Station, Rock 103,from 2006-2009. After returning to Rock 103 in 2021, she reestablished herself as the station’s energetic and engaging midday personality, connecting listeners through music, entertainment, and meaningful community conversations.
Her influence extends far beyond the airwaves. Dominique has hosted and supported events for organizations including the Fayetteville Rotary Club, Cool Spring Downtown District, Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County, Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. Whether she’s behind a microphone, on stage, mentoring youth, or supporting local causes, Dominique remains dedicated to bringing people together, celebrating community successes, and ensuring the stories that matter are heard.
Guided by her philosophy of “community over competition,” Dominique actively collaborates with nonprofit organizations, artists, educators, civic leaders, and local businesses to create opportunities for connection and growth. Dominique is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and uses her platform to encourage conversations surrounding physical and emotional wellness, and personal resilience. Whether amplifying local voices, supporting meaningful causes, or embracing new challenges, she remains committed to helping her city grow, thrive, and tell its story for generations to come.
Community Space & Operations Manager
Adam Carroll is the Community Space and Operations Manager for Cool Spring Downtown District and works tirelessly to maintain a clean and welcoming downtown area. Adam partners with Fay PD, OCS, and other local entities to foster a safe and vibrant downtown for both businesses and residents. As an Army veteran, he brings discipline, leadership, and a deep sense of service to his work, applying his experience to build trust and promote meaningful engagement. Having lived in the community for over fifteen years, Adam has developed strong local ties and a genuine understanding of the people he serves. He is passionate about connecting with others, encouraging collaboration, and supporting initiatives that enhance public safety and well-being. Above all, Adam is a devoted husband and father of two, grounding his professional efforts in a personal commitment to creating a secure and thriving environment for families like his own.
Safety & Engagement Ambassador
Malcolm Kelly is a community-focused professional dedicated to creating meaningful experiences and connections in Downtown Fayetteville. Through his work with the Cool Spring Downtown District, Malcolm supports local events, community engagement, and initiatives that bring residents, businesses, and visitors together. With a passion for creativity, culture, and the downtown community, he strives to help make Downtown Fayetteville a welcoming and vibrant place for everyone.
