Jack Meadows is the director of planning and community development for the Town of Siler City.
Since joining the town in 2002, Meadows has managed an ever-changing development landscape including the town's recent resurgence in business growth. Meadows' innovative leadership skills were instrumental in the creation of the
Siler City Development Organization
, a local nonprofit dedicated to community enhancement, for which Meadows now serves as president. In addition, Meadows' hard work and dedication on the Love's Creek restoration project led the town being awarded an
Urban Conservation Award
by the N.C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts earlier this year.
Q: What is your connection to rural NC?
A: I'm originally from Bladen County. Prior to joining the Town of Siler City in 2002, I worked for NC Dept. of Agriculture and a private agriculture consulting agency.
Q: What do you see as some of the biggest challenges facing rural NC?
A: There is a lack of opportunities in employment and amenities. In addition, rural areas have less representation in the NC House and Senate than urban areas, resulting in fewer resources being allocated to rural communities.
Q: What do you see as some of the greatest assets in rural NC?
A: Rural NC is great because it lacks the traffic congestion of urban areas, there’s little to no crime, the school systems are good, and fresh air is abundant.
Q: As an alumni, what was your biggest take away from REDI?
A: Everybody brings something to the table and can learn from one another.
Q: What does being a leader mean to you?
A: Part of being a leader is identifying resources, opportunities, and best practices to share with partners and the broader community to advance our economic well-being.
Q: What is the best hidden gem in Siler City?
A: Loves Creek Greenway!
Read more about Jack and his role with the Town of Siler City, featured in last week's Chatham News Record (
HERE
).
