New Hanover County chooses new director for Port City United
New Hanover County has chosen a permanent director to lead its Port City United department.
Rashad Gattison, who’s served as the organization’s interim director since February, will become the director of Port City United on May 2, according to a Wednesday news release from New Hanover County. Gattison took over as interim after the county terminated Port City United’s former director Cedric Harrison.
Gattison joined Port City United in March 2022 when he was hired as the supervisor for the PCU Connect call center. Since starting operation in June 2022, the 24/7 call center has received and responded to more than 3,500 calls for assistance.
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Gattison has lived in Wilmington since childhood and has previously worked with several other community groups, including New Hanover County Schools, Coastal Horizons, Communities in Schools of Cape Fear and the Brigade Boys & Girls Club, according to the release. Gattison was also named one of the StarNews in 2021.
While working with Port City United, Gattison helped create community outreach events, including an event called Fresh Chance Friday that drew nearly 400 people who were connected with job opportunities, resources and legal services for potential record expungement.
“I’m so proud of the incredible work our PCU team has done to serve our community and connect residents with resources they might not have previously been aware of,” Gattison said in the release.
“It is an honor to be a small piece of our success so far. I’m grateful for the trust that is being placed in me to lead this department and look forward to seeing what we can achieve through collaboration in the future.”
In the release, New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet stated the county is looking forward to what Port City United will accomplish under Gattison.
“Over the last year, Rashad has shown a commitment to helping others through innovative practices, which has helped Port City United in its mission to create a community that is equitable, healthy and safe for everyone,” Coudriet wrote.
“His steadfast leadership and deep roots have helped PCU make inroads quickly, which has resulted in great successes. We are excited to see what the department can accomplish under his guidance.”
As Gattison moves into the director’s role, interim PCU Connect Supervisor LaMeisha Green will take over as the call center’s supervisor. Green has served as the interim since February and has been with Port City United since May 2022. She began her career with New Hanover County as a 911 telecommunicator in 2021.
Reporter Emma Dill can be reached at edill@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New Hanover names new director for Port City United
