BASE Hires New President & CEO
BASE selected Jerod Patterson as its next president and CEO. His first day in the role was May 12, succeeding Tyler Newman, who departed earlier this year after nine years at the helm. Jerod comes to BASE from the City of Wilmington, where he served as the city’s Corporate Affairs Director. His experience in government affairs spans 17 years as a strategist, advisor, and communicator in both Texas and North Carolina.
In a news release about the hire, Jerod said, “Over the years, BASE has developed a reputation as a key collaborator with public and private sectors alike to advance forward-thinking policies and sound growth strategies. I am honored to step into this role and build upon such a strong foundation. We are at a pivotal moment in our region’s history, as homegrown industries expand, and more and more people and businesses discover the incredible opportunity here. The decisions we make in the years ahead will determine our future for generations to come, and BASE’s effective advocacy for smart and sustainable growth has never been more important to ensure our future prosperity and quality of life.”
Speaking on behalf of BASE’s Board of Directors, Chair Jason Swain said, “On behalf of our members, I am excited to welcome Jerod as our organization’s new president and CEO, and to work together to build community momentum behind a shared vision for a prosperous future. BASE is comprised of 60-plus businesses and associations who recognize that we can more effectively shape our region’s future by working together. This is not just where we work, it is where we live and raise our families. That is why we are so passionate about growing the right way.”
Jerod holds degrees from Wake Forest University and the University of Texas at Austin, including a Ph.D. in Government. His community involvement includes serving as chair of stewardship at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington and on the executive board of the New Hanover Disaster Coalition. He was previously named a “40-Under-40” honoree by the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and Star News Media.