Williams elected Vice Chair of Wilmington MPO
Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams was elected Vice Chair of the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) at the organization’s board meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Lynn Barbee, Mayor of the Town of Carolina Beach, was elected Chair. Officers are elected at the first meeting of each year. The motion to elect both officials was carried unanimously by the Board.
“Serving on the WMPO is a critical way to ensure that our region’s transportation priorities are heard and understood by the state officials who determine what projects are programmed and built,” said Williams. “I look forward to working with Chairman Barbee and the other members to make our region’s voice heard in the coming year.”
According to a press release from the WMPO:
Both Chairman Barbee and Vice Chairman Williams bring a strong foundation of leadership and perspective to their roles, having served on the Board since 2022 and 2013, respectively. Their election reflects the Board’s confidence in their experience navigating regional transportation issues and their ability to guide discussions that balance local priorities with broader regional needs.
As Chairman and Vice Chairman, Barbee and Williams will help the Board through a year of planning and decision-making, including developing a new strategic business plan, adopting the upcoming fiscal year budget, and completing the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan. They will also help advance key regional priorities related to transportation funding and infrastructure needs, while maintaining coordination among local governments, partner agencies, and the public.
“Chairman Barbee and Vice Chairman Williams provide valuable continuity to the Board,” said WMPO Executive Director Mike Kozlosky. “Their experience supports a smooth transition as the Board welcomes new members and continues its work.”
Additionally, the WMPO Board welcomes five new members representing jurisdictions within the WMPO planning area, which includes all of New Hanover County and portions of Brunswick and Pender counties. New Board members include Ken Dull, Mayor of the Town of Wrightsville Beach; Allen Oliver, Mayor of the Town of Kure Beach; Cassidy Santaguida, City of Wilmington Councilmember; Rose Terry, Mayor of the Town of Navassa; and Stephanie Walker, of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, representing the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority. These members began their terms following the conclusion of service by previous Board representatives in December.