BEAUFORT, N.C.—The Town of Beaufort has selected Jennifer Welborn as its new Community Engagement Director, following a highly competitive search that attracted 84 outstanding applicants from across the region.
Welborn brings a strong blend of education, government service, and community involvement to the role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with dual majors in management and marketing from the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. She is also enrolled at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration.
She has completed professional training through the UNC School of Government, including the Clerks Certification Institute (set to be completed in October 2025) and the Introduction to Public Employment Law course, as well as courses through the North Carolina League of Municipalities and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Welborn is also a SHRM-CP Certified Professional in Human Resource Management, OSHA 10 certified, a North Carolina Notary Public, QuickBooks certified, and proficient in NEOGOV and other local government systems.
Most recently, Welborn served the Town of Emerald Isle as Human Resource Specialist and Town Clerk. Prior to that, she spent over a decade in hospitality management, large-scale event coordination, and civic engagement.
Her passion for community service extends beyond her professional work. Welborn is the Chairwoman of the Surfrider Foundation Bogue Banks chapter, where she leads environmental efforts, manages volunteers, and organizes events. She also helps coordinate the annual Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament, which raises scholarship funds for local high school students.
“The Town of Beaufort was impressed by the number and quality of applicants,” said Town Manager Matt Zapp. “As Community Engagement Director, Ms. Welborn will help strengthen existing events, develop new programs, and serve as liaison for the Beaufort Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, volunteer groups, and special event teams. Her background in local government, hospitality, and event management made her a top candidate for this important role.”
In her new position, Welborn will collaborate with the Beaufort Business Association, Carteret County Economic Development office, and local business owners to promote and expand Beaufort’s commercial vitality. She will also serve as Deputy Town Clerk, supporting Assistant Town Manager and Clerk Elizabeth Lewis.
Welborn is scheduled to begin her work with the Town of Beaufort in early October 2025.