New DRA Board Members for 2009

Media contact: David Diaz
919-832-1231
daviddiaz@downtownraleigh.org

David Diaz president and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance announced the appointment of Clymer Cease, principal of Pearce Brinkley Cease + Lee Architecture, Joseph B. Dempster, Jr., managing partner of Poyner Spruill, Melissa Essary, dean of Campbell University’s School of Law, and George S. York, Jr., executive vice president of York Properties to the 2009 Alliance Board of Directors. Carter Worthy, president of Carter Worthy Commercial, will be the Alliance’s 2009 Chair.

“We are honored to have these four distinguished individuals as additions to our Board of Directors,” said David Diaz. “With over 60 years of combined experience, they bring a depth of knowledge and commitment to downtown that is extraordinary. We look forward to working with them.”

Clymer Cease has more than 30 years experience, twenty as principal of PBC+L. He has a broad range of experience in North Carolina including projects at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, North Carolina State University, the North Carolina Museum of History, the Wake County Public School System, the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences, and the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Bo Dempster has more than 15 years of experience helping a broad spectrum of clients with complex real estate and finance transactions. He has presented office building and shopping center developers, residential project owners, and institutional equity investors. Mr. Dempster was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America (Real Estate Law) in 2008.

Melissa Essary is an expert on employment law, a well-published and popular scholar in demand with audiences throughout the legal profession. In 2008, she was recognized by Business Leader magazine as a Triangle Impact Business Leader, Triangle Impact Education Leader and Women Extraordinaire award winner, due to her incredible effort to bring the Law School to Raleigh.

George York has 15 years experience in retail property management and leasing, and is a lifelong resident of Raleigh. He holds his North Carolina Real Estate License and his Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation. Mr. York is a full member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and serves on a small scale development council within the ULI.



About Downtown Raleigh Alliance
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance is the leader and champion for a dynamic and vibrant downtown. The Alliance is a guiding force in shaping a healthy center that anchors the City and region. Through our dedicated board and staff, we are responsible for managing the Business Improvement District (BID) and providing the following services: Economic Development; Advocacy; Marketing; and, Clean and Safe Ambassador Services. For more information, please visit www.GoDowntownRaleigh.com.