Our People
Our members make our voice stronger. Together we make Wilson better.
Monica T. Davis is a historic preservationist, architectural historian, and designer based in North Carolina. As a Wilson native, she values the architecture and cultural significance of our community. Monica blends her experience in historic preservation, community engagement, and advocacy with her passions for education, sustainability, affordable housing, and place activation to celebrate, revive, and renew historic places to serve modern needs. Monica’s vast experiences and knowledge has led her to obtain positions in North Carolina, Maryland, Louisiana, and Hawaii. She also works with museums and cultural institutions to come up with innovative and creative ways to activate historic spaces. Monica's research explores the migration of Shotgun houses and the cultural significance of African American Historic Districts.
Monica earned her B.S. in Biology and Forensic Science at UNC-Wilmington and her Master of Fine Arts degree in Interior Architecture and Post-Baccalaureate Historic Preservation Certificate at UNC-Greensboro. Monica recently completed a Master of Preservation Studies Fellowship program at Tulane University, where she obtained experience teaching design principles to undergraduate students. She has 10 years of architecture experience that includes designing historic shotgun houses.
She is the proud owner and principal designer of Rinascita Designs, LLC. Monica also serves on the Wilson Arts Board of Directors, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® local Wilson #39's Gamma Beta Omega Chapter. She is the founder of the R.O.C.K. Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and shotgun houses in the East Wilson Historic District.
In 2022, Monica was the proud recipient of the Preservation of Wilson "Preservationist of the Year" Award. We are so pleased that Monica has joined Preservation of Wilson as our new Executive Director and are looking forward to seeing how her passion for preservation and history helps us continue our mission of revitalizing Wilson County's unique architectural heritage.
Executive Committee
Monica T. Davis, Executive Director
Peter Newby, President
Bobby Jenkins, Vice President
Jenn Fergusen, Past President
Vacant, Properties Committee Chair
Matthew Shaw, Marketing Committee Chair
Rena Corbett, PhD, Finance Committee Chair
Board of Trustees
Joyah Bulluck
City Councilman Derrick D. Creech
Rena Corbett
Meika Darville
Chip Futrell
Brandon Harrell
Lisa Y. Henderson
Bankston Lewis
Perry Morrisson
Beth Searcy
Dave Sheppard
Tripp Vaughan
Billy O'Boyle
Finance Committee
Dr. Rena Corbett
Properties Committee
Ann Brice
Jenn Ferguson
Sharyn Hardister
Richard Millinder
Jean Smolen
Tripp Vaughan
Marketing Committee
To promote interest locally, regionally and nationally using the website, social media, media opportunities and other advertising methods. We market Historic Downtown Wilson as a place to call home focusing on the properties we offer and those offered by local realtors. We look for creative ways to spread the word that Wilson has charming and affordable historic homes, an uncomplicated lifestyle, an ideal location, two colleges, the state’s fastest fiber-optic Internet connections available in every home, tree-lined neighborhoods, five historic districts, a vibrant arts community and a roster of companies the envy to many metropolitan areas. The Art Committee oversees the planning for the annual Art Show held at the Spring Garden Party each year, the Annual Garden Party and the Spring Letter Fest.
Matt Shaw, Chair
Anne Sauerborn Joyner
Natalie Corbett
Gary Smolen
Hal Tarleton
Jenn Fergusen
Riley Hottovy
Payton Hardee
Garden Party Committee
The Annual Garden Party & Art Show is led by our outstanding co-chairs and supported by many members of the Preservation Team.
Anne Sauerborn Joyner
Payton Hardee
Michael J. Moore
Jenn Fergusen, At-Large Member
Monica T. Davis, At-Large Member
Field Work
This group is reserved for helping in the field when needed. This includes helping with signage and assisting when a truck is needed during each year.
Randy Deans
Stan Corbett
Omar Salazar
Derek Andrews
Past Presidents Committee
The Past-Presidents hold an annual breakfast meeting with the current President and Executive Director.
Bobby Boykin
Garland Holmes, Jr.
Perry Morrison
Dr. Frank L. Eagles
Buck Yelverton
Stephanie Batten
Chip Futrell