Jennifer Rigby was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer in June 2020 after serving New Hanover County as the Policy and Strategy Coordinator for nearly four years. Jennifer has helped lead the development of policies that advance the county's strategic plan and its priorities of public health, safety, education and workforce development. She began working for New Hanover County in 2013 as senior planner and project manager for the county's first Comprehensive Plan. Her background is in long range, strategic planning and public service in Wilmington, NC and Greenville, SC.
Rigby received a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the College of Charleston and holds an American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) certification from the American Planning Association. She is a graduate of the UNCW/NHC SERVE Professional Development Academy, the UNC School of Government LGFCU Fellows Program, and Leadership Wilmington.
Rigby's commitment to public service began though an internship with Mayor Joe Riley of Charleston, SC when she attended the College of Charleston. Jennifer enjoys helping New Hanover County achieve the vision of being a vibrant, prosperous, diverse coastal community committed to building a sustainable future for generations to come. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, running and playing tennis with friends, reading, and volunteering in the community.