As the days grow longer and the world around us begins to bloom, our spring issue is a celebration of the fresh starts, vibrant communities and inspiring individuals who make our county thrive. Our eighth annual Women’s Issue highlights locals who are shaping the region in business, the arts and beyond, from trailblazers in law and construction to entrepreneurs and community leaders. Their stories remind us that success comes in many forms and that our community is stronger when we uplift and support one another. Meet our 2025 Women of Achievement on page 55.
This issue also embraces the wonders of spring, with plenty of ideas for getting outside. Explore our local parks and farms, discover fresh finds at your nearest farmers market or draw inspiration from the thriving gardens and vibrant colors in this issue’s home feature.
We also take a closer look at the changing landscape of Chatham County – from new businesses and commercial developments (page 128) to the powerful symbolism behind “Windstone,” the public sculpture now standing tall in downtown Pittsboro. This new feature, Shifting Focus, is a space we will use to showcase local creativity and unique history.
And as always, we’re here to help you make the most of life in Chatham, from not-to-miss events (page 10) to our Best of Chatham 2025 poll launching May 1. Learn more about how to vote or nominate your favorite business on page 52, and be sure to sign up for our email list using the QR code, below right, to be notified when polling goes live!
We hope the people and projects in these pages leave you feeling a sense of hope for what’s to come and the many ways we can all grow together. – Morgan Cartier Weston, managing editor
THE WOMEN’S ISSUE
56 Claire Coffey
CEO, Intrepid Build
60 Norma Jisselle Perdomo
Managing attorney, Perdomo Law Firm PLLC
62 Julia Kopacz
Founder, Old Apex Bee Company
66 Eva Green
Artist, Rabbit Patch Baskets
70 Samantha Brykailo
Marketing & wholesale manager, Carolina Brewery
74 Joan Cunningham
Board chair, Chatham Animal Rescue & Education
76 Karen Tiwana
Dentist and owner, Chatham Dental Arts
78 Lesley L. Landis
Graphic designer
82 Jean MacDonald
CEO, Business Brewing
KIDS & FAMILY
44 Future Focused
Four high school students forge their paths to college and beyond
84 Spring Into the Season
Take advantage of the many parks, farms and outdoor venues in our backyard
HOME & GARDEN
96 Life in Color
A cheery transformation makes this home more fun – and functional – for the whole family
120 Fresh Finds, Friendly Faces
Discover your local farmers market
FEATURES
26 Shifting Focus
‘Windstoneʼ by Phil Hathcock
32 Double the Charm
Spend a day exploring the downtowns of nearby Cary and Apex
DEPARTMENTS
4 A Note From Our New Company President
8 Letter From the Managing Editor
10 Out & About
6 events you won’t want to miss
38 Who’s Who in Town & County Government
Tylr Stinson, director of Siler City Parks and Recreation
128 Here We Grow Again
Commercial development updates, plus a look at upcoming projects
PEOPLE & PLACES
14 Chatham Artists Guild Studio Tour
16 Chatham Chamber of Commerce Gala
18 Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Opening
22 Former Chatham County Manager Receives Old North State Award
24 Chatham County’s 2024 Employees of the Year
ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING
134 Stephenson & Stone
136 Cockman & McIntyre
COMING SOON
52 Vote in Best of Chatham 2025
Our annual poll returns May 1! Learn how to vote for your favorites.
