Farewell Darlene

Nov 29, 2021 | About Town, Business Growth, Commercial real estate, Job Growth in University City, Neighborhoods, Small Business News, Uncategorized | 15 comments

Darlene Heater

I am grateful for:

  • The opportunities to grow and evolve this wonderful community,
  • A village of partners, stakeholders, advocates, and caring residents who believe in the future of this amazing place,
  • A talented team of professionals, both staff and vendors who do their very best to move projects and programs in the right direction to grow to our potential,
  • Government staff and elected officials who listen, learn and strategize to create the best University City,
  • Dedicated and hardworking public safety teams in our University City CMPD and CFD who grind through shifts, putting their lives on the line for all of us; and lastly,
  • The University City Partners Board of Directors who said yes to serving with us both through their counsel and by rolling up their sleeves to work by our side.

From the beginning, I committed to building this edge city, but also to building community. Together we have established a foundation of caring for our neighbors. Through the work of the UCity Family Zone, we are on the path to strengthening this groundwork and changing outcomes for so many. I am proud of how this community has come together to listen, learn and work collaboratively to support what people need to thrive. And I am humbled by the leadership and commitment from our University of North Carolina at Charlotte in this transformational endeavor.

As I turn the page, know that I am excited for the greatness that is in store for University City. Over the last eight years, our team has poured into the future of our community by shaping development, imagining new places, producing experiential events to bring people together, and constantly pushing for more and better. This incredibly talented UCP team will write the next chapter with all of us informing their work—and I am excited about that too. I can’t wait to see the new University City Vision Plan Connecting: People. Places. Nature. tie together our assets, idealize innovative ways for us to get around and build our own unique brand. Our community created this great plan, so let’s all stay behind it and push.

Cheers to the next chapter friends! It has been my greatest honor and privilege to serve you.

Darlene Heater

15 Comments

  1. Shannon Homesley on November 29, 2021 at 10:36 am

    Darlene, you’ve done a great job leading UCP and improving the University City area and you will be missed!

    • Christa Hovis on November 29, 2021 at 2:32 pm

      Thanks for all you have done! Congratulations! Best wishes to your new future ahead!

  2. Theresa M McDonald on November 29, 2021 at 10:37 am

    Best wishes for the next chapter, Darlene! We in Derita are thankful for your leadership at UCP. You will be missed!

  3. Theresa Rosa on November 29, 2021 at 10:38 am

    You and your work will be missed! Congrats on your next role.

    • Douglas Ehmann on November 29, 2021 at 11:58 am

      Can’t tell you how impactful Darlene has been not only to UCP but Charlotte as a whole. A real Superstar!

  4. Karen Rowland on November 29, 2021 at 10:41 am

    Darlene has been such an asset to our community! Where are you off to next? We will all miss you! I am retiring on January 6th So I too will be moving on to the next chapter. Darlene I wish you the best in all you do. I have enjoyed getting to know you.

  5. Moses Fox on November 29, 2021 at 10:45 am

    Darlene,

    You are a star who has given, created, build and poured into University City, staff, community partners, and vendors. Your service and grace have been a motivator for persons like myself who pushed to do more and contribute on a larger scale because you made me believe I could.

    Your impact on people is impeccable and it shows in the development of the UCity Family Zone, and all of the work that you have contributed to in your time in the city.

    I humbly bow to you to say thank you and a job well done!

    Best,

    Moses Fox, III

  6. Barbara Westphal on November 29, 2021 at 11:05 am

    Thank you for everything you have dreamed of and accomplished to make our community great. You will be missed! Best of luck in your new venture.

  7. Mary Catherine Turner on November 29, 2021 at 11:31 am

    Darlene, thank you for all you have done for the University City area….you will be missed

  8. Dagny McDonald on November 29, 2021 at 4:18 pm

    Well done Darlene… take a bow. UCP supported our 5K race, The University City Turkey Trot, when it was in its infancy. Your support helped us grow and thrive and now residents in the University area can run “local” on Thanksgiving Day. Thanks for your support back then. The University area is better due to your commitment and passion. Best of luck!

  9. Regina Davis on November 29, 2021 at 10:07 pm

    I wish you continued success on your future endeavors! It has been wonderful working with you and getting to know you.

  10. Keith Wassum on November 30, 2021 at 4:52 am

    Darlene,

    Thank you for your wonderful service to our community. You have done great things! We have been so fortunate to have your vision to imagine what we can be and the energy and leadership to move us forward. Your ability and efforts to create partnerships has been incredible and will be missed. Best of luck in your next chapter, my friend. You will be missed!

    With sincere and deep admiration and appreciation of your efforts!

    Keith

    • Renee Perkins Johnson, Charlotte City Council, District 4 on December 2, 2021 at 9:25 pm

      Darlene, it has been such a pleasure working with you over the past 2 years. Thank you for your vision and leadership! The legacy of your amazing work will last for generations! You will be missed

  11. Dr. Wolf, Dr. Pepper, and Michele Beck on November 30, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Darlene, Thank you for all you have done to build this community. We at Innovation Health have great memories of your leadership. Best wishes for your future endeavors.

  12. Peter Franz on December 8, 2021 at 9:38 am

    Darlene, best wishes on you future endeavors. You are leaving an amazing legacy of work. Your dedication to improving the University City area has been inspiring. I sincerely enjoyed working with you during your tenure and admired yourself commitment to improving UC for everyone.

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