Phillip E. Otienoburu “Dr. O” named Charlotte Center City Partners’ new SVP of Community Development 

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Charlotte Center City Partners President and CEO Michael Smith is pleased to announce that Phillip Otienoburu “Dr. O” has been named SVP of Community Development. Most recently, that position was held by Rick Thurmond. Rick is now CCCP‘s Chief Marketing Officer. 

“I am excited to add Dr. O’s more than 20 years of experience in leadership, community and team building, convening, and deep experience in economic and environmental sustainability to our team,” said Smith. “Dr. O joins our Executive Leadership Team and brings a solid track record of convening diverse groups of stakeholders to tackle complex issues.” 

Dr. O holds an MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and a PhD from The Ohio State University, which has provided him with a unique perspective on the intersection of business and community development. 

“I’m excited to join Charlotte Center City Partners in this new role,” said Dr. O. “I’m eager to serve the residents and businesses of our Center City, and to work for an organization that embodies the true spirit of our shared aspiration for a vibrant and inclusive community.” 

Dr. O and the Community Development team will build community and manage the place in Uptown and South End through strategic programming, placemaking, advocacy, convening and communication. They will leverage the collective resources and relationships of CCCP to advocate on behalf of and in support of residential and business stakeholders. He will work closely with the Center City Ambassador team and will be responsible for selected special projects including our partnership initiatives with Envision Charlotte, an environmental sustainability organization. 

In his previous positions as a sector leader at Self-Help Credit Union & Venture Fund and a tenured professor at Johnson C. Smith University, Dr. O honed his considerable skills in community building and community development. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Sustain Charlotte. 

Dr. O lives in the Charlotte area with his wife and two sons. He joined the CCCP team on February 1.