Q&A Series: Confidence, purpose and faith

Meet Magnolia Mayor Dawn Ward

Each week, Duplin Journal highlights a community member whose hard work and dedication represent the spirit of Duplin County. This week, Duplin Journal invited Magnolia Mayor Dawn Ward for a Q&A session.

As the Mayor of Magnolia, Ward plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging among residents, involving them in the town’s decision-making process, and ensuring their opinions are considered in shaping the town’s future. Her role in guiding the town’s development is vital to sustaining the community’s well-being and bringing people together to achieve common goals.

Ward’s leadership models resilience with a solution-oriented mindset, highlighting the importance of adapting to challenges and staying optimistic, even when faced with difficulties like adverse weather or community skepticism, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everyone, regardless of differences, contributes to making Magnolia a great place to live.

In this Q&A, Ward reflects on her learning journey in public office. She speaks with humility about serving as the mayor for the first time and concludes with a reflection on the diversity of Magnolia and the value it brings to the town.

How has your life changed since you were sworn in as mayor of Magnolia in December 2023?
My life since being sworn in as mayor has been one continual state of learning. People often ask me what I think about being Mayor of Magnolia, and my response every time is, “It has been an education.” Becoming mayor has truly been a case of  “I didn’t know what I didn’t know.”

What has been the most surprising part of this new chapter for you?
The most surprising part has been learning how much is required on a day-to-day basis to keep a town, even the size of Magnolia, operating. Although, I have also learned that, regardless of the size of the town, the needs are much the same. It is simply about scale.

In what ways has your involvement with the North Carolina League of Municipalities Legislative Committee shaped your approach to governance and your role as mayor?
Being appointed to the Legislative Policy Committee for this biennium was a huge honor. Having an opportunity to participate in the process that helped to shape the North Carolina League of Municipalities’ advocacy goals was an education unto itself. I would not say it has shaped my approach to governance per se. However, it did afford me the chance to collaborate with other elected officials and gain insight as to how small and large municipalities are similar and how they differ.

What advice would you offer to young women who aspire to take on leadership roles in government?
I would tell them to know who they are. That they are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and they are God’s masterpiece created in Christ Jesus to do good works that God prepared in advance for them to do. (Ephesians 2:10) To walk boldly in that knowledge.

As mayor, what have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far, and what achievements or moments are you most proud of in your tenure?
One of the biggest challenges has been dealing with an aging infrastructure, particularly with water and sewer. Another challenge has been working to earn the trust of the residents. There has been some turnover in the last few years in both elected officials and staff. I think that led to some folks feeling like their voices were not being heard, while others felt distrustful.

That, however, leads me to answer the second part of your question. I think the moment that most stands out in my memory since taking office was the tree lighting Magnolia hosted on Dec. 6, 2024. It was about 22 degrees that night, so we had no idea if anyone would even show up. About 150 people enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carols, crafts, pictures with Santa, and, of course, the tree lighting itself. Our diverse population was represented that night, and a good time was had by all. I still get teary-eyed when I think of it.

Another proud moment was the summer feeding program in which Magnolia partnered with Duplin County Schools last year. We became aware of the food scarcity issues being faced by some of the children in our town, and residents came together to not only find a solution but to bring that solution to the town very quickly.

What exciting projects or initiatives are you currently working on, and what are you most looking forward to in the future for Magnolia?
We have several projects/initiatives in the works. As you know, Magnolia learned last month we have been awarded $6.9 million in grants for five different water and sewer infrastructure projects. Once completed, they are going to be a huge “shot in the arm,” if you will, for the town. Our new town manager, Charles Banks, was also able to recover a grant for our library that is going to be used to do repairs to the building. The plan is to use the former library as a community building where various events can be held to benefit both young and old alike. Also, thanks to our local faith communities in Magnolia, we will be having an Easter event, including an egg hunt, on April 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the park.

How do you see residents and local community organizations contributing to the economic growth and future development of Magnolia? What steps are being taken to foster greater collaboration with them?
Earlier this year, we conducted a community land use survey. We offered the survey in both English and Spanish and received responses in both. The residents had good suggestions as to what they would like to see for the future growth of Magnolia. Most agreed they want to see Magnolia attract more businesses, update the park and add more activities for children. The general consensus was in fostering growth while maintaining a small-town feel. To aid with the direction of this development, the town has formed a planning board again. It had its first meeting on Monday, March 17 and will meet the first Monday of each month.
Our faith communities collaborating together to host the upcoming Easter event is one example of the role local organizations can play in contributing to Magnolia’s forward progression as a town. Duplin County Child Nutrition Services has reached out to ask if Magnolia would like to be an official host site for their summer feeding program this year. I have already spoken with members of my Mayor’s Advisory Council about this initiative and asked for their assistance in recruiting volunteers for us to bring this program back to Magnolia for a second summer, but this time, as an official site for the entirety of the summer program. I will be reaching out to our faith-based communities to enlist their assistance as well. It is said that “it takes a village” to raise children, and ensuring Magnolia’s children are not hungry during the summer months is no exception.
I think the biggest way we are trying to foster collaboration is through inclusivity. Our current board of commissioners, town manager, chief of police, staff and I want our residents to know they all matter, and we want them to have a seat at the table. We want their voices to be heard. In an effort to ensure our Spanish-speaking residents feel included, we have begun publishing in both English and Spanish on our social media. Flyers related to upcoming town events are also presented in both languages. We have two staff members who are fluent in Spanish and can lend assistance should the need arise.

I think it is important to reiterate my earlier point, which is, we are all created in the image of God. We may look and sound different, but that is one of the things that makes Magnolia such a great place to live. The diversity of its people. I am humbled and privileged to be the mayor of such a town.

What do you do in your spare time?
My husband and I are empty nesters. You may find us taking the Jeep out for a day at the beach or our RV on an extended trip. We are both avid readers, so sometimes my spare time is spent simply relaxing beside one another, reading a book.

What was the last book you read?
During School Hours by Joel Penton. He is the founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy, a nonprofit ministry that provides religious education for public school students during school hours. It is based on an approach called “released time religious instruction” that allows public school students to leave school during the day for off-campus religious instruction, provided certain legal requirements are met.

Where’s your favorite place to eat in Duplin County?
This a tough one. It really depends on my mood. Lol, I am not able to narrow it down to one, so I will have to pick two: The Rose Hill Restaurant and The Filling Station.

What, in your opinion, is the best thing about Duplin County?
Hands down, the people and their resilience. That spirit of neighbor helping neighbor.