Sound Rivers Board

Cornelia McGee joined the Board of Directors in January 2025, bringing with her a history of working with Sound Rivers to keep the Tar-Pamlico beautiful. While she currently serves as Director of Community Development for the City of Rocky Mount, she was first introduced to Sound Rivers as the Keep America Beautiful coordinator for Nash and Edgecombe counties, a role she held from 2006 to 2018. In that capacity, she met Executive Director Heather Deck through cleanups along the Tar.

Cornelia brings to the board a wealth of experience in working with Tar River communities and stakeholders, as well as a passion for improving the community in both appearance and by creating economic opportunities.

“I hope to bring my skillset and knowledge regarding litter prevention, stormwater issues and educating people regarding environmental concerns to the board,” Cornelia said. “I’m happy to be a part of Sound Rivers board.”

As Director of Community Development, and with the Keep America Beautiful program now falling under her department, Cornelia’s main focus is quality of life for community members, which includes the health and beauty of the river.