Our New CVB Board for the 2025-2026 year was approved by our Sampson County Board of Commissioners in June 2025.
The Sampson County Convention and Visitors Bureau’s primary mission is to market and promote Sampson County, its assets, and its industry partners to attract business and leisure travelers. The CVB Board Members consist of 12 Voting Members, 2 Non-Voting Ex-Officio Members, and 1 Executive Director. The Sampson County CVB Board Members are as follows:
Wally Bashlor – Chair of the CVB Board and Owner, Remedy by Jess, Simply Brew Coffee Company
The Bashlor’s are local to Sampson County and also own and operate Remedy By Jess and Simply Brew Coffee, both in downtown Clinton. (A handmade specialty skincare & home fragrance company). The Bashlor’s are excited to start this new adventure and would be honored to assist you with guest reservations and event planning.
Denise Rentz – Secretary of the CVB Board and Owner, The Historic Herring House
Denise and her husband Daniel are the owners of the Historic Herring House formerly the Richert Inn. Denise has a background with non-profits in event planning, volunteer organization, and public speaking. She is excited to live, work and serve in Sampson County.
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Sharad Surati – Owner, The Inn at Clinton and The Comfort Inn
Sharad Surati lives in Clinton and is the owner / operator of the Inn at Clinton and The Comfort Inn.
Dana Horne – Owner, Twisted Vines Vineyard
Dana Horne is representing the promotion of travel and tourism in Sampson County. Dana and her husband Tracy is the owner of Twisted Vines Vineyard, that has recently opened as an event venue in Sampson County.
Roy Patel – Owner, Days Inn
Roy is the owner and operator of Days Inn of Clinton NC. Mr. Roy Patel purchased Days Inn in January, 2017. He serves as representing the lodging providers, due to the occupancy tax funding in the county and has been an important member of the Sampson County CVB board.
Garrett Bryant – Director of City of Clinton Recreation and Parks Department
Mr. Bryant serves as the Director of City of Clinton’s Recreation and Parks Department. The CVB Board has unanimously voted to recommend Mr. Bryant to succeed Ms. Summerlyn Faircloth on the Board. His ongoing efforts in promoting tourism through recreational programming make him a strong candidate for this role. This would be Mr. Bryant’s first term on the CVB Board.
Kay Raynor – Retired, President of the Sampson County History Museum
Ms. Kay Raynor, a member of the Clinton Main Street’s Promotion Committee, has been instrumental in working with local businesses and promoting downtown events and activities, Ms. Raynor also serves as President of the Sampson County History Museum, working to create an impactful destination that can attract visitors from around the state to the heart of this county. She also has been very instrumental in the Barn Quilt Project of Sampson County. She is an asset to the CVB Board.
Ryan Roberts – Owner, R & R Brewing
The CVB Board also recommends Mr. Ryan Roberts for appointment to the seat previously held by Mr. Joel Rose. Mr. Roberts is the owner of R & R Brewing, with locations in Mount Olive and a new site opening in Downtown Clinton. His entrepreneurial experience and commitment to local economic development positions him as an excellent advocate for Sampson County.
Wendy Dorman – Owner, Ranch QD Farm and Farm Stay
Wendy Dorman is a active representative in the promotion of travel and tourism in Sampson County and Sampson County Lodging Providers. She owns her farm, with her husband, and also is an Event Manager for her own Event Business in Clinton, NC
Kullen Bell – Vice Chair of the CVB Board and Owner, Coharie River Tours
Kullen Bell is the owner of Coharie River Tours and brings visitors to the rivers for kayaking and canoeing in Sampson County. Kullen promotes travel and tourism with his presence on the CVB Board and with his business.
Sheila Barefoot – CVB Executive Director and Clerk of the CVB Board
Ms. Barefoot became our Tourism Executive Director in January 2016. She is originally from Roxboro, NC, and now resides in Newton Grove, NC.
As Executive Director, Sheila’s primary responsibilities are promoting and marketing Sampson County to the traveling public and work to establish Sampson County as a destination for meetings, events, group tours, day-trips and conventions. She handles media inquiries about area attractions, SCCVB news, as well as, festivals and events. In addition, Sheila works with local businesses to develop programs that will support their businesses in a manner that will expand and grow the travel industry within Sampson County. She has also served as President, Vice President and Treasurer of the Sampson County Hospital Foundation and currently serves as Treasurer of North Carolina Coast Host.
Ray Jordan – Treasurer of the CVB Board, Past Chair – Executive Director of Economic Development Commission
Mr. Jordan currently serves as Executive Director of Economic Development Commission. He is a founding member of the Sampson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he served as Chairman from 2008 until 2016 and is currently serving as Treasurer. Mr. Jordan also serves on the Board of Directors of the Sampson Arts Council, Inc. Over the years, he has served on numerous boards of local and statewide organizations.
JP Duncan – City Manager
Duncan comes to Clinton from the Town of Robersonville, where he currently serves as Town Manager. According to a City of Clinton press release, “Duncan has a solid background in organizational administration, local government finance, planning and development and public works operations.”.
Sampson County CFO
This is a permanent position on the CVB Board.
