Jeffrey Williford to lead Community Council for the Arts following 27-year Belk career
After nearly three decades of Belk, Jeffrey Williford is stepping into a new role at the heart of the city’s cultural life. Williford has been named the next Executive Director of the Community Council for the Arts (CCA), succeeding longtime director Sandy Landis, who retired earlier this year after 27 years of service.
Williford’s retirement as Belk’s store manager, effective August 2, was announced in a heartfelt post shared with customers and friends on social media this week. But his transition won’t take him far from the downtown core or the community he’s served for so long.
“I’ve always believed your impact on the community matters, no matter what role you’re in,” Williford said. “Whether you’re helping someone find a dress or planning a public art exhibit, it’s about creating a positive experience and making people feel seen.”
Williford brings with him a deep well of local knowledge and community connections. A familiar name in local civic life, he helped lead Belk Kinston through major initiatives, including receiving the Community Impact Award from the Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce and participating in pandemic recovery efforts. His visibility in Kinston has long extended beyond retail as he’s volunteered, partnered with nonprofits, and, in recent years, quietly supported local arts programming.
His connection to the Arts Council began with an unexpected conversation in a grocery store aisle.
“I ran into Sandy Landis one day, and she told me she’d always wanted to do a fashion camp,” Williford recalled. “From that moment on, I got involved and have participated every year since. That’s how it started.”
Landis, who served as executive director of CCA since the late 1990s, has helped shape Kinston’s creative ecosystem during years of both turbulence and renewal. Under her leadership, the Council launched youth arts programs, outdoor exhibits, gallery shows, and partnerships that reached across Eastern North Carolina.
Williford emphasized that honoring her legacy is a key part of his approach.
“Anytime I step into something new, I don’t look to change everything,” he said. “I look at what’s working and how we can build on that. I want to honor what Sandy has done and make it even better.”
He’ll have the opportunity to do just that, with Landis remaining involved to support the transition. Among Williford’s first tasks will be overseeing the Council’s fall fundraiser and learning the day-to-day operations of the organization.
His broader goals include expanding outreach to rural areas in Lenoir County and creating events that connect different corners of the community.
“I want all parts of our county to feel represented in the arts,” he said. “Whether that means hosting events in different communities or partnering with other councils, it’s important that everyone feels welcome and invited.”
Williford also sees a central role for the Council in the continued revitalization of downtown Kinston, where it occupies a historic building on North Queen Street.
“We’ve got a beautiful space that should be filled with people and creativity,” he said. “Whether it’s hosting weddings, community meetings, or exhibits, we want to show off what downtown has to offer.”
As he looks to his next chapter, Williford says his gratitude for the Kinston community remains constant.
“The support I’ve felt over the years at Belk through the good times and the hard times has meant everything to me,” he said. “I’m thankful, and I hope to continue serving this community in new and meaningful ways.”
Though he’s stepping away from the manager’s desk, Williford won’t be disappearing entirely from Belk. He plans to continue working part-time at the store while taking on full-time responsibilities at the Arts Council.
“This isn’t goodbye,” he said in his announcement. “It’s just see you next time you’re here.”
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