RALEIGH, N.C. (January 16, 2024) – WakeUP Wake County is pleased to announce the hiring of Denzel Burnside as the organization’s new Executive Director. With a wealth of experience in grassroots community activism and advocacy, Denzel joins our dynamic team ready to engage community leaders and area residents toward successful long-term, sustainable growth planning to help ensure Wake County is a region where all can thrive.
As Executive Director, Denzel will work closely with WakeUP’s board of directors and lead grassroots advocacy efforts in helping convene, educate, and mobilize Wake County residents and community leaders around issues that ensure social, economic, and environmental sustainability for our region. He will be responsible for leading community discussions and policy action around affordable housing, transit access, climate action, and land use planning. Investing in these areas as a strategic and intentional step to growth planning allows us to preserve the environment and mitigate climate change while tackling issues like poverty, social inclusivity, and fostering long-term economic growth – advocating for changes that can be made today to set our community up for a healthier tomorrow.
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to lead WakeUp Wake County as Executive Director and eager to propel the organization forward. With a genuine purpose in mind, I look forward to actualizing my vision for positive change in areas like affordable housing, transit, climate, and social justice, enhancing the quality of life for residents. This role signifies a higher calling, and I’m excited to drive the organization toward impactful conversations and meaningful progress.” -Denzel Burnside, Executive Director for WakeUP Wake County.
Denzel’s former roles include environmental activism and campaign management with Climate Nexis and Dogwood Alliance, and he currently serves on the City of Raleigh’s Environmental Advisory Board He has spent time as a community organizer, campaign manager, political educator & consultant, and as a public speaker. He holds a B.A. from Florida International University, a Public Policy Certificate from the National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics, and is a registered NC lobbyist.
“Denzel’s background brings the right combination of environmental advocacy, community organizing, and passion for change. We look forward to his leadership in engaging Wake County communities at a deeper level, insuring a diversity of voices are engaged on issues around sustainable growth,” -Tom Barrie, WakeUP Wake County Board Chair
Denzel will begin his role on Jan. 17, 2024, and will be introduced to the community at WakeUP’s January 23rd annual event “Thriving Communities: Connecting the Pieces”. Learn more about the event and registration here.
Media Contact:
Chris Herndon, Interim Executive Director
(317) 679-1046
chris@wakeupwakecounty.org
Tom Barrie, Board Chair
(919) 605-1476
tmbarrie@ncsu.edu
About WakeUP Wake County
WakeUP Wake County is a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization that leads public engagement on housing, transportation, climate change, and other land use issues in the Triangle region. WakeUP’s mission is to ensure healthy and sustainable communities for all residents in the region by educating both citizens and policy-makers about how the region should plan for growth with a focus on social equity, environmental health, and economic viability. Learn more at www.wakeupwakecounty.org and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Armstrong McGuire
Armstrong McGuire Nonprofit Development | Armstrong McGuire performed the executive search. Since opening their doors in 2004, they have remained rooted in their unwavering commitment to use their time and talents to empower and uplift nonprofit leaders and equip organizations for growth and impact.