Roy Palmer is the Executive Director of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum nonprofit. In this role, he oversees the organization’s strategic direction, conservation efforts, educational initiatives, community programming, and long-term sustainability. Before this, he served as the Curator of Education and Collections at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico. Roy has a background in public history, archaeology, and community-driven programming.
Theresa Mathis came to Wilson, North Carolina as the new Director of student activities at Barton College. After five years of working with the college, she transitioned over to a new position with the City Of wilson as a community event planner in the human relations office. Along with event planning, she became the advisor of the wilson youth Council.
During her time at Barton College, she became active on the planning team of the Whirligig Festival connecting college students as volunteers. After a few years of serving on the team, in multiple roles, she stepped up to be director of the festival. She has now served in that role for over a dozen years and is working hard to lead this year‘s plans as they celebrate the 20th anniversary.
Jimmy Pridgen is the manager of the City of Wilson’s Water Reclamation Facility. He has served in that role for almost 14 years. Prior to serving as manager, he was the Operations & Maintenance Supervisor for two years and the Pretreatment Coordinator for six years.
Jimmy began his wastewater career working as a Laboratory Technician with Microbac Laboratories here in Wilson. He worked mostly second shift during the early years while he completed his BS degree in Chemistry at East Carolina University. While at Microbac, Jimmy accumulated a total of 7 years of experience in environmental, food chemistry, agricultural, and pharmaceutical analysis and along the way, transitioned to the role of Chemist. Jimmy eventually left Microbac and began working with the City of Wilson Water Reclamation Facility.
Jimmy also works as a part-time instructor with Wilson Community College where he teaches certification classes to those looking to start careers in wastewater treatment or current operators looking to move up in their careers. In his remaining spare time, he volunteers as a member of the Wilson Fair Board.
Jimmy was born and raised in Wilson and in addition to East Carolina University, he is also a proud graduate of Beddingfield High School and loves calling Wilson home. He has been married to his wonderful wife Tonya for 14 years and they have one 18-year-old cat named TT.
Emily Wells is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Greenlight Community Broadband and Gig East. She has been with the City of Wilson for four years. Emily received her Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication from UNC Wilmington. She is a member of the Junior Women’s Club of Wilson and serves as the marketing and social media chairperson for the NC Whirligig Festival.
In 1992 Chief William Scott Biddle began his law enforcement career with the Wilson Police Department as a patrol officer. After approximately two years, Chief Biddle was transferred to the Bicycle and Street Crimes Unit and also began serving on the Wilson Police Department Special Response Team. After Approximately a year, Chief Biddle was assigned to run the Burglary Task Force.
In 1999, Chief Biddle was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to the Field Operations Division and was assigned to run a Patrol Team. In 2002 Chief Biddle was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to run the West District of the City of Wilson.
In 2006, Chief Biddle was promoted to Captain and assigned to the Support Services Division where he managed the Investigations and Administrative Divisions of the Wilson Police Department. In 2012, Chief Biddle was transferred to the Field Operations Division and managed the Patrol Function of the Wilson Police Department. In 2014, Chief Biddle was appointed as Major and managed the Field Operations Division of the Wilson Police Department. Chief Biddle has been very active in the Community, volunteering with several Boards of Directors and nonprofit organizations throughout the City of Wilson. Chief Biddle during this time was appointed to represent the Wilson Police Department on the 20/20 Vision Task Force Youth Master Plan to address youth violence and Safety. One aspect was to develop a response plan to schools in the event of an active shooter or other emergency event. The plan developed was awarded the State of North Carolina Emergency Management Directors Award.
Throughout his career, Chief Biddle has been very active working with the Youth of Wilson and the Community volunteering for Boards of Directors and Coaching Youth Sports. In 2017, the United Way of Wilson awarded Chief Biddle with the Leon Wilson Live United Humanitarian Award for his contribution to the United Way and the City of Wilson. In 2020, the City of Wilson recognized Chief Biddle as their Paul Stevens Humanitarian of the Year which is recognition of his lifelong participation in the City of Wilson Community outreach and especially youth programs. Chief Biddle remains active in the community working with the Wilson Police Department PAL program, which he helped found in 1994. Chief Biddle has coached youth baseball with the Wilson Parks and Recreation Little League and the Wilson Boys and Girls Club for more than 20 years. Chief Biddle also coaches Middle School Football and Baseball at Toisnot Middle School
Chief William Scott Biddle has earned the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, graduated from the Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP) from North Carolina State University and earned a general instructors certification from North Carolina Training and Standards.
Chief William Scott Biddle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from West Virginia University.
Wilson Rotary toured the Wilson Senior Center today.
Martin Evans started his photography career as a photojournalist at age 16 in the Washington DC area. At 19, he joined the US Marine Corp with the goal of traveling and photographing the world. In Washington DC, Martin was a staff photojournalist at The Journal Newspapers and a regional photographer for Clipper Magazine. During that time, Martin also traveled to third world nations documenting political unrest, poverty and medical relief efforts with Non-Governmental Organizations.
Martin became a freelance photojournalist and documentary photographer in 2012. He has had personal shows at Gallery B in Washington DC, the University of North Carolina School of Social Work and at A Place at the Table in Raleigh North Carolina. He earned his White House photo credentials in 2015. Martin currently lives in Raleigh NC where he works on personal projects and mentors emerging artists.(Photo shot in Raleigh North Carolina USA – 2020)
Matthew Ghirarda’s life has been deeply intertwined with the fabric of Scouting since his formative years in Somerville, MA. From his earliest days, he found a second home in the woods and fields of T.L. Storer Scout Camp in Barnstead, NH, where he spent numerous summers immersed in the joys of outdoor adventure and camaraderie.
His professional journey in Scouting began in earnest with the former Boston Minuteman Council, where he honed his skills as a Program Specialist, crafting engaging experiences for young scouts across the region. Earning recognition for his dedication, he assumed the role of Camp Director at his beloved home camp for three rewarding summers.
Seeking new horizons, Matthew transitioned to the Katahdin Area Council in Bangor, ME, where he embraced the challenges and rewards of serving as a District Executive across three diverse districts. Among his many responsibilities was overseeing the vibrant summer program at Camp Roosevelt, catering to both Scouts and Cub Scouts, in some of Maine’s most remote areas.
Continuing his journey of service and leadership, Matthew took on roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as a District Director with the Nashua Valley Council in Lancaster, MA, before assuming the mantle of Program Director for the Seneca Waterways Council in Rochester, NY. His dedication to fostering meaningful experiences for scouts led him to serve as Reservation Director for Massawepie Scout Camps in Tupper Lake, NY, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Adirondacks.
Matthew’s passion for Scouting has taken him across the country, where he has left an indelible mark on the scouting community. From his role as Director of Camping with the Daniel Webster Council in Manchester, NH, to his tenure as a Senior District Executive with the Mississippi Valley Council in Quincy, IL, and as a Program Director with the Heart of New England Council in Rutland, MA, his commitment to scouting excellence has been unwavering.
A testament to his dedication, Matthew is Wood Badge Trained and has been honored with the Vigil Honor of the Order of the Arrow, reflecting his deep commitment to the values and traditions of Scouting.
Beyond his professional achievements, Matthew finds fulfillment in his enduring partnership with his wife, Danielle, of 20 years. Together, they share a love for the great outdoors, often found hiking and exploring the diverse landscapes of the regions they call home. With his boundless enthusiasm and unwavering dedication, Matthew Ghirarda continues to inspire and empower scouts to embrace the spirit of adventure and service, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Senior ResidentSuperior Court Judge — Superior Court Judicial District 8B & 8C Wilson andEdgecombe Counties, State of North Carolina
Judge Wiggins is currently the Senior Resident Superior CourtJudge for Judicial District 8B and 8C which encompasses portions of both WilsonCounty and Edgecombe County, North Carolina. He was initially appointed to theposition by Governor Roy A. Cooper on March 29,
2018 and was subsequently elected and sworn to a full-termbeginning January 1, 2019. As a Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, JudgeWiggins has presided over numerous complex civil and criminal matters in 40+counties throughout the State of North Carolina. Further, he has adminisfrativeand other staffing responsibilities for a Superior Court Judicial District thatencompasses two contiguous NC counties that have a diverse demographicpopulation in excess 140,000+/- individuals. He is a graduate of North CarolinaState University where he obtained a BA degree in Political Science.Afterwards, he went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from the North CarolinaCentral University School of Law.
Prior to serving on the Bench, Judge Wiggins was engaged inthe General Practice of Law that included such disciplines as criminal andcivil trial advocacy, residential and commercial real estate transactions,estate administration and municipal law. As a trial lawyer, Judge Wiggins tried100 +/- cases to jury verdict. He has been duly licensed as a legalpractitioner in the State of Nonh Carolina for 30 years.
Judge Wiggins has a lengthy record of public service. He wasa Member of the Rocky Mount City Council from December, 1997 to April, 2018 andupon ascending to service on the Bench, had Oventy years of continuous publicservice to the citizens of the City of Rocky Mount. During his service as aCity Council member, he has served as Mayor Pro Tem on four separate occasions.Additionally, he also served as Chair of the Twin County TransportationCouncil; Former Member – Eastern North Carolina Metropolitan TransportationPlanning Consortium and as a former member of the North Carolina League ofMunicipalities Board of Directors, where he served as Chair or Chair ofmultiple Committees. Additionally, Judge Wiggins has also serves or has servedthe community in the following capacities and affiliations; Former Member -Carolinas Gateway Partnership Board of Directors; Member – Alpha Omicron
Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fratemity, Inc.,; Former Member —NC Wesleyan College Board of
Trustees; Former Executive Board Member – East CarolinaCouncil Boy Scouts of America (Whitney Young Award Recipient); BoardMember/Vice Chair – The Wright’s Center Adult Day Health Activity Center;Fonner Member – Fountain Correctional Center Community Resource and as a FormerMember – City of Rocky Mount Redevelopment Commission.
Judge Wiggins is a Rocky Mount, NC native and an Eagle ScoutAwardee. His wife, Robin, is a career public educator. His father, LeonardWiggins, is the current chair of the Edgecombe County, NC Board ofCommissioners. His mother, Selma Wiggins, is a retired career educator.
