Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE) chose Jerod Patterson as the business advocacy group's next president and CEO.

Patterson, currently corporate affairs director for the city of Wilmington, succeeds Tyler Newman, who left the role to become the New Hanover Community Endowment's vice president of external affairs.

According to a news release, BASE, an alliance of businesses and associations, promotes economic investment and sustainable development in Southeastern North Carolina.

Patterson, who has served in executive leadership for the city since 2020, has 17 years of government affairs experience as a strategist, advisor and communicator in Texas and North Carolina, the release stated.

His first day with BASE is May 12.
 
“Over the years, BASE has developed a reputation as a key collaborator with public and private sectors alike to advance forward-thinking policies and sound growth strategies. I am honored to step into this role and build upon such a strong foundation. We are at a pivotal moment in our region’s history, as homegrown industries expand and more and more people and businesses discover the incredible opportunity here," Patterson stated in the release. "The decisions we make in the years ahead will determine our future for generations to come, and BASE’s effective advocacy for smart and sustainable growth has never been more important to ensure our future prosperity and quality of life."
 
BASE’s membership and activity span Brunswick, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties, according to the release.

In addition to serving numerous businesses and industry leaders, BASE is a strategic advocacy partner for the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association, Cape Fear Realtors, Brunswick County Association of Realtors, Brunswick County Home Builders Association, Jacksonville Board of Realtors and Topsail Island Association of Realtors, the release stated.
 
“BASE is comprised of 60-plus businesses and associations who recognize that we can more effectively shape our community’s future by working together. This is not just where we work, it is where we live and raise our families. That is why we are so passionate about growing the right way. On behalf of our members, I am excited to welcome Jerod as our organization’s new president and CEO, and to work together to build community momentum behind a shared vision for a prosperous future,” stated Wilmington-based developer Jason Swain, who chairs BASE’s board of directors, in the release.
 
Patterson is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, from which he holds three degrees, including a doctorate in government, according to the release. He also holds a master of divinity degree from Wake Forest University.

He serves as chair of stewardship at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington and on the executive board of the New Hanover Disaster Coalition, according to the release. In 2022, Patterson was named a 40-Under-40 honoree by the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and StarNews Media.