Former New Hanover County Airport Authority Chairwoman Donna Girardot has been tapped as CIL Capital’s chief strategy officer. 

Girardot (pictured left) wrapped up her eight-year tenure as chairwoman of the airport authority last month and has a depth of expertise in local government and business functions, having served on a number of local boards. 

CIL Capital is in the midst of building and planning industrial space at the Wilmington International Airport (ILM) Business Park, after securing multiple land leases over the past year. The company is planning to introduce more than 1 million square feet of cold storage space to service the pharmaceutical industry at the park. 

The real estate investment company services the logistics sector, according to a release. As chief strategy officer, Girardot “will evaluate the company’s overall business portfolio, plans for mergers and acquisitions, competitive dynamics, organization capabilities, government regulation, strategic risks and local real estate acquisitions” and “partner with institutional leadership, special committees and consultants in support and execution of CIL initiatives.”

CIL Capital CEO Michael Hockett highlighted Girardot’s range of experience and understanding of the local market. “Donna’s vast experience and understanding of the Wilmington area is invaluable as we expand our services in the region,” he said in the release. “Her thorough attention to detail and ability to lead through challenges with such grace drives everyone on our team to achieve and excel because of her great example.”

In 2018, Girardot was ILM’s first female airport authority chair. In 2020, she was awarded the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine. She was also recently elected to a fourth term on the New Hanover County Planning Board.