b. August 19, 1941

by Charles K. (Ken) McCotter, Jr., Christ Episcopal Church, New Bern, NC, 2016

Susan Moffat-Thomas moved to New Bern in 1981, beginning a career of service and leadership. For 30 years, before retiring in December 2014, Susan was the Executive Director of Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization established in 1979 to spearhead and coordinate the revitalization of New Bern’s downtown and redevelopment of its waterfront in partnership with the local government.

Susan’s downtown initiatives included facilitating and packaging economic development projects, strategic planning for future initiatives and comprehensive planning for the viability of downtown and waterfront areas and the organization of special events such as Mumfest. During her tenure, downtown’s public and private investment totaled $230 million with several hundred new business openings, major corridor and streetscape improvements, replacement of the Cunningham Bridge and a new Neuse River Bridge. Downtown is now a vibrant city center and a major tourist attraction.

Susan provided leadership for numerous projects and fundraising campaigns including Union Point Park, Council Bluff Green, James Reed Lane, restoration of the historic F-11 jet, Ship Hauling Machine, Baxter Street Clock and for three downtown master plans. At the request of United States District Judge Louise Flanagan, Susan organized meetings with community leaders, and government officials to express the importance of restoring the Federal Court Building which led to Congressional appropriations for the restoration of this historic building.

Christ Church rector, Ed Sharp, supported Susan in her efforts with Swiss Bear and provided input on many projects. When the old pool hall building across Pollock Street from the Church was demolished to develop an inner-block alleyway, Sharp and Moffat-Thomas were successful in getting the new alleyway named after the Rev. James Reed, first rector of Christ Church, in recognition of this 18th century pioneer in public education who helped establish North Carolina’s first incorporated school in New Bern in 1764. They also succeeded in getting the newly restored two-block waterfront park on the Neuse River to be officially named Council Bluff Green, honoring the historic site where the King of the Tuscororas met with the founder of New Bern and transferred to him land from the Chatawka village for the settlement of Swiss and German colonists in 1710.

Originally from Michigan, Susan received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA. She has four children, nine grandchildren, is married to John Clement Thomas and became a member of Christ Church soon after marrying John in May of 1997. She is active member in the community, serving on numerous local and state organizations, including the North Carolina Museum of History Associates, NC Aquarium Society, Carolina East Foundation, Craven Literacy Council and the New Bern Historical Society. She has received numerous honors and awards including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the most prestigious award presented by the Governor of North Carolina to individuals with a proven record of extraordinary service to the State.