2025 GRCVB ANNUAL MEETING

Gina Stephens, publisher, Raleigh Magazine
Media veteran Gina Stephens is the founder and publisher of Raleigh Magazine, launched in 2015 to chronicle the people, places and events that shape Raleigh. She's a North Carolina native with more than 20 years of industry experience, including founding and co-owning Midtown Magazine and Cary Living. She began her media career in television, working for ABC and NBC affiliates in Top 25 markets as a newscast producer and managing editor, leading Emmy Award-winning special projects. Alumna of the University of Georgia's Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Gina is a mother of four and lives in North Raleigh.

Steven Devereaux Greene, executive chef, Herons at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Voted a semifinalist for the Best Chef: Southeast by the James Beard Foundation in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020, chef Steven Greene's tenure with The Umstead Hotel and Spa began in 2009 as chef de cuisine, where Greene guided Herons to its first Forbes Five-Star rating. Greene took over Herons in 2014 and, as executive chef, oversees all food and beverage operations. His passion for using ingredients and products from the rich Piedmont region drives beautifully refined culinary experiences and is evident daily in The Umstead's award-winning dining program.

Cheetie Kumar, proprietor/chef, Ajja
An India- and Bronx-raised Southerner and musician, chef Cheetie Kumar earned two James Beard Foundation Award nominations (and five semifinalist nods) for Best Chef: Southeast for her multicultural menus that blended the flavors of South Asia and the surrounding regions with local agriculture at the beloved Garland, which closed in 2022. Her newest venture, Ajja (owned alongside Paul Siler), builds on the legacy of Garland and continues telling the rich story of North Carolina's growers, farmers and purveyors in a vibrant indoor-outdoor neighborhood restaurant.

Christopher Prieto, head barbecue nerd/owner, Prime Barbecue 
Christopher Prieto is a champion pitmaster, book author, barbecue judge, teacher and barbecue eating expert. His journey into cooking and the world of barbecue began when he was a child. Fond memories of growing up in Texas and his desire to find the "soul" of barbecue sent him on a personal quest to perfect the art and science of slow-smoked meats. Today, after years of cooking on the professional barbecue circuit, teaching barbecue classes nationwide and cooking all over the country, Christopher believes he has finally achieved what he considers "barbecue excellence" with his own signature style, served up at Prime Barbecue in Knightdale.

Angela Salamanca, chef and owner, Centro and Mala Pata
Chef Angela Salamanca was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, before moving to the U.S. at the age of 17 to pursue a degree in art and art history at UNC-Chapel Hill. For over 10 years, Angela worked with her uncle—founder of the Dos Taquitos Mexican Restaurant in North Raleigh. In 2007, she partnered with her uncle to open Centro in downtown Raleigh. Salamanca, along with Marshall Davis, Eric Montagne and Zack Gragg, just opened a brand-new restaurant in May, Mala Pata, in North Raleigh.

Thad Eure Jr. Memorial Award: The Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will receive the award for their efforts in developing and operating the successful Downtown Cary Park, charming visitors with its expansive layout, creative, modern amenities and endless ways for visitors to enjoy their day. With places for views (the elevated Skywalk) to places for brews (beer at The Bark Bar, coffee at Market 317), plus The Nest playground, performing arts pavilion, dog park and so much more, every visit can feel like a brand-new experience. This innovative public space is of the highest caliber and is being recognized nationwide; in April, The Nest was voted the nation's top playground in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

John B. Ross Jr. Leadership Award: Executive director of the Centennial Authority, Jeff Merritt has spent his career raising the region's profile and making sure Wake County is ready to host major events that draw significant visitation. Under Jeff's leadership, the Authority is moving forward with major enhancements to Lenovo Center and the development of a surrounding sports and entertainment district that will be a game-changer for the destination. Jeff's work continues to make a big impact on visitation and the growth of our hospitality industry. He's a strong example of the kind of leader this award was made to recognize.