Shamblica Lock is the Branch Manager at United Bank’s Hope Mills location, where she proudly serves individuals and businesses across the community with their banking needs. With more than 15 years of experience in the banking industry, she brings a strong foundation of financial knowledge, leadership, and customer-focused service.
In addition to her professional role, Shamblica is deeply committed to community involvement. She serves as a Board Member for the Academy of Finance at Douglas Byrd High School, Secretary for Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, and also serves on the Economic Planning and Development Committee for the Town of Hope Mills. Through these roles, she actively contributes to initiatives that support growth and opportunity in the region.
Shamblica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Education. Earlier in her career, she served as a Forensic Technician with the City of Fayetteville Police Department, further demonstrating her dedication to public service.
She also dedicates time to A Place of Presence Rentals, LLC, a business specializing in party rentals, and A One Services LLC, which provides pressure washing and janitorial cleaning services.
Above all, Shamblica is devoted first to God, her husband, children, grandchildren, family, church, and her work. Her commitment to service, leadership, and community continues to make a meaningful impact throughout Hope Mills and the surrounding areas
Joanne Scarola is a retired U.S. Army veteran originally from Shirley, New York, with 20 years of service, including multiple overseas deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Kuwait. She later returned to North Carolina, where she served as an elected official in Hope Mills from 2021 to 2025.
Joanne holds a degree in Automotive Systems Technology along with welding certifications, bringing a practical, solutions-oriented approach to leadership. She is passionate about strengthening community connections, supporting infrastructure improvements, and promoting transparency in local government.
She currently serves as Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 10630 and remains actively involved in local events, volunteer efforts, and initiatives that support veterans and the broader community.
Anthony has been a proud member of the Hope Mills, North Carolina community for over a
decade, with roots that stretch even further back. Having visited Hope Mills since the age of 18 and with many family members living and thriving in the area.
Anthony has developed a deep,
personal connection to the town and the people who call it home. Married for 17 years and a dedicated father to two sons, Anthony’s commitment to family mirrors his commitment to community.
Anthony's long-standing ties to Hope Mills have shaped his passion for supporting local businesses, uplifting residents, and contributing to the continued growth and success of the area. With a strong belief in the potential of Hope Mills, Anthony is driven to help the community thrive in the best way possible-through collaboration, advocacy, and a genuine dedication to seeing both people and businesses flourish.
Kelly Rodriguez is a 21 year Army Veteran, currently working in the local non-profit space.
She has served as a Board Member for Special Operations Care Fund, and has
volunteered in the Community as a Scoutmaster for many years.
Kelly is originally from Dunkirk, NY, but has lived in the Fayetteville-Hope Mills area for
more than 25 years. She now considers this her hometown.
Kelly is passionate about
serving her community. She is a proud Mother of three Sons and Busia (grandmother)
to two grandsons.
Aaron S. Harris, MPA is the Economic Impact Programs Manager at Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC), where he leads the agency’s efforts to advance supplier diversity, strengthen small and local business participation, and promote inclusive economic development across PWC operations.
In this role, Harris oversees outreach strategies, vendor engagement initiatives, and performance monitoring for small, minority-, and woman-owned businesses, ensuring transparency, compliance, and measurable impact. His work bridges procurement, community partnerships, and internal stakeholders to remove barriers to participation and increase access to contracting opportunities.
Harris brings over a decade of experience in economic inclusion and public administration, having previously served as Economic Inclusion Manager for the City of Norfolk, Economic Opportunities & Redevelopment Manager for the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and Minority & Women-Owned Business Entrepreneurs Coordinator for the City of Rocky Mount. His background also includes human resources and nonprofit service, grounding his work in workforce equity and community-centered practice.
He holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit and public management from North Carolina Central University, and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Harris is based in Fayetteville, North Carolina and is committed to fostering equitable economic outcomes through intentional policy, data, and engagement.
Mike Deas is a dedicated Army veteran, entrepreneur, and proud alumnus of Fayetteville State University. As the owner-operator of Bin There Dump That, he brings discipline, reliability, and a strong work ethic to the waste management industry, serving both residential and commercial clients with professionalism and care. With a passion for community growth, Mike is actively seeking to build meaningful connections with local businesses in the Hope Mills area and surrounding communities. He is committed to fostering partnerships that support economic development, mutual success, and long-term impact.
Monica Poe, serve as the Community Liaison for Walmart, where she partners with nonprofit organizations and government entities to help them access grant funding through Walmart’s giving programs.
Monica is passionate about strengthening local communities through strategic partnerships, volunteerism, and outreach. Monica also coordinate volunteer opportunities, encouraging Walmart associates to give back and stay actively engaged in the communities they serve.