ACCESS of Wilmington Appoints Jessie Tait to Lead Project SOAR
The veteran-focused program selects a U.S. Air Force veteran to oversee adaptive recreation initiatives.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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ACCESS of Wilmington has appointed U.S. Air Force veteran Jessie Tait as the new program director of Project SOAR. Tait will oversee community outreach and adaptive sports initiatives for veterans and first responders in southeastern North Carolina.
Why it matters
The appointment brings leadership experience from veteran-focused organizations to the local program. Tait aims to build upon the foundation of Project SOAR by expanding recreational opportunities for those who served.
New director Jessie Tait brings 4 years of national media and communications experience to the role. This expertise follows her previous work with veteran-focused organizations including The Honor Foundation and Bunker Labs.
The players
Jessie Tait
A U.S. Air Force veteran who previously collaborated with The Honor Foundation, Bunker Labs, and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families.
ACCESS of Wilmington
A Wilmington-based organization that provides adaptive sports and recreational programs for individuals with disabilities and veterans.
Project SOAR
A specific initiative under ACCESS of Wilmington that serves veterans and first responders through outdoor activities like surfing and golf.
The details
As director, Tait will manage a range of adaptive sports and activities for veterans and first responders, including kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving. ACCESS of Wilmington maintains this program alongside its other core initiatives, such as the Miracle League of Wilmington and ACCESS Fit.
Timeline
The appointment of Jessie Tait was announced on October 26, 2026.
Market Landscape
The transition aligns local veteran engagement efforts with professional standards set by major entities like the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. This move positions ACCESS of Wilmington to strengthen its regional footprint in the competitive nonprofit sector.
Veterans and first responders in southeastern North Carolina may see new or expanded adaptive programming as the organization grows under new leadership. The change ensures the continued delivery of existing services like ACCESS Fit and the Miracle League.
The takeaway
Effective leadership transition is crucial for community-based programs that rely on specialized outreach. Readers can support local veteran initiatives by staying informed about volunteer opportunities and programming updates at ACCESS of Wilmington.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership updates in Wilmington People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWAYTV3.
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