Community Justice Center CEO Ben David announces replacement

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — During Thursday’s New Hanover County Board of Commssioner’s agenda review meeting, the Community Justice Center announced a change in leadership.

Ben David introduced Valerie Pearce, saying she will soon take over his role at the center in January of 2027.

David said Pearce has spent her career fighting for victims in three different prosecutor’s offices across North Carolina, and formerly worked in the Public Defender’s office.

David left his role as the District Attorney in 2024 to serve as the Community Justice Center’s Chief Legal Officer and CEO.

The New Hanover County Community Justice Center is inspired by the Family Justice Center concept — where law enforcement, legal experts, and non-profits are housed under one roof to provide better access and aims to tackle youth and gang-related violence.

You can learn more about the center at their website.