Paul Pope retires today, ending long service at CBC, American Tobacco

To hear those who know him tell tale of it, Paul Pope is probably just about the last person in the Triangle who'd want any fuss made over his retirement.

Which makes it all the more important for us here at BCR to tip our hat to this long-time player on the Durham and regional stage -- as one-time general manager of WRAZ Fox 50, and later serving as VP of community relations at Capitol Broadcasting and as GM over the American Tobacco Campus.

Pope, a corporate officer and member of the board of directors at CBC, has spent forty-two years with the broadcasting company that's still maintained its Raleigh family roots. He'll retire from his role at American Tobacco effective at the end of business today.

Not that Pope is likely to fall too far off the radar screen. Word has it that his near-term plans include assuming a trustee's seat for NC Central and helping to lead fund-raising efforts for the Eagles' athletics program -- while continuing along in a special-projects role for CBC.

Pope's served in a wide range of philanthropic positions and groups, including the Triangle Urban League, the Boy Scouts of America's Occoneechee Council, and Leadership Triangle... to name but a few.

At the same time, Pope's guidance of the American Tobacco Project, CBC's big step-forward in real estate after the comparatively-small Diamond View I build-out, has helped put downtown Durham back on the map within the region -- and the nation.

All of which makes it thanks, but certainly not farewell, for a pioneer in the civic life of our city, and our region.

Comments

[Mike Woodard]

Congratulations, Paul, on your retirement. Thanks for the great leadership you provided during these critical years of Durham's growth.

Many people know of your keen business acumen and "can do" attitude. Fewer know of your consistent philanthropic work, but I've had the privilege of seeing it up close many times. I'm glad you'll have more time now to devote to that work now.

[quinn koontz]

Paul --I wish you the best and know that you will never, "really leave CBC". See you on the block

[James A. Farmer]

Thank you for giving me opportunities that I could only have dreamed of. You have been and are the best mentor and friend anyone could ever ask for.
As Gummer Pile would say to Sergeant Carter, Thank ya, thank ya, and thank you.

James A. Farmer