About Liz White

Growing up in Norfolk, VA, I spent much of my youth on the water at Knitting Mill Creek, a branch of the Lafayette River. I attended East Carolina University and graduated from Florida State with a BS in Physical Education, later completing an MAEd in Physical Education at ECU while studying Sports Medicine. Certified by the NATA, I became one of a small number of elite women nationwide to enter the ranks of Certified Athletic Trainers. At ECU, I rose to Assistant Director of the Sports Medicine Division and helped grow our undergraduate program into a nationally recognized curriculum.

Much of my professional and civic life has been about bringing people together to accomplish more than they could alone. Whether in leadership roles at ECU, the American Red Cross, or the Association of American Medical Colleges, I’ve worked with diverse teams to solve complex problems, improve systems, and make lasting change. At the Red Cross, I wrote emergency care and disaster response materials. During national disasters, I worked in the Emergency Operations Center including being on the ground during the 9/11 Pentagon Disaster. For the past 21 years, I’ve also led a volunteer network that rescues and rehomes unwanted bulldogs —an effort that only succeeds because of shared vision, trust, and collaboration.

As Mayor of Oak Island for the past four years, I’ve drawn on this lifetime of leadership experience to spearhead initiatives, guide Council through difficult decisions, find common ground, and set a steady course for our Town. I take pride in building consensus, not division—because progress requires collaboration. I love Oak Island. It’s been my honor to serve, and I look forward to continuing the work we’ve begun together.