Smithfield’s Todd Johnson Named N.C. Main Street Champion

NEW BERN, N.C. — Smithfield resident Todd Johnson has been recognized as one of North Carolina’s 2025 Main Street Champions, an honor awarded to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to downtown revitalization efforts across the state.

Johnson was among 42 honorees who were recognized March 12 during the N.C. Main Street Champions Recognition Ceremony in New Bern. The award is presented annually by the North Carolina Department of Commerce as part of the N.C. Main Street Conference, the nation’s largest statewide downtown revitalization conference.

Each recipient is nominated by their local Main Street program for their efforts to strengthen downtown districts and build vibrant communities.

“Main Street Champions embody the spirit of possibility,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “They turn concepts into action, energize local economies, and inspire others to invest in the future of their communities. The dedication of our champions ensures that North Carolina’s downtowns remain vibrant places where history meets progress.”

Johnson was nominated by Smithfield’s downtown revitalization program in recognition of his contributions to the community and efforts supporting the town’s historic downtown district.

“I am grateful for the honor,” Johnson told The Johnston County Report. “Downtown Smithfield is special place with so much potential as a cultural hub. A lot of us get impatient when things don’t happen overnight, but we need to keep working together to find the right combination of visionary leaders, activists, and investors needed to make our downtown all it can be.”

With the addition of this year’s honorees, 1,004 individuals and organizations have been recognized as N.C. Main Street Champions since the program began in 2000.

“Each Champion is a catalyst for progress while bringing energy and commitment to the heart of our downtowns — turning challenges into opportunities and ensuring rural North Carolina thrives,” said Reginald Speight, assistant secretary of rural economic development for the Department of Commerce.

Liz Parham, director of the N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center, said the recognition has become one of the conference’s most meaningful traditions.

“They truly demonstrate the theme of this year’s event, ‘Inspiring Impactful Change,’ and their efforts leave a lasting impact on the places they call home,” Parham said.

2025 N.C. Main Street Champions

Pam Poplin — Albemarle
Reynolds Lisk — Asheboro
Doris Conner — Ayden
Brian Frederick and Kristina Bulovic — Belmont
Jill Puett — Cherryville
Mary Rose — Clinton
Karen Foley — Edenton
Breanne Scribner and Lindsey Lynam — Elizabeth City
Graham “Bear” Ray — Elkin
Kimberly Holt — Elon
Fuquay-Varina Public Works Department — Fuquay-Varina
Joyce Stephens — Garner
Todd Walker — Goldsboro
Mayor Barbara Volk — Hendersonville
Jay Brown — Hickory
Lenoir Parks and Public Properties Division — Lenoir
Tommy and Gidget Vickers — Lumberton
Walt Bagwell — Marion
Peyton Rice Fuqua — Mebane
Sheila Crunkleton — Monroe
Alan and Dawn Allman — Mooresville
Tony Holloway — Morehead City
Wendy Cato — Morganton
Warner Dodson — Mount Airy
Victoria Ivie — Murphy
New Bern Parks & Recreation Department — New Bern
Maura Johnston — Newton
Christopher and Amanda Cook — Pilot Mountain
Mayor Kyle Shipp — Pittsboro
Eden Combs — Reidsville
Saundra Shoe — Roxboro
Christy Houser — Rutherfordton
Rosalind Hines — Salisbury
Chef Gregg Hamm — Sanford
Rick Howell — Shelby
Todd Johnson — Smithfield
Kelli Simko and John Walker — Statesville
Julie Donaldson — Sylva
Ann Welton — Wake Forest
Warren and Katherine Allen — Washington
Grant Goings — Wilson
Nicole and Brandon McCraney — Zebulon

The N.C. Main Street Program is celebrating 46 years of downtown revitalization efforts across North Carolina and 25 years of educational programming through the annual conference. Using the Main Street Approach™ developed by Main Street America, the program helps communities strengthen their downtown districts and local economies.