Beth Wrobel

ISLAND ARTS COUNCIL | FEATURED ART PATRON

My journey to Carolina Beach has been anything but traditional! With a degree in mechanical engineering, I spent the first 20 years of my career working for a utility company in Indiana. When I left to care for my father, who had terminal cancer, I never imagined that decision would lead me down an entirely different career path.

While working on my MBA, my business law professor asked if I knew anyone interested in running a community health center her parents had started. When I said no, she replied, “I’ll grade your midterm if you go down and look at the clinic!” I went, fell in love with the mission, and what started as an unexpected opportunity turned into 20 wonderful years as CEO of HealthLinc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing healthcare to underserved communities.

When I retired at the end of 2023, I was ready for another adventure and made Carolina Beach my new home. Moving to a new community on my own, I knew I wanted to get involved, meet people, and find ways to contribute. I quickly discovered that volunteering is not only a wonderful way to give back but also one of the best ways to build friendships and truly feel at home.

Throughout my career, I believed in the power of community, collaboration, and bringing people together. Those same values have guided my involvement with several wonderful organizations here on Pleasure Island. Today, I volunteer with the Island Arts Council, serve as Chair of the Member Experience Committee for Island Women, and lead the Ambassador program for the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce.

My involvement with the Island Arts Council has given me an even greater appreciation for the incredible artistic talent in our community. While I don’t consider myself an artist, I love supporting those who are! Two of my favorite events are Art in the Yard and the Casino Night fundraiser, both of which I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering for. Art in the Yard celebrates our talented local artists, while Casino Night brings people together for a fun evening supporting the arts. Both are wonderful examples of what makes this community so special.

I’ve always enjoyed working behind the scenes to help organizations and events succeed. Whether it’s volunteering, helping with planning, or encouraging others to get involved, I believe everyone has something valuable to contribute.

Although I’m officially retired, I still do a little consulting in healthcare, a field that will always be close to my heart. But one of the greatest joys of this new chapter has been discovering how rewarding it is to give back to the community I now call home.

I’m truly honored to be recognized as an Island Arts Council Featured Art Patron. You don’t have to be an artist to make a difference in the arts. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is show up, lend a hand, and help others shine. Thanks to the wonderful people I’ve met through volunteering, Carolina Beach certainly feels like home to me!