Board of Directors and Management Team

FPTower Inc. Leadership

FPTower Inc. is governed by a committed and diverse Board of Directors. These individuals provide essential oversight, strategic guidance, and fiduciary responsibility, ensuring the organization operates with the highest standards of integrity and transparency. The Board works collaboratively to advance the tower’s restoration and its scientific and educational initiatives, safeguarding its future for generations to come.

Richard Neal

Founder and Executive Director

Richard Neal is a dedicated entrepreneur and Executive Director of FPTower Inc., the 501(c)(3) nonprofit leading the preservation of Frying Pan Tower. He splits his time between fundraising efforts and coordinating hands-on restoration trips to the Tower with volunteers.

With a strong commitment to maritime safety and ocean conservation, Richard manages the Tower’s ongoing restoration, ensuring it remains a vital platform for research, education, and protection of marine ecosystems. Under his leadership, the nonprofit continues to expand its outreach, leveraging media appearances and strategic partnerships to raise awareness about the importance of our oceans to global sustainability.

After acquiring Frying Pan Tower in 2010 and divesting his ownership in 2018, Richard remains steadfast in his mission to restore and preserve this historic beacon through FPTower Inc. His leadership has inspired a growing community of supporters working to safeguard the Tower’s legacy for future generations.

David Kesler

Board Member

David Keslar is a seasoned commercial lender and Senior Vice President of Atlantic Union Bank with a strong track record in the financial services industry. Known for his strategic approach to business development, David consistently delivers high performance through a customer-first mindset and collaborative leadership style.

Beyond his banking career, David has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to civic and community service. He served as Chairman of the East Carolina Community Development Corporation and was a founding board member and fundraising chair for the Beaufort Boys & Girls Club. He has also led as Board President and fundraising chair of the Brigade Boys & Girls Club. Additionally, he mentors business students through the UNCW Cameron Executive Network, guiding future leaders in career and professional development.

David brings financial expertise and community-building experience to support fundraising initiatives and strategic oversight, a skill set that is highly valuable to FPTower Inc.

Matt Mansfield

Board Member

Matt Mansfield is a multi-licensed contractor, entrepreneur, and business leader with deep roots in coastal North Carolina. A graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a degree in Business Management, Matt is the owner of Mansfield Sales & Service Inc., a service trade company specializing in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and gas piping systems. He also owns Brunswick Supply House and Mansfield Property Holdings, which support regional development and infrastructure.

With NC Mechanical H-2 and H-3 Class 1 licenses, unlimited electrical and gas piping credentials, and a U.S. Coast Guard six-pack captain’s license, Matt brings hands-on expertise in technical systems and operations. He is also a licensed private pilot.

A passionate outdoorsman and coastal advocate, Matt’s expertise in facility operations, project oversight, and regulatory compliance directly support FPTower Inc.’s mission to restore, protect, and preserve the historic Frying Pan Tower.

F. Kenneth Nance III

Board Member

Ken Nance is a seasoned attorney and business professional with over a decade of experience helping clients navigate complex real estate and estate planning matters. Since beginning his legal practice in 2011, Ken has successfully handled real estate closings and built a reputation for delivering high-quality representation with professionalism and discretion. He also serves as a key advisor to real estate investors, agents, and brokerages and holds a North Carolina real estate broker’s license.

A native of southeastern North Carolina, Ken earned his B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and his J.D. from North Carolina Central University School of Law. He is admitted to the North Carolina Bar and actively manages the strategic growth and financial performance of his legal firm.

Ken’s deep legal knowledge, operational insight, and commitment to community service make him a valuable asset to the FPTower Inc. Board, where he supports the organization’s mission through guidance in governance, compliance, and sustainable growth.

Nancy Bradley

VP/Director of Communications

Nancy Bradley brings more than 25 years of extensive experience in strategic marketing planning and communications to her role as Vice President/Director of Communications for FPTower Inc. Her career is marked by a deep commitment working with nonprofit organizations where she has consistently developed impactful awareness campaigns, branding initiatives, and comprehensive communications strategies.

Beyond her expertise in marketing, Nancy is a successful entrepreneur, having founded and operated multiple businesses throughout her career. This diverse background equips her with a unique blend of strategic foresight, practical execution, and a keen understanding of organizational growth.

Nancy is dedicated to fulfilling the vital mission of FPTower Inc. She champions a collaborative approach, believing that collective efforts and diverse perspectives are key to achieving the organization’s mission to restore, protect, and preserve Frying Pan Tower.

Meet Our Crew

Our dedicated crew is comprised of passionate individuals who bring a diverse range of skills and expertise to the daily operations and ongoing projects at Frying Pan Tower. Each team member plays a crucial role in advancing our mission, and we are united by a shared commitment to preserving this unique landmark and furthering marine and environmental understanding.