The Downtown Raleigh Ambassadors serve to ensure a memorable and welcoming experience for those in our capital city. Each month, one of our Ambassadors is awarded Ambassador of the Month for exemplary service in community engagement and/or safety assistance. For May, the award went to Charley Penny who was also named Ambassador of the Month in April 2020. Learn about his experience as an Ambassador and what he loves about Downtown Raleigh.
DRA: How long have you been an Ambassador?
CP: I've been an Ambassador for 14 years.
DRA: Why did you decide to pursue this line of work?
CP:I became an Ambassador because I love being working outdoors, and this job seemed to be all about working outdoors.
DRA: What do you like most about what you do?
CP: I enjoy helping others with whatever questions or problems they have, watching Downtown Raleigh grow over the years, and doing my part to help keep it safe. Everything that comes with the job. I'm dedicated to being an Ambassador.
DRA: Has there been a particularly rewarding moment or memorable experience over this past year?
CP: I recently came across a woman whose tire had blown out in the middle of Wilmington Street. I was able to assist her out of the road and help change her tire.
DRA: What are you looking forward to in the next 6 months, the next 12 months?
CP: Just continuing to be an asset to the DRA Ambassador program in any way possible.
DRA: What do you wish people knew about the Ambassadors?
CP: That we are here for them. I was speaking with a customer just the other day asking who we are and what we do. When I explained, his response was "That's just awesome," and talked about how every downtown should have an organization like our's.