Camille Price

In 1995, when New York native Camille Price traded in her snowboots for sunshine and Southern hospitality, the coup for Augusta was two-fold. First, Episcopal Day School found its new headmaster in her husband. Then, in 2001, Camille, the former director of New York’s department of health physician placement program and a recent manager for multiple New Jersey medical practices, found her niche as the executive director for Augusta Tomorrow.

Formed in 1982, Augusta Tomorrow was the city’s answer to the retail-shaped vacuum left downtown by the stores and restaurants that moved to the sprawling new malls. After 25 years of executing its original redevelopment plan, the organization unveiled a new master plan in 2009. The plan, created after collecting input from multiple sources including residents, community leaders and business owners, designates eight implementation teams to push the vision forward.

At the helm of the organization, Camille Price brings a calm, orderly tact with the heart of cheerleader rooting for the winning team.

You moved to Augusta after investigating several other places. What made Augusta stand out?
We fell in love with the people and the charm of Augusta. When we moved here, we were made to feel so much at home that it just all clicked.

What’s the best thing about Augusta Tomorrow?
Augusta has a vision for itself and we’ve had a vision since the early 1980s. We are continuing to develop that vision. And not many communities can say that.

There is master plan for Augusta. What is your personal plan?
I plan to stay with Augusta Tomorrow until I retire. I love doing this kind of work. Working with the people I work with and the community leaders I work with and the individuals in the community is what makes my job so fun. It’s what I really enjoy the most.

What one element do you most hope to see come to fruition?
I’d love to see a performing arts center happen. The project as developed by Icon Architecture is wonderful. Their idea is to have a mini-harbor coming from the levee and the performing arts center being in line with the Augusta Commons with a beautiful Augusta Arts Center overlooking the Savannah River. That is so exciting. And it is one topic that was brought up in nearly every community meeting.

What do you miss about the North, if anything?
I really miss some of the plants. I miss lilacs, peonies and lilies of the valley. But that’s not much of a downside. And I don’t miss the snow and ice.