Wanda L. McArn

Founder & CEO

Wanda is the driving force behind Next Step Development. She traveled to some of the largest cities in the US during her corporate career. She was overwhelmed by the sheer number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness sleeping under highway underpasses in tent cities or the parks, streets, and storefronts. Firsthand experiences within her own family have made her an advocate for a more robust mental health system and affordable housing strategies that keep pace with the community's needs. After 18 years with W.W. Grainger, she retired in 2020 to pursue her ikigai (reason for being), resulting in her founding Next Step Development Corporation, where she serves as the CEO.

Wanda received a B.S. in Industrial Relations with a Minor in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has nearly 40 years of sales, marketing, business consulting, and leadership experience in the office supplies and industrial distribution industries with Pitney Bowes, Boise Cascade Office Products (OfficeMax), and W.W. Grainger. 

She was a Founding Board Director for the National Sales Network—Raleigh Chapter and served in various leadership roles, including VP of Events and Director of Marketing. In 2023, she received the David M. Richardson Commitment Award. 

Additionally, she is a member of several other community-focused organizations, including the NC Museum of Art, NC Nonprofits, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Affordable Housing Network and Urban Land Institute (ULI), Life Member of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Alumni Association and member of Christ Our King Community Church.