Rockingham city tree lightings, Fire Prevention Day, National Night Out, Plaza Jam, ThunderFest, SpringFest, SpeedFest, and Trunk or Treat are just a few of the jewels in this leading lady’s crown.
Richmond Senior High School Class of 1990 graduate Kim McDonald Williams is the unsung hero who has been the driving force of efficiency and organization behind all things fun in Rockingham for the past 20 years.
From scheduling bands, securing vendors, lining up police, maintenance, trash pickup, coordinating calendars, advertising, marketing, and all other things planning, Williams is the quiet, but strong glue that holds everyone and everything together. While she prefers to stay off the center stage, we must acknowledge that there would not be a stage for anyone to stand on if it were not for her scheduling it.
As we near the kick-off of the 20th season of Plaza Jam in downtown Rockingham, we would be remiss if we did not highlight the one who puts in all the heavy work all year to ensure we have a fun and free night out on the first Thursday of May, June, July, August, September and October. The Plaza Jam series is just one of the many large efforts to which Williams dedicates herself to organizing and planning.
In addition to being the events coordinator for the City of Rockingham, Williams also serves as the financial liaison for Richmond County Tourism and as the treasurer of the Rockingham Firemen’s Relief Fund Board of Trustees, since she was appointed in 2005 by former Insurance Commissioner Jim Long.
Williams earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Administration from Sandhills Community College in 1993 and completed the 28th Economic Development Course at the University of Chapel Hill in 1999.
Prior to becoming the spearhead of entertainment for the city of Rockingham, Williams served as an administrative assistant for Richmond County Economic Partnership in 2000 and for Richmond County Economic Development from 1994-1999. She also coordinated the Richmond County Sporting Clays League from 1999-2001.
She is a current member of the N.C. Association of Festivals and Events and previously an involved member of the Parent Teacher Organization at L.J. Bell Elementary and Rockingham Middle schools.
Join us today in celebrating the ongoing efforts of this leading lady in ensuring our favorite entertainment traditions in Rockingham continue, the Richmond County Tourism finances always receive a clean audit, and for the many other hats she wears so well for the City of Rockingham.
Meghann Lambeth is executive director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority. Republished from visitrichmondcounty.com. Throughout March, Visit Richmond County will feature a local leading lady in honor of Women’s History Month.
