ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Tourism Development Authority is on the hunt for a new executive director.
Both Kelly Chance and her assistant, Jennifer Seaman, resigned from their positions within the last two weeks, according to Rockingham City Manager Monty Crump, who was not sure of the exact dates when asked Wednesday afternoon.
Crump said the executive director position, held by Chance since 2015, has been advertised and applications have been coming in.
In the meantime, city staffers are “providing interim services” at the visitor center and museum until a new full-time director is hired.
Crump said he hopes to have the position filled by April 1, leading up to the Epicenter Festival at Rockingham Dragway the following month.
The TDA is governed by a seven-member board, with four members appointed by the county and three members by the city.
Tourism funding comes from the occupancy tax, with all hotels being located in the Rockingham city limits.
The city acquired the former depot building from the Richmond County Historical Society to house the visitor center.
Rockingham Mayor Steve Morris, who serves as chairman of the board, said they would like to hire someone locally, if they’re experienced. Whomever gets the job will have to live in the county.
The position requires someone with computer and social media skills who can develop brochures and magazine ads, maintain the tourism website and participate with the state’s tourism arm.
Morris said the county has “made good strides in tourism” in recent years with the electronic kiosks and by partnering with neighboring communities.
“We’d like to expand it and get it even better,” he said.
