Cara Rousseau Named Next President & CEO of Discover Durham

Chief Marketing Officer to Succeed Susan Amey in July 2026

DURHAM, NC — Discover Durham has unanimously selected Cara Rousseau as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, positioning a seasoned internal leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and economic impact as a destination.

Rousseau, currently serving as Chief Marketing Officer, will succeed Susan Amey upon her retirement in July 2026. In her new role, Rousseau will lead Discover Durham and help shape the strategic direction of its two nonprofit subsidiaries — the Durham Sports Commission and Durham Next.

“This is a pivotal moment for Durham,” Rousseau said. “It is a dream position for me that I have a deep personal passion for — retaining and furthering Durham’s character while driving economic growth.”

A Proven Leader with Deep Durham Roots

Rousseau joined Discover Durham in 2017 as Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement, launching the organization’s first formal strategic partnerships program. She later led post-pandemic hospitality workforce rebuilding efforts before stepping into the Chief Marketing Officer role in 2021.

Her leadership has guided two full Strategic Blueprint cycles and driven high-impact campaigns, including “Do It in Durham” and “Love Durham.” She has also played a key role in strengthening Durham’s festival and cultural ecosystem by convening community partners and elevating local assets.

Rousseau’s career reflects a long-standing commitment to Durham’s economic development. Previous roles include marketing leadership at Duke University, communications strategy at the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, and special projects work for the City of Durham’s Office of Economic and Employment Development.

A Thoughtful Transition from a Transformational CEO

Outgoing President & CEO Susan Amey has led Discover Durham since 2019, navigating the organization through the pandemic and helping the hospitality sector recover. During her tenure, Discover Durham:

• Rebranded from the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Surpassed $1 billion in annual visitor spending for the first time
• Launched Durham’s first community-driven Destination Master Plan
• Established Durham Next as a 501(c)(3) to advance long-term initiatives

After July 1, Amey will remain engaged as a consultant for Durham Next.

“Discover Durham has always been forward-thinking,” Amey said. “I have no doubt Cara will continue to set the vision moving forward.”

What This Means for Durham

Under Rousseau’s leadership, Discover Durham will continue promoting tourism as an economic driver while prioritizing intentional, inclusive growth that benefits residents and local businesses alike.

As Durham evolves, the organization’s mission remains clear: attract visitors, strengthen the economy, and enhance quality of life across the community.

About Discover Durham

Discover Durham is a globally accredited destination marketing organization that promotes Durham County to millions of visitors annually. Funded through occupancy tax revenue, the organization drives economic growth by supporting local businesses, job creation, and tax generation.

Discover Durham also operates:

• Durham Sports Commission — recruiting and supporting sporting events
• Durham Next — advancing long-term destination development initiatives

For more information, visit discoverdurham.com.