Tara Kenchen Headshot: Tara Kenchen, newly named executive director of Durham Next, smiling confidently in professional attire.
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Durham Next Taps Tara Kenchen to Lead Bull City’s Development and Tourism Initiatives

@SpectacularMag Staff
Tara Kenchen Headshot: Tara Kenchen, newly named executive director of Durham Next, smiling confidently in professional attire.
Kenchen

DURHAM, N.C. — Durham Next, the nonprofit community partnership guiding long-term development and tourism initiatives across the Bull City, has named Tara Kenchen as its founding executive director, effective July 21. A respected strategist and community development leader, Kenchen will drive the execution of Durham’s ambitious Destination Master Plan (DMP) and lead the organization’s next phase of growth.

A Leader Rooted in Community Impact

Kenchen brings over two decades of leadership experience in community investment, organizational strategy, and nonprofit management, most recently as the principal of UF Strategies, a consulting firm serving national clients including The Aspen Institute, Education NC, and Frontline Solutions.

Previously, she served as president and CEO of the NC Community Development Initiative and its affiliated Initiative Capital, where she oversaw more than $25 million in investments into small businesses and under-resourced communities across North Carolina.

“We needed someone with vision and the ability to operationalize bold ideas, and we found that in Tara,” said Farad Ali, board chair of Durham Next. “She’s not only aligned with our values but brings deep knowledge of the region and a track record of transformative work.”

Guiding Durham’s Destination Future

Downtown Durham Skyline: View of downtown Durham symbolizing the city’s transformation through the Destination Master Plan.
Downtown Durham skyline — the backdrop for bold, community-driven transformation. As Durham Next’s first executive director, Tara Kenchen will guide the city’s long-term vision to become a more welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive destination.

As executive director, Kenchen will lead Durham Next’s board of directors and its newly formed Community Advisory Council to implement a slate of community-prioritized projects. These initiatives were shaped through public input and codified in the DMP—Durham’s 20-year roadmap for becoming the most welcoming, inclusive, innovative, and vibrant destination in the U.S.

Kenchen emphasized her commitment to equity and connection:

“This is a community-building role, and I’m excited to listen, learn, and lead. I’ve called Durham home for more than 25 years, and I’m honored to help guide projects that will leave a lasting impact.”

She added that her first weeks on the job will focus on meeting with community members, stakeholders, and partners to understand the landscape and build trust.

Durham Next Priority Projects Already Underway

Durham Next is currently advancing eight priority initiatives, including:

  • Partnering with the Durham Sports Commission to pursue a multi-sport facility
  • Installing “Welcome to Durham” signage at RDU International Airport
  • Studying the redevelopment potential of Durham County Memorial Stadium
  • Exploring plans for a new downtown convention and events center with hotel
  • Launching a Matching Grants Program to support community-driven experiences and spaces
  • Strengthening Durham’s festivals and events ecosystem
  • Upgrading gateway signage throughout the city
  • Supporting community safety initiatives for residents and hospitality workers

Durham Next will also explore state, federal, private, and philanthropic funding opportunities to supplement allocations from the county’s occupancy tax.

Broad Experience, Local Roots

Kenchen’s professional history also includes serving as assistant general counsel at Self-Help, a Durham-based national leader in community development finance. She also taught administrative law and nonprofit management at North Carolina Central University for seven years.

“Tara’s resume speaks for itself—but what really stood out was her mix of drive, humility, and vision,” said Susan Amey, CEO of Discover Durham, which manages Durham Next. “She’s the right person to turn Durham’s community-backed vision into real, tangible outcomes.”

About Durham Next

Durham Next is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) operated by Discover Durham, the county’s destination marketing organization. The group was created to implement the Destination Master Plan, a comprehensive community-informed development strategy approved by both public and private sector leaders.

With over 60 proposed initiatives, the DMP aims to establish Durham as a national model for inclusive, tourism-powered growth that honors the city’s culture, creativity, and people.

For more information, visit www.durhamnext.org or follow Durham Next on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.