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
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…