about us

The Rockingham County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) is an organization dedicated to promoting tourism and economic development in Rockingham County, North Carolina.

who we are

The TDA consists of a board of directors and staff members who work together to market the county as a desirable destination for visitors. Their efforts may include advertising campaigns, organizing events, supporting local businesses in the tourism industry, and providing information and resources to visitors. The TDA plays a crucial role in showcasing RoCo’s attractions, amenities, and cultural offerings to both residents and visitors, contributing to the growth and vitality of the region’s tourism sector.

tourism matters

Rockingham County visitors, including both domestic and international, spent $93.86 million in 2023, an increase of 6.4% from 2022. Over $33M of visitor spending went towards food and drink, $19.5M in lodging and $11M in outdoor recreation.

Tourism also creates a total of 656 jobs in Rockingham County. The travel industry supports our communities and creates a better place to live.

Partner with the RoCO TDA

The support of our local businesses is paramount to the success of our tourism promotional goals and the growth of our visitation. We invite you to partner with the TDA for free marketing opportunities. Start by submitting your Business Listing or Event to our website, and contact us if you wish to contribute to social media content or learn more about other collaboration opportunities.

Events Calendar Partner Guide
Business Listings Partner Guide

Our Staff

Leigh Cockram is an accomplished economic development leader and entrepreneur with a distinguished career in attracting investment, fostering job creation, and driving business growth. Since assuming the role of Director of Economic Development and Tourism for Rockingham County in February 2019, she has successfully recruited over $1 billion in new investment and more than 1,600 jobs to the county. Her outstanding contributions to economic development earned her the prestigious North Carolina Economic Developer of the Year award in 2021, presented by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA).

With extensive experience spanning both public and private sectors, Leigh has played a pivotal role in shaping economic growth strategies in North Carolina and Virginia. Before joining Rockingham County, she served as Director of Research and Business Development for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Virginia and was the founding Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, where she spearheaded regional marketing efforts and business recruitment. She also held leadership roles with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation and Commonwealth Laminating & Coating.

Beyond her contributions to economic development, Leigh is an innovative entrepreneur. In 2013 she invented and patented the 360-degree waistband pocket for leggings and athleisure wear. And, in 2015, the pocket won the Under Armour Future Show Innovation Challenge and gained recognition in Good Housekeeping, Women’s Running, WWD, Women’s World, Runner’s World, NBC News, and other major media outlets.

Leigh holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and an Economic Development Institute Certificate from the University of Oklahoma.

Kerry is a native and life-long resident of Rockingham County. She joined Rockingham County Economic Development in 1993 after receiving her associates degree from Rockingham Community College. She is the main contact with the existing industries located throughout Rockingham County ensuring they have the atmosphere required to be successful in our community. She also participates in new business recruitment and industry expansions. Additionally, she manages local and state incentives as well as assist with the coordination of available grants for project expansions. Throughout her years as an instrumental part of this team, she has worked on hundreds of new business and expansion projects.

Lindsay joined Economic Development, Small Business, & Tourism in December 2021. A native to Rockingham County, Lindsay comes to the department with extensive experience and passion for outdoor recreation, adventure, sports, and travel. As Tourism Manager, Linsday is responsible for coordinating activities and initiatives that promote Rockingham County to new and repeat visitors. In addition, she works with a variety of partner organizations to develop and distribute promotional materials pertaining to current travel and tourism attractions of the county as well as identify new tourism opportunities for the county.

Tara joined Economic Development, Small Business, & Tourism in March 2020. Tara is a lifelong Rockingham County native and is currently raising her family here. As Marketing Manager for Economic Development, Small Business, and Tourism, Tara is responsible for implementing marketing strategies aimed at increasing the visibility of Rockingham County as a great place to live, work, and play. In addition, she oversees and coordinates the proactive marketing efforts of the Department of Economic Development, Small Business, and Tourism in conjunction with the manager of each division. In previous positions, Tara was the Communications Director for the Martinsville Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness, and Assistant Public Information Officer for the Rockingham County Division of Public Health.

Morgan McKinney, a Rockingham County native, joined the team at Economic Development, Small Business, & Tourism in August 2024. In her role as the Workforce Development Manager, Morgan acts as a liaison between employers, RCS, and RCC to ensure that high school and community college pathways align with the needs of businesses in Rockingham County. Additionally, she serves as the Project Manager for grants, overseeing the administration of funds and submitting progress and final reports. Prior to her current position, Morgan worked as a Student Success Coach at Averett University in Danville, VA and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant Student Support Specialist at the same institution. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree and a Master’s of Business Administration in Human Resource Management, both from Averett University. Morgan is also a member of the Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society in Business Management.

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