Staff report

James R. Meacham will be the new executive director of the Rowan County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Meacham currently holds a similar position for the city of Statesville. He is scheduled to begin his new duties March 1.

Judy Newman, executive director for the Rowan office since 1989, will retire April 1.

Last week, the Rowan County Tourism Development Authority unanimously agreed to offer the job to Meacham. He was selected after a three-month search.

“We are very excited about James joining us in Rowan County,” said Bill Burgin, chairman of the tourism personnel and policy committee. “We believe he has the enthusiasm and knowledge to continue the strong Tourism Development Authority program that Judy Newman has developed for this county and, as opportunities arise, expand our program.”

Meacham is currently president of the N.C. Tourism Education Foundation Inc. and Mid Carolina Host, a regional tourism consortium.

He has served as executive director of the Statesville Convention and Visitors Bureau since 2002. He served as an executive committee member on the N.C. Travel Industry Association in 2006 and is currently treasurer of the N.C. Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus.

Meacham holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration, hospitality and tourism management from Appalachian State University.

Meacham, his wife, Melissa, and daughter, Emma, live in Mooresville.