Hill named new executive director of Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce

Craig Hill has been selected as the new executive director of the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce, announced by the Board of Directors on Thursday.

Hill's appointment begins Jan. 2, 2020.

A self-described "life-long learner," Hill declared he would not file for re-election with the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners. His second term ends in December 2020.

"I think this transition year will be a time I can manage both of them, but I don't think long term managing both of them is either good for me or the community at-large," Hill said. "I made a personal decision to step aside and trust that the community will elect quality leadership and we'll be in good hands. That's the direction I've chosen to go and it's the right decision to make.

"If you stay in both of those roles over time, you eventually run into some conflicts I think and I want to avoid those at all costs."

Earlier this fall, the Chamber agreed to part ways with the Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism Development Authority. They will become separate entities on Dec. 31.

Hill said the structural changes allow the Chamber to build a base and create the opportunity to transform the organization and help transform the community to a better place. He plans to have a lot of face-to-face discussions with the members, ask them where the Chamber has failed in the past and what it can do to boost the future.

The Chamber plans to increase its focus on businesses and business relationships, and do more to make the membership more value-added. The membership has to see the fees as more than a donation, but something that will also benefit them.

"The Chamber really belongs to its members," said Hill, whose term as vice president of governmental affairs on the Chamber's executive board ends this year.

"We have to constantly be reminded of that. We're here to serve them. We have to make sure that what they have in front of them is what they expect. Our Chamber Board has got some ideas about making some changes moving forward."

Hill stressed the need to revive the business expo, which is an opportunity to highlight local businesses, retail businesses and manufacturers in an environment where they can see what each other is doing. That, in turn, should help improve the relationship between businesses and the Chamber.

He added that he'd like to see the Chamber do a better job with the state of the county through the Lenoir Committee of 100, the manufacturer's association and economic development.

"There's a lot of learning and listening that has to take place in order for us [to be successful]," Hill said. "Whatever we do, we want to make sure that we do it at the highest level possible. We should be kind of a shining star in the community."

Publisher’s Note: According to a press release from the Chamber of Commerce, Hill “graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree and earned his Master of Arts Degree in Education from East Carolina University. He is retired from a long and successful career in public education that included, among his many positions, being Assistant Superintendent for Accountability and Technology in Wilson County for five years, Principal of Kinston High School for seven years, and several other positions including former Athletic Director, coach and teacher.

“Craig is currently serving a second term as a Lenoir County Commissioner and previously served three years as Chairman. He has also served as Commissioners Representative on Southeast Regional Development Commission. Craig also currently serves as a member of the UNC Lenoir Hospital Board of Directors, is Chairman of the Human Resources Committee at UNC Lenoir, and is a member of the UNC Lenoir Facilities Committee. He currently serves as VP of Governmental Affairs on the Chamber’s Executive Board through the end of this year. He is a member of the Kinston Rotary Club where he has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Craig also serves as a Board Member of the Kinston/Lenoir Sports Hall of Fame and is Finance Chairman for Westminster United Methodist Church.”