Oxford hires new DDC director
May 13—OXFORD — The Kerr-Tar Council of Governments Regional Program Coordinator Kenia Gomez-Jimenez is trading in her title for one just a touch shorter.
Starting next Monday, she'll be the city of Oxford's new downtown development director, taking over from Alyssa Blair, the former director who left for Franklin County economic development in January.
Gomez-Jimenez traveled to Chapel Hill and received a political science and philosophy degree in 2021, shortly after returning to her hometown of Henderson.
She worked for two years for the KTCOG, where she was responsible for communications strategy and building relationships with locals at all levels — from your average Joe to your average county commissioner chair. She secured over $200,000 in grant money for transportation projects across the KTCOG's five-county region.
Asked what brought her to Oxford, she said rural towns like it have an indelible charm and allure, and quite a lot to offer — it just takes a motivated citizenry and revitalization to unlock that potential.
Oxford's Downtown is particularly charming, she said, and is excited to be part of its ongoing development.
Though, she has noticed a lack of new blood in local governments and other positions of power. The key to rural revitalization is bringing young leaders to those roles — voices from all parts of the spectrum must needs be heard.
"This is where your passion is needed the most," she says. "Go where you are needed."
Her unswaying goal, she said, is to ensure Oxford's quality of life increases as revitalization continues.
Of the many words to describe her, "optimist" is certainly one of them. The Henderson Optimist Club agreed, dubbing her 2023's Optimist of the Year.
"I look forward to collaborating with the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation, existing Downtown businesses, and community leaders to forge lasting positive impacts and cultivate a dynamic downtown community in Oxford," said Gomez-Jimenez. "Most importantly, I'm excited to engage with the citizens of Oxford to enrich our downtown's livability and elevate it as a pivotal destination for new businesses and visitors alike."
Beyond all that, she's bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish. Oxford just last year voted in the first Latino mayor in the state — Guillermo Nurse. Representation is important to her, she said — it helps bridge gaps between communities, and revitalization efforts need to cross a lot of metaphorical bridges.
Gomez-Jimenez brings experience in communication, community organizing and relationship-building to the Downtown Development Office — and a whole lot of energy, besides.
When one town grows, every other town around it grows in turn.
Pending the release of a press release, the city of Oxford declined to comment further.
"Kenia Gomez-Jimenez's appointment as the new Downtown Economic Director heralds a promising era for Oxford's downtown," said Pierre Gingue, DOEDC president, on Wednesday. "We are excited to see the enthusiasm, energy, and community-centered approach she will bring. We anticipate transformative growth and prosperity for our city's core."
The new director lives in Henderson with her fiancé Alfredo and family. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her Corgi, Ace. All her paychecks go towards that beloved companion, she once joked.
