Our Mission
“The Rockingham County Center for Economic Development, Small
Business and Tourism is the lead organization unifying the community to
foster a business climate that creates jobs and opportunities for
citizens leading to investment in our county.”
Our Vision
“To provide the best quality of life educationally, economically, and environmentally.”
Meet Our Team
Leigh Cockram, Director of Economic Development and Tourism
[email protected]
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 Taylor-Pinnix, Deputy Director
[email protected]
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.
Tara Martin, Marketing Manager
[email protected]
Tara joined Economic
Development, Small Business, & Tourism in March 2020. Tara is a native of Rockingham County 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.
Lindsay Pegg, Tourism Manager
[email protected]
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.
Morgan McKinney, Workforce Development Manager
[email protected]
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.