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The WILMA 2025 Women To Watch Awards were presented during a celebration event at the Wilmington Convention Center on September 5, 2025. In attendance were thirty-six Women to Watch nominees representing seven categories: Arts, Business, Education, Health, Nonprofit, Public Sector, and Rising Star. Each nominee furthers the community and excels in their field. Natalie English, President/CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and member of the New Hanover County TDA Board of Directors, announced the Women To Watch Public Sector award winner and presented the award to Kim Hufham.

About Kim Hufham
As President/CEO of the New Hanover Tourism Development Authority d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau [CVB], Kim Hufham is responsible for the operations, management and overall strategic direction of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB, the county’s official destination marketing organization. She also advocates for issues affecting the tourism industry, manages a destination marketing budget of $18 million, and oversees implementation of New Hanover County’s first-ever 10-year Tourism Master Plan. When asked what inspires her to work in the public sector, Hufham replied: “Working in the public sector gives me the opportunity to advocate for both small and large businesses that comprise the hospitality industry. It is an honor to be a part of the planned economic development of our community that improves the quality of place for visitors to our destination and for citizens of New Hanover County.”

With a career in destination management and marketing that spans more than 35 years, Hufham joined the Cape Fear Coast CVB in 1989 as Administrative Assistant. Soon thereafter, she was promoted to Director of Sales, a position she held until 2003 when she left to take a job as Executive Director of the Columbus County Tourism Bureau. In 2004 Hufham returned to the Cape Fear Coast CVB (rebranded as the Wilmington and Beaches CVB) as Executive Vice-President of Sales and Services. Hufham accepted the position of President and CEO in 2006. Over the years, Kim has served in leadership roles for state tourism organizations, including NC Travel Industry Association, NC Travel & Tourism Coalition, Association Executives of North Carolina, NC Coast Host, and Destination Marketing Association of NC. She is also an active member of the Southeast Tourism Society, NC Restaurant & Lodging Association, NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher Advisory Board, Wilmington Convention Center Advisory Committee, Wilmington Area Hospitality Association, City of Wilmington – Sister City Commission, Wilmington Riverwalk Committee, and WILMA Magazine’s Leadership Mentoring Program. In her spare time Kim enjoys traveling, gardening, the beach, and spending time with family.
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About the Wilmington and Beaches CVB & New Hanover County Tourism
The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place. For visitor information about Wilmington and its island beaches and to request or download a free Official Visitors Guide, visit www.WilmingtonAndBeaches.com.

During 2024, domestic and international visitors to and within New Hanover County spent nearly $1.14 billion ($1,139.78 million) and tourism employment increased to 7,003 jobs. New Hanover County ranks 8th in visitor spending among North Carolina’s 100 counties. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

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Media Contact:
Connie Nelson
Communications/PR Director
Wilmington and Beaches CVB
910-341-4030 x120
866-266-9690

Previous Release: 2024 Visitor Impact for New Hanover County; Record Spending Sets New Benchmark (09/02/25)
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