Herald Staff Report

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ROANOKE RAPIDS - Valley native Christina Gordon has been selected the first Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail/eco-heritage tourism director.

Her appointment was announced Friday by the Halifax County Tourism Development Authority and the city of Roanoke Rapids.

Gordon is stepping down as Work First Manager for the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce to take on her new duties beginning Aug. 8. The museum is due to open in September.

"We are delighted to welcome Christina to the tourism team," said Lori Medlin, executive director of Halifax County Tourism. "She has tremendous energy and extensive knowledge of our community. We are confident that Christina will be a terrific manager for the museum and the many eco/heritage tourism projects underway in Halifax County."

Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director Chris Wicker said, "We are excited to have Christina managing the Roanoke Canal Museum.

Her infectious love of the area, the Canal and its history will make her an ideal ambassador for the museum and trail.

"In addition, she brings valuable teaching, grant writing, and volunteer recruitment experience that will help the Museum be a resounding success."

Gordon is a 1992 graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School and a 1996 magna cum laude graduate of Meredith College with a bachelor's degree in English and communications.

After college, Gordon, a member of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program, taught secondary English for Northampton County Schools. She was then employed with the American Cancer Society as a senior community cancer control manager, working with volunteers in a seven-county territory. Gordon joined the Chamber team in June 2001.

"I am so proud to be able to continue the work of numerous partners who brought the vision of the Canal Museum into reality," Gordon said.

"I am eager to put skills learned in my previous positions to good use for the Canal Museum - coordinating educational programs for children of all ages, working with volunteers, writing grants, marketing and connecting with our local business community."

Phase I of the Roanoke Canal Museum is complete, and the museum opening is planned for Sept. 6. Work on Phase II of the museum will begin immediately thereafter and will include exhibits in the lower level of the museum and major enhancements to the Canal Trail.