Citing health concerns, Kamau resigns as Visit EC director after less than 5 months on job

Citing health concerns, Nosakhere Kamau has resigned as executive director of the city-county tourism agency after less than five months in the job.

Kamau, who was named director of Visit Elizabeth City in February, submitted his letter of resignation to the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Tourism Development Authority on Tuesday. His resignation takes effect on Monday, July 22.

“Due to ongoing medical issues, I find myself unable to fulfill my responsibilities at the level of commitment that the role deserves,” Kamau states in his letter to TDA members. “After careful consideration and consultation with my healthcare provider, I have come to the conclusion that prioritizing my health is necessary at this time.”

In his letter, Kamau does not cite specific health issues.

The resignation letter was sent as an email to attorney John Leidy, an employment law expert with the Hornthal Riley Ellis & Maland firm. The email’s subject line reads “Resignation” and the timestamp is 10:45 p.m., July 7.

“This decision was not made lightly, and I sincerely regret any inconvenience my resignation may cause,” he states.

His announcement came on the same day the TDA held its third straight closed-door meeting, which was a continuation of confidential meetings that began nearly two weeks ago.

TDA members first convened in closed session on Thursday, June 27, but after more than two hours agreed to recess the meeting until Tuesday, July 2. That meeting was also held in closed session before it, too, was recessed. The TDA board voted to resume the meeting on Tuesday, July 9, at 10 a.m.

Both Pasquotank County Attorney Mike Cox, who is also the TDA attorney, and Leidy participated in the meetings.

In February, TDA’s members voted 6-0 to hire Kamau to replace former executive director Corrina Ruffieux.

Kamau, whose birth name is Eric Walton, is the son Elizabeth City 4th Ward Councilman Johnnie Walton. He legally changed his name to Nosakhere Kamau in 2000 “to honor his cultural heritage,” according to a TDA news release.

Kamau began his role as executive director of Visit EC on Feb. 26. His starting annual salary was $90,000.