Kim Tesoro, a key figure in Orange County’s tourism and business community, recently died after a battle with cancer and several members of the local business community each found ways to honor her after her passing.

The Tesoro family shared news of Kim’s death on July 21, saying she died on July 19 in the company of her children and relatives. She was 57 years old.

Kim Tesoro. (Photo via the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce.)

Tesoro led the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce for five years, taking over the role of CEO after the departure of Sara Stephens and stepping up her responsibilities from being its program development director. A co-owner of the Hot Tin Roof bar on West Margaret Lane which she founded in 2013, she also served on the Town of Hillsborough’s Tourism Board for several years — including in the vice chair role.

Tesoro stepped down from her role with the chamber in late 2022 as she battled cancer, helping the organization transition to new CEO Scott Czechlewski and continue to advocate for local business-minded policies. After the news of her death was publicly shared, the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce shared a post remembering her on their social media.

“We are grateful for her dedicated work and the passion she displayed for the Town of Hillsborough,” the chamber wrote. “Her contributions to the people and community she loved will live on, a legacy of service that touched many lives. We will remember her infectious smile, creativity, feisty nature and leadership…a bright light that will forever shine in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time, and we offer our sincerest condolences.”

Similarly, Hot Tin Roof shared a post on Facebook honoring Tesoro shortly after her passing. The bar went on to hold a celebration of life for its co-owner, hosting karaoke and offering some of her favorite drinks as specials.

Following a private ceremony for family on July 24, there was a public event for Tesoro held at the Colonial Inn to also celebrate her life. The family encouraged community members to dress in pinks and purples in her honor. The event came just a week after the Hillsborough/Orange County chamber also honored her at the Colonial Inn — thanking Tesoro for her work as it held its first Women in Business Luncheon in years.

Further south in the county, the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau also shared its condolences over Tesoro’s passing. In its monthly tourism newsletter, the organization included a statement crediting Tesoro for her work in the county’s business community.

“[Tesoro] was a great supporter of Hillsborough and supporter of Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau’s tourism efforts,” said the visitors bureau. “She will be greatly missed.”

The family’s obituary of Kim Tesoro can be found here.

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