Kristen Trexler

Community Engagement, Novant Health Rowan Medical Center & Huntersville Medical Center

Native of Rowan County

Industry: Healthcare

Kristen Trexler left her native Rowan County for college at N.C. State University, but after graduation, she says she “came right back here for family and friends.”

She majored in Parks and Recreation and Tourism Management at N.C. State with a minor in Graphic Design. She earned her master’s degree in Leadership Management from Liberty University.

“Rowan County is home, and it’s perfect for me,” she says. “The people are so friendly and welcoming. We have the downtown, the rural area, farmland — it’s the best of all possible worlds. I absolutely adore every part of this county … the hometown ‘feel’ … each municipality has its own charm. You are close to the mountains and the beach. It’s not as crowded as Concord, Charlotte, Raleigh, but it has so much to offer and do like those cities. It’s truly just the place to be!”

Her feelings about her home county fit in well with the county’s Be an Original™ slogan. To her, being an original means: “Everything we do is creative and inspired through the community landscape and people.”

Kristen’s favorite restaurant is Chef Santos. “It’s always fresh. He puts his heart and soul into every dish that comes out of the kitchen,” she says.

The Cheerwine Festival is her favorite Rowan County event. “It brings so many people to the community to see what Rowan has to offer.” She says she is impressed with how prepared everyone is and the amount of time and the execution that go into the one-day festival, from the City of Salisbury, the. city’s Parks and Rec team, to emergency personnel, to Salisbury-based Cheerwine®, the soft drink that originated here in 1917. 

Bell Tower Green is her favorite outdoor space. “It’s right in the heart of Salisbury,” she says. “I love how much heart and thought was put into the park by the committee. When a band performs downtown, it’s an amazing thing. And there’s ample space for non-profits to use the park.”

Kristen’s professional life revolves around local non-profits. Kristen works in Community Engagement for the Rowan Medical Center and Huntersville Medical Center, she oversees the medical center’s community events, the medical center’s contributions to the community, volunteer programs, and festivals, as well as helping with marketing. 

She serves on boards associated with Downtown Salisbury Inc., Meals on Wheels, the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, and the Rowan Cabarrus Community College Foundation. She is vice chair of the Healthy Rowan Executive Committee, a member of the Rowan Rotary Club, and an active member of Life Church. 

Community involvement is the key to life in Rowan County, she says.  “I urge people to get involved in an organization that they are passionate about. Involvement and work on boards help the community one step at a time.”