Our Mission: To inform, develop, and engage committed leaders by broadening their understanding of and involvement in issues and opportunities facing the state.
Since 1995, we’ve worked with state luminaries to improve North Carolina’s quality of life through visionary programming.
Through Leadership North Carolina, leaders turn their collective knowledge into bold action.
Our Program
Equipping Leaders for Our Future
We work with individuals across the private and public sectors to develop leaders who want to drive improvements and influence outcomes. The program takes a comprehensive, integrated approach that showcases how its six focus areas are deeply intertwined. Program participants collaborate on solving real challenges, and they roll up their sleeves to volunteer in ways that enrich and support citizens across the state.
Our Six Focus Areas
An Integrated Approach
GOVERNMENT
North Carolina state and local policy makers, experts, and influencers discuss political trends and the process of governing. These leaders present interactive legislative and budgeting simulations to our participants.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Teachers, administrators, and other decision makers share perspectives on the state’s education systems as they help participants evaluate funding streams, explore demographic trends, and assess the impact of education.
INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
Participants explore strategies to create inclusive environments and lead across cultural, demographic, and philosophical differences.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Presentations, dialogue, and a unique simulation explore issues around health care costs, social determinants of health, and ways various sectors can support a healthy population.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Participants explore the diversity of economic drivers and resources in the state as they learn about opportunities, challenges, and the principles behind sound economic development.
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Leaders and innovators present the trade-offs of a variety of energy options, discuss the dynamics at play in environmental policy and regulation, and share examples of sustainability and cutting-edge research in action.
Our Alumni
Telling the LNC story
Brenda Williams, Class XXI
Deputy Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division
North Carolina Department of State Treasurer
“Although I have lived in NC my entire life, through LNC I learned so much that I did not know about unique challenges facing our state. LNC created an environment in which I was able to brainstorm alongside an impressive group of leaders from diverse experiences, to identify opportunities to make our state a great place to live for all its residents. The vast professional network I gained through LNC has been a tremendous benefit. Friends and mentors from Class XXI as well as other classes continue to inspire me to reach deeper to use my skills and resources to make a difference.”
Will Parry-Hill, Class XX
Manager of Government and Industry Relations
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
“Leadership North Carolina is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my career and continues to pay dividends every day. LNC provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with servant leaders who share a common goal of making our great state even better, take deep dives into the policy issues that matter to our community, and forge lasting relationships. I’m grateful that I was afforded the experience, and thankful to be a part of the LNC community.”
Callee Boulware, Class XXIV
Executive Director
Reach Out and Read Carolinas
“The LNC experience has transformed the way I approach my work in NC. My exposure to new content, not generally a part of my professional work, has deepened my understanding of how seemingly disconnected areas truly do connect. Perhaps most importantly, I have developed strong and lasting relationships with amazing leaders across the State, and continue to be encouraged, motivated, and inspired by the work of LNC graduates. As I run into alums across the state, our shared experience provides a great bond and an open door for working together to make a strong North Carolina. I am deeply grateful for my LNC experience.”
Mike Barnes, Class XX
Principal/Regional Director
THOMAS & HUTTON
“Being a native to North Carolina, I assumed I knew as much about North Carolina as anyone upon being selected as a member of Class XX of Leadership North Carolina. I was pleasantly surprised to be totally wrong. From my first day of class through my time as a board member, alumni co-chair, guest speaker, and now an active alum, I continue to learn more every day about our great state and how great our alumni are at LNC. The relationships that I have made from all over the state have enriched both my professional and personal lives. I am still amazed at the willingness of LNC alum to pick up the phone whenever you call. It is truly an honor to be a part of this family.”
Giving to North Carolina’s Leaders
Advance Our Cause
We’ve equipped more than 1,500 leaders across 100 counties to shape our shared future. This critical work is supported by the generosity of individual and corporate donors. To continue to expand our impact, we rely on our community stakeholders to invest in our cause. Will you join us?
