Chaired by North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, the Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan Steering Committee brings together leaders from business, education, workforce development, local government, and nonprofit organizations to help  develop the state’s next strategic plan for economic development. Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton serves on the committee that will provide guidance on emerging priorities, effective strategies, and key themes to advance economic growth across diverse communities and sectors. In addition, committee members will support outreach during regional listening sessions, review data and stakeholder input to identify focus areas, and contribute expert insight to inform policy and program recommendations.

The Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $4.5 million in funding to support long-term economic advancement. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $3.1 million to support seven projects through the Open Grants Program, $1 million to support the first SPARC Initiative project, and $262,600 to support increases in two SITE Program projects. The Board also awarded an additional $150,000 for Hurricane Helene relief.

In July, the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Sydney DeLancey as the External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives Manager.

In May, the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Jala Hill as the Scholarship Program Associate.

“We are excited to have Jala to help carry out the mission of the Foundation,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. “Jala brings a great set of skills to our hardworking team of dedicated professionals.”

Recently, the Golden LEAF Foundation announced that 215 students from 58 rural North Carolina counties were selected to receive up to a $14,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship. 

This scholarship provides high school seniors entering a four-year North Carolina college or university with $3,500 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study. Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,500 a year for up to three years of undergraduate study.

At the June Board meeting, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $4.5 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment projects, workforce preparedness projects, and disaster relief work. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $2,113,986 to support three projects through the Open Grants Program and $1,536,120 to support one industrial park through the SITE Program. The Board also awarded an additional $940,000 for Hurricane Helene relief.

At the April meeting, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $4.5 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment projects, workforce preparedness projects, and scholarships. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $1.5 million to support three projects through the Open Grants Program and $113,250 to support one SITE Program project. The Golden LEAF Board also approved $3 million in funding to the North Carolina Community College System for the Golden LEAF Community Colleges Scholarship. 

Golden LEAF Interns Jala Hill of Williamston and Emma Godwin of Wilson will graduate from East Carolina University in May 2025.

Hill served as an intern for the Scholarship Program for the Spring 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters. She is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Management.