Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Sharon Decker, Senior Advisor for Long-Term Recovery for the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
Decker became the senior advisor for long-term recovery for GROW NC in June 2025. She previously served as North Carolina’s Secretary of Commerce and currently serves as President of the Tryon Equestrian Center. Decker is taking a leave of absence from that role to dedicate her time and expertise to supporting the state in this critical recovery effort.
The mission of GROW NC is to accelerate recovery efforts in Western North Carolina by coordinating collaboration, streamlining communication, and effectively deploying resources to rebuild homes, restore infrastructure, and revitalize communities and businesses following the devastation from Hurricane Helene. The office works to ensure a faster, more effective, transparent, and accountable recovery process, supported by the Governor’s Advisory Committee and federal funding.
Decker shared that GROW NC was created by Governor Stein under an executive order and coordinates and streamlines North Carolina’s disaster recovery response to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. She added that the office works with state agencies, local governments, federal partners, and nonprofits to ensure transparency in how recovery funds are received and distributed, while fostering collaboration across sectors. The Governor’s Advisory Council is composed of local officials, educators, business leaders, and volunteers and helps GROW NC identify gaps, connect resources, and drive strategic recovery planning. Its mission extends beyond rebuilding, explained Decker, focusing on strengthening Western North Carolina’s economy and resilience across healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and small business for the long term.
Success for GROW NC will be measured first by helping families return to safe, permanent homes. Decker shared that organizations like Baptists on Mission are already repairing hundreds of homes through support from Golden LEAF, the state, and other partners. Progress is also tracked through economic indicators such as sales and occupancy tax growth, which reflect returning business and tourism and infrastructure recovery, she added. For example, Decker shared that over 97% of the 5,000 damaged roads have been restored. These data measures are monitored monthly by county to guide GROW NC with what counties needed additional support, explained Decker. Beyond numbers, success is seen in stronger community connections and collaboration among nonprofits, churches, and businesses which are signs of resilience that will sustain long-term recovery.
Decker explained that GROW NC serves as a connector and catalyst for collaboration across communities, helping share successful recovery strategies and link local leaders with funding and philanthropic partners when other resources run out. The office also advocates for small businesses by identifying grant opportunities and supports regional cooperation on shared infrastructure projects like water and sewer systems, she shared. Decker said that philanthropic partners such as the Dogwood Health Trust, the Belk Foundation, and Golden LEAF play a vital role in these efforts, encouraging collaboration to maximize impact and stretch recovery dollars further.
While Western North Carolina has made significant progress, much work remains, said Decker. Leaders are working to keep attention on ongoing recovery needs while also encouraging tourism and economic activity, she shared. For example, GROW NC and other advocates are using storytelling and outreach to highlight both the resilience of local communities and the continued challenges ahead. Decker said Western North Carolina is open for business, and every visitor and dollar spent helps sustain recovery.
For more information about GROW NC, visit wncrecovery.nc.gov.