Happy Holidays from the Golden LEAF Board and staff. We are coming to your inbox a day earlier than our normal Thursday update due to the Christmas holiday.
While 2020 has been full of challenges, Golden LEAF has worked to develop creative solutions and provide resources to strengthen North Carolina’s economy. Golden LEAF’s mission is to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities. The Board and staff are dedicated to creating a meaningful and lasting economic impact in the state.
In calendar year 2020, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded funding to 112 projects totaling $62.7 million to support economic investment and job creation, agriculture, workforce preparedness and education, and recovery from disasters. The Foundation also provided $15 million for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Golden LEAF’s 15-member Board of Directors is appointed by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House. Four new members joined the Board of Directors this year: Darryl Moss of Creedmoor, Brian Raynor of Eastover, Ralph Strayhorn of Charlotte, and Charles Brown of Albemarle. Golden LEAF also hired two new staff: Brynn Fann and Heather Sains.
The Foundation Board holds meetings every other month to award funds for projects supporting long-term economic growth. Read more about Golden LEAF’s Board meetings in the press releases below: