October 12, 2023
Briefly describe your role at Golden LEAF.
As a program officer, I evaluate funding proposals, support the implementation of Golden LEAF priorities, and provide oversight for project monitoring and compliance activities.
Describe yourself in three words.
Detailed, Compassionate, Upbeat
What’s your favorite part of your job and why?
My favorite part of the job is working with teams as they implement their projects. Golden LEAF funds projects that support economic development around the state of North Carolina through a variety of programs and initiatives. I enjoy working with project teams on community college workforce development, agriculture, healthcare, industrial site development and related projects across the state in rural counties. Projects can take a year to several years to be completed, and I am honored to be a part of the grant monitoring and compliance group that is connected to the project and its success.
What is your favorite pastime outside of work?
I visit my family and friends regularly. This involves quite a bit of traveling to the southwest and midwestern United States. I was able to hike in Zion National Park with my daughter and her husband in May. It was my first time visiting the national parks in Utah.
What is your biggest work-related accomplishment within the last year?
In the last year, I have traveled across North Carolina to visit with project teams and tour their facilities and sites. The travels were to rural areas to visit projects or potential projects that have the capacity to make a big impact on the local and area economies. Along with other Golden LEAF staff, I have completed due diligence visits that included meeting with applicants to learn about their work related to economic development.
What motivates you to support long-term economic development in rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities?
I am continually motivated by the people I meet working to bring positive economic change to the rural communities of North Carolina.
Learn more about Suzanne.