Marilyn Chism 

Marilyn Chism joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in November 2013. As a Director of Programs, Marilyn assists in managing the Foundation’s standard grant programs and special initiatives and also manages staff as they conduct due diligence on proposals and monitor projects in Golden LEAF’s priority area of workforce preparedness. Before working at Golden LEAF, Marilyn worked for 20 years in North Carolina government in the General Assembly’s Fiscal Research Division, in NC Central University’s Chancellor’s Office, and in the Office of the State Auditor. 

Marilyn was raised in Chadbourn, NC. She attended UNC-Greensboro as a Katherine Smith Reynolds Scholar. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UNC-Greensboro and a Juris Doctor from the UNC School of Law. Marilyn is an active member of her church and is also an avid fan of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers. She is currently serving on the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers (NCNG) Board of Directors.