Workforce Preparedness Archives - Golden LEAF Foundation

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations is now a Podcast: First episode on the 2025 Economic Overview and 2026 Economic Outlook is live

Jenny Tinklepaugh on January 7, 2026

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations has officially moved to a podcast format and is now available for download on Spotify, making it easier than ever to listen on your schedule.

Hosted by Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF Critical Conversations features conversations with professionals about the most pressing economic development issues shaping communities across North Carolina.

Healthcare workforce programs deliver strong economic impact in Southeastern North Carolina

Jenny Tinklepaugh on January 7, 2026

In southeastern North Carolina, strengthening the healthcare workforce is also a strategy for long-term economic growth. At Cape Fear Valley Health System, expanded physician training has helped address provider shortages while generating significant economic impact across the region.

“Developing a physician workforce here in southeastern North Carolina is core to what we do,” said Cape Fear Valley Health System’s Chief Executive Officer Mike Nagowski. “By every statistic you look at, we have a dramatic shortage of healthcare providers in this region.”

Appalachian State University, University of Mount Olive, Campbell University honor Golden LEAF Scholars

Jenny Tinklepaugh on December 10, 2025

Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton has made it a priority to meet with Golden LEAF Scholars at their college or university to help connect them with the mission of and opportunities provided by Golden LEAF, the leadership of the institution they are attending, Golden LEAF Scholar alumni, and their fellow scholars.

Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring Executive Director of the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority Mary Shuping

Jenny Tinklepaugh on November 12, 2025

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Mary Shuping, Executive Director of the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.

Critical Conversations featuring Edward Olive, Director of the University of Mount Olive Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center

Jenny Tinklepaugh on September 10, 2025

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Edward Olive, Director of the University of Mount Olive Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.

North Carolina Community College System Launches Toolkit to Strengthen Rural Advanced Manufacturing Workforce

Jenny Tinklepaugh on August 27, 2025

Recently, the North Carolina Community College System released a Rural Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships Toolkit. The toolkit includes innovative partnership models that are meeting the evolving workforce demands of the state’s advanced manufacturing sector, particularly in rural areas.

The toolkit is designed to equip rural-serving colleges with practical strategies to expand training, strengthen employer partnerships, and meet regional labor demands. The resource includes real-world examples of how colleges are implementing solutions such as apprenticeship programs supported by ApprenticeshipNC, and customized training programs offered through NCEdge. These efforts are part of a larger push to align education and training with high-demand career pathways in advanced manufacturing.

All in NC: Investing in Rural Schools is Investing in North Carolina’s Future Workforce

Jenny Tinklepaugh on August 13, 2025

In rural North Carolina, the future workforce is cultivated in classrooms where middle school students are wrestling with math problems and exploring the first ideas of what their careers might one day be.

That’s why the Golden LEAF Foundation launched the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a $25 million commitment over five years to strengthen middle school math instruction and career development in 15 North Carolina rural schools.

Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green

Jenny Tinklepaugh on August 13, 2025

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.

Superintendent Green has served as the North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction since January 1, 2025.

Persistence and public-private partnerships net new industrial park, satellite campus in Aurora

Jenny Tinklepaugh on July 23, 2025

What started as a vision to boost the economy in the rural town of Aurora has resulted in a new industrial park with jobs on the way.

On June 19, the Town of Aurora and Beaufort County Community College broke ground on the Aurora Industrial Park and the college’s only satellite campus, which will be located within the park.

Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton, featuring Ted Lord, Golden LEAF Senior Vice President/General Counsel

Jenny Tinklepaugh on July 9, 2025

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Ted Lord, Golden LEAF Senior Vice President/General Counsel, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.