Golden LEAF President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Hamilton talks with professionals about the most pressing economic development issues shaping communities across North Carolina.
Golden LEAF Critical Conversations
Claim This Podcastby Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF Foundation
7 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
Golden LEAF President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Hamilton talks with professionals about the most pressing economic development issues shaping communities across North Carolina.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/6/2026
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Recent Episodes
July 8, 2026
Housing as Economic Development
<p dir="ltr">Housing has become one of the most significant challenges facing communities across North Carolina. As employers expand their operations and the state's population continues to grow, many rural communities are struggling to provide housing for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, manufacturing employees, and other essential workers.</p> <p dir="ltr">The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations features a discussion on how partnerships between local governments, nonprofits, financial institutions, philanthropy, and community leaders are creating workforce housing solutions tailored to local needs.</p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Scott Farmer, Executive Director of the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, explains why housing has become a critical economic development issue and discusses how communities can identify local housing needs, build partnerships, and develop solutions that reflect their unique circumstances.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Matthew Whittle, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne, shares how the McNair Heights development in Goldsboro demonstrates the power of collaboration to create mixed-income neighborhoods that support workforce housing, strengthen local economies, and help families build long-term financial stability through homeownership.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Jama Campbell, Executive Director of the State Employee Credit Union (SECU) Foundation, discusses the role philanthropy plays in supporting innovative housing models, from teacher housing and home repairs to workforce housing developments, while emphasizing the importance of local leadership and community-driven solutions.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why housing is increasingly recognized as an economic development priority, how successful workforce housing projects depend on collaboration across sectors, and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing housing challenges in North Carolina's communities.</p>
June 8, 2026
The Future of Farmland in North Carolina
<p dir="ltr">The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores one of the most significant challenges facing North Carolina agriculture: the loss of farmland and what it means for the state's economy, food systems, and future growth.</p> <p dir="ltr">The conversation highlights Ground Truth NC, a new farmland research initiative launched by Golden LEAF and NC Ag Leads to better understand where farmland is being lost, what is driving those changes, and how those shifts impact agricultural production and economic opportunity across the state.</p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Ray Starling, General Counsel of the North Carolina Chamber and President of the North Carolina Chamber Legal Institute, discusses the origins of NC Ag Leads, the growing pressures facing agriculture, and why better data is needed to inform farmland preservation strategies and public policy decisions.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Vicky Porter, owner of Porter Farms Inc. in Cabarrus County, shares firsthand perspectives on development pressures, the challenges of preserving working farmland, and the importance of educating communities about agriculture's role in food security, economic vitality, and quality of life.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dr. Raymond Thomas, Assistant Professor and Extension Agricultural Market Specialist at N.C. A&T State University and member of Ground Truth NC's advisory council, explains how research can help quantify the economic value of farmland, connect agricultural production to broader economic outcomes, and support informed decision-making for the future of North Carolina agriculture.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why farmland preservation is more than an agricultural issue; it is a critical economic development issue that affects food production, business growth, community sustainability, and the long-term prosperity of North Carolina. Listen now to this episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.</p>
May 13, 2026
Reimagining rural education through Golden LEAF Schools
<p dir="ltr">The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations with President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton explores how North Carolina rural middle schools participating in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative are rethinking education to better prepare students for high school, careers, and the workforce of the future.</p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Rachel Wright-Junio, Director of the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, explains how the initiative is helping schools implement innovative teaching models, strengthen leadership, and create career-connected learning environments that support long-term student success.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dusty Martin, Principal of Northern Middle School in Person County, shares how the Transformative Schools cohort is reshaping school culture, improving instructional practices, and helping educators build stronger systems that support both students and the broader community.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Heather Herron, Instructional Technology Facilitator at Swain Middle School in Swain County, offers insight into how proficiency scales and competency-based learning are helping students better understand their progress, build confidence, and take ownership of their education.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is supporting teachers, engaging students, and working to strengthen North Carolina's future workforce by investing in innovation and continuous improvement in rural schools.</p>
7 total episodes available
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