The Most Important Job in North Carolina
An exceptional leadership opportunity to shape the workforce, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity statewide
Explore the Opportunity
Meeting the Moment
Industries across North Carolina are evolving rapidly, and the skills required to succeed are changing with them. Employers expect stronger alignment between education and workforce needs, while students seek clear pathways into sustainable and meaningful careers. The next President will build on this momentum and help position North Carolina as the national leader in talent and workforce development.
#1
State for Business*#1
State for Workforce*58
Colleges630,000+
Students Each Year31,433
Employees System-Wide
About the Search Process
State Board Leadership
Thomas F. Looney, Chair, State Board of Community Colleges (Co-Chair, Presidential Search Committee)
John Kane, Vice Chair, State Board of Community Colleges (Co-Chair, Presidential Search Committee)
Chaz Beasley, Board Member
Brad Briner, State Treasurer
Lisa Estep, Board Member
Chris Lumsden, Board Member
Search Advisory Council
To ensure broad input and transparency, the Board has established an Advisory Council composed of distinguished leaders from business, government, and higher education:
Dr. Amanda Lee, President, NC Association of Community College Presidents
Gene Rees, Chairman, NC Association of Community College Trustees
Chris Chung, CEO, Economic Development Partnership of NC
Ward Nye, Chairman & CEO, Martin Marietta
Sen. Michael Lee, North Carolina Senate
Rep. David Willis, North Carolina House of Representatives
Seth Dearmin, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor
Independent Search Firm
In January 2026, the State Board selected Buffkin/Baker as the executive search firm to lead the national search for the next president. Buffkin/Baker will partner with the System Office and the Board to design and implement a comprehensive search process.
