2025 Leadership North Carolina Forum

The LNC Forum is Leadership North Carolina’s flagship event for leaders from across North Carolina. Often referred to as “LNC in one day,” the LNC Forum provides an update for LNC alumni and a sample of the LNC experience for leaders interested in the program. Hosted annually, the Forum educates leaders about the most critical issues facing the state, creating a more informed group of stakeholders committed to North Carolina’s future, all through a systems-level approach through the lens of LNC’s six pillars – Government, Education, Inclusive Leadership, Economic Development, Health and Human Services, and the Environment.

We hope leading with intention to create a North Carolina that promotes authenticity, accountability and a sustainable future for all is a mission we can collectively embrace. This year we will explore our theme: Harnessing the Power of Connection. These connections flow across the six pillars of LNC, but also energize the power of leaders from across North Carolina and across sectors.

The LNC Forum will bring together alumni, community leaders, and speakers to share information and expertise to ensure bridges of knowledge and action are created and expanded in every county in North Carolina.

9:00 am - 9:30 am - Registration / Coffee / Networking

9:30 am - 9:45 am - Welcome and Defining the Day's Purpose

• Cheryl Parquet, LNC Class 26 and Chair of LNC Board of Directors, Director of Community Engagement and Social Responsibility - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
  

9:45 am - 10:30 am - Session One
Harnessing the Power of Connections Through Education and Opportunity

• Cecilia Holden, LNC Class 23, President and Chief Executive Officer - MyFutureNC
• Ben Kinney, LNC Class 14, Publisher - Business North Carolina
• Gregory Singleton, Dean of Academic Programs, OIC of Rocky Mount
• Matthew Scott, District Attorney - Robeson County
  

10:30 am - 10:50 am - Morning Break

10:50 am - 11:35 am - Session Two
Harnessing the Power of Connections: Addressing Child Care and Housing to Strengthen North Carolina's Workforce and Communities

• Meredith Archie, LNC Class 31, President - North Carolina Chamber Foundation
• Eric Maribojoc, Professor of the Practice and Associate Director for the Affordable Housing Initiative - Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC Chapel Hill
• Aaron Merchen, Executive Director, Policy and Programs, Early Childhood Education - U.S. Chamber Foundation
  

11:45 am - 12:30 pm

• Lunch and Networking
  

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm - Session Three
Harnessing the Power of Connections Through Energy and Resilience Needs

• Sarah Langer Hall, LNC Class 19, Director - Institute for Emerging Issues, North Carolina State University
• Steve Kalland, Executive Director - North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, North Carolina State University
• Lee Ragsdale, LNC Class 22 and Vice Chair of the LNC Board of Directors, Senior Vice President, Energy Delivery - North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives
  

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm - Session Four
Harnessing the Power of Connections Through Opportunity

Sean Suggs, President - Toyota Battery Manufacturing

2:00 pm - Closing

• Brian Etheridge, President - Leadership North Carolina

• Duke Energy
• North Carolina Biotechnology Center

Is the LNC Forum open to the public?

Yes! The LNC Forum is open to everyone.

Can I register more than one guest?

You can register more than one guest, but each guest must have unique contact information.

What COVID-19 protocols will be in place during the event?

We will adhere to venue and city guidelines in place at the time of the event. Leadership North Carolina strongly recommends all participants be fully vaccinated, including boosters.

What are local hotel suggestions for out of town guests?

Two nearby hotels we recommend are the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel and Raleigh Marriott City Center.

Where do I park?

There are public parking decks available within a few blocks of Market Hall. Click here to read suggestions from Market Hall.

Do I need to bring my ticket to the event?

You do not need to bring your ticket to enter the event. There will be a registration table outside the meeting space for check-in.

How can I connect with other guests prior to and after the Forum?

You can participate in conversations on social media by using the hashtag #LNCForum

Host or Publisher Leadership North Carolina