The Golden LEAF Board of Directors recently elected officers and committee chairs. The officers and committee chairs assumed their roles, effective at the conclusion of the board meeting. Brian Raynor was elected chair of the board, replacing Ralph Strayhorn who had served in that position for the maximum of two consecutive terms.

“The Board is grateful for the leadership, insight, and service of Ralph Strayhorn,” said Golden LEAF Board Chair Brian Raynor in a press release. “During his tenure as Board Chair, Golden LEAF awarded more than $141 million to advance North Carolina’s long-term economic growth. He guided the Board through funding for three major job-creation projects—Johnson & Johnson, JetZero and Vulcan Elements—that will bring thousands of jobs and billions in capital investment. He also supported key initiatives including the NC Ag Leads statewide agriculture strategic planning process, the Golden LEAF Schools rural middle school math initiative and relief funding for survivors of Hurricane Helene.”

Raynor is a lifetime resident of Cumberland County and co-owner at Highland Paving Co., LLC. He was first appointed to the Golden LEAF Board in 2020.