Golden Leaf President & CEO Scott T. Hamilton to retire at the end of 2026

By Staff Report, posted Jun 12, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Golden LEAF Foundation have announced President & Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton
Photo provided by: The Golden Leaf Foundation

The Board of Directors of Golden LEAF Foundation have announced President & Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton will retire at the end of this year following a distinguished career of leadership and service to North Carolina.

Hamilton has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2019. Under his leadership, Golden LEAF strengthened its commitment to advancing economic opportunity through investments that led to the creation of new jobs, improved workforce preparedness and supported agriculture across rural North Carolina.

“Scott’s leadership has helped shape the direction and long-term vision of Golden LEAF,” said Chair of the Golden LEAF Board of Directors Brian Raynor in a press release. “His ability to bring people together around a shared mission has strengthened communities across North Carolina and positioned the Foundation for continued success.”

Among Hamilton’s signature accomplishments was leading the development and adoption of Golden LEAF’s strategic plan in 2021, which established a clear framework guiding the Foundation’s priorities.

Hamilton also helped launch several key initiatives during his tenure, including NC Ag Leads, a collaboration with the NC Chamber, NC Farm Bureau, and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, resulting in the first strategic plan for agriculture in North Carolina, Golden LEAF Schools, an initiative implemented by the NC Department of Public Instruction focused on increasing educational attainment in rural middle schools, and the Golden LEAF SITE program to spur development of industrial sites in rural North Carolina.

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as the president and chief executive officer of Golden LEAF and work alongside this dedicated team,” Hamilton said in a press release. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished to move the needle in rural communities and expand economic opportunity for North Carolinians. As I look ahead to retirement, I am especially grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with my family while watching Golden LEAF continue its important mission.”

The Board of Directors will begin a search process to identify Golden LEAF’s next president this summer.

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