LOCAL RESIDENTS GRADUATE FROM LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

For Immediate Release:

August 21, 2026

For Media Inquiries:

Bill Holmes, Senior Director of Communications

bholmes@ncruralcenter.org | (c) 919-621-5060

Local Residents [Caroline Auman and Debbie Black] Graduates from Leadership Development Program

RALEIGH, NC— (Caroline Auman, and Debbie Black) of (Liberty Learning Center and First United Methodist Church) rcently graduated from the NC Rural Center’s Homegrown Leaders program, a three-day regional leadership and community economic development program that develops and supports highly motivated leaders committed to regional collaboration.

“It was truly amazing to see so many different organizations participate and contribute to this learning experience. It takes all rural community leaders from Healthcare, Education, Government, Nonprofits, Faith-based organizations, Small business leaders and entrepreneurs, Economic development professionals and many other community leaders to create a flouishing envionment for small communities to thrive.” - Debbie Black

The training, held in Asheboro from August 18 to 20, drew existing and emerging leaders from across North Carolina.

Graduation certificates were presented to the program's 19 participants upon completion of the training.

"Thriving rural communities require capable, committed leaders who are equipped to address challenges and seize opportunities," said Olaunda Green, senior director of leadership & training for the Rural Center. "Homegrown Leaders helps cultivate that leadership by developing the skills, confidence, and relationships leaders need to inspire action, strengthen their communities, and help shape a vibrant future for rural North Carolina."

Class participants included local government, healthcare, education, faith, and nonprofit leaders.

“Leadership development is at the core of the Rural Center’s work, and now more than ever, it is important that our leaders are equipped with the skills and tools to foster growth and innovation,” said Rural Center President and CEO Patrick Woodie. “We’re excited to see the impact our Homegrown Leaders graduates will have in their communities and regions to create a thriving future for generations of residents.”

For more information about Homegrown Leaders, visit https://www.ncruralcenter.org/homegrown-leaders/.

About the NC Rural CenterThe NC Rural Center has worked since 1987 to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. The Rural Center serves the state's 78 rural counties with a special focus on people with low-to-moderate incomes and communities with limited resources. To learn more about how the NC Rural Center is developing and supporting rural leaders across the state, visit ncruralcenter.org.