It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of former Governor James B. Hunt Jr.

Governor Hunt was a visionary leader and dedicated public servant for North Carolina. As the founder of the Emerging Issues Forum in 1986, he envisioned a North Carolina where people come together across perspectives to find solutions for the critical issues facing North Carolinians. Through the Emerging Issues Forum and ultimately the establishment of the Institute for Emerging Issues, his vision is in motion. We were fortunate to have Governor Hunt as an active member of our National Advisory Board until 2015, and a continued confidant for several additional years.

Spending time with Governor Hunt was a privilege. At the Emerging Issues Forum, I would catch stories of him working with leaders across the aisle to advance North Carolina policy and programs. At IEI’s National Advisory Board meetings, he would share his charge for us to think big and engage more people across more communities in identifying solutions to the state’s emerging issues. He also loved sharing stories about his family and travels. And because I heard him say it so many times, my work is shaped by his directive to “Make North Carolina all that it CAN be, all that it SHOULD be, and all that it MUST be.

Former IEI Director Leslie Boney sat down with Governor Hunt in 2017 for a podcast episode in which they discussed the origins of the forum.

“It was mostly about bringing in the best ideas and the best people. Our goal was, and I hope it still is, to be the best in North Carolina. The best. Not just good or a little better than somebody else. We wanted this state to be the best it could possibly be. So we wanted to bring the best ideas here in terms of how you built the state, what it took, who was doing what around the country and around the world, and educate our leaders–because the leaders came to this–and inspire them, excite them, make them want to lead it and work for it and drive for it.”

Governor Hunt’s unwavering dedication to the betterment of the state and its people laid the foundation for our mission today. His legacy will live on, not only within the halls of the James B Hunt Jr. Library and the grounds of NC State’s Centennial Campus, but also through our work and the lives touched by his kindness and leadership. We remain more committed than ever to carry this mission forward, bringing North Carolinians together to build a vibrant and prosperous future for all.