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Group photo of the third cohort of IEI's Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative.

Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative

The Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative is a comprehensive professional development program designed to build strong, committed and capable leaders who understand the economic conditions of their community and state, and can leverage those strengths to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Applications for the Spring 2026 Cohort of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative are now closed. Sign up for updates to be the first to know when our next cohort opens.

About the Initiative

This four-day program is led by experts in workforce and economic development, as well as national and regional leaders in emerging issues facing these disciplines. It prepares graduates for careers as leaders within workforce development, such as directors of workforce boards, strategic workforce planners, economic developers, educational leaders, employer consultants and more. Graduates leave the program ready to create initiatives that will further benefit their communities.

Graduates of the program will receive the professional designation of Strategic Workforce Leader (SWL), issued by the Workforce Leadership Institute.

Who Should Participate?

Leaders engaged in workforce development, economic development, education, community organizations and more are welcome to apply.

SWLI Agenda

Explore the curriculum for the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative.

View the Agenda

Initiative Leadership

The Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative is presented by the Workforce Leadership Institute and hosted by the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University.

Workforce Leadership Institute

Ron Painter
President, Workforce Leadership Institute

Melanie Anderson
Executive Director, Arlington Thrive

North Carolina Advisory Board

Ken Allen
Director of Business Engagement, NC Works Commission

Mark Bernhard, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Continuing Education, NC State University

Marilyn Chism
Director of Programs, Golden LEAF Foundation

Stephanie Deese, Ed.D.
Executive Director, NC Association of Workforce Development Boards

Sarah Hall
Director, Institute for Emerging Issues 

Annie Izod, Ph.D.
Executive Director, NC Works Commission

Thomas White
Director of the Economic Development Partnership, NC State University

NEWS

Read more
Group photo of the fourth cohort of IEI's Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative.

July 02, 2026

IEI Celebrates Fourth Cohort of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative

IEI is excited to announce the fourth cohort of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative, a professional development program for leaders in workforce and economic development. Graduates earned the professional designation of Strategic Workforce Leader after completing the four-day program.
Spring 2025 cohort of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative listening to a speaker in a group session.

April 07, 2026

Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative Accepting Applications

Applications are currently being accepted for the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative cohort, taking place June 15-18. Only 25 spots are available. Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until May 8, or until all spots are filled.
Graphic including an image of four adults speaking at a conference. In front of the photo is the text "Annual Impact Report 2024-2025"

December 16, 2025

IEI Releases 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report

IEI is excited to release the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report. This report highlights the work that took place throughout the year and the impact it had on communities across the state.

Questions?

Check out our SWLI Frequently Asked Questions or reach out to our team.

JK
Julia Keith
Julia Keith

Policy and Program Specialist

919-515-9257