On June 18, 2026, 26 workforce leaders completed the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative (SWLI) and earned the professional designation of Strategic Workforce Leader. Held June 15-18 at NC State University’s James B. Hunt Jr. Library, the session marked the fourth SWLI cohort since its launch in 2023. The Spring 2026 graduates join an exclusive group of 96 designated Strategic Workforce Leaders from across North Carolina.

Hosted by the Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) and presented by the Workforce Leadership Institute, SWLI is a professional development program that equips leaders in workforce development, economic development, education, community organizations and other sectors with the skills and strategic foresight needed to capitalize on emerging opportunities in their communities. Graduates are better prepared for careers as workforce board directors, strategic workforce planners, economic developers, educational leaders, employer consultants and more.

During the session, the cohort engaged in an intensive curriculum, covering key topics such as workforce development trends, the history of federal policy in skills and education, methods for leveraging workforce data and research, the impact of AI on the workforce, the importance of storytelling, skills-based hiring, leadership skills development and more.

The session featured guest speakers from Jobs for the Future, the Workforce Professionals Training Institute, Novel Strategies, NC Department of Commerce, NC Chamber Foundation, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and many more.

The Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative graduates are:

• Kathryn Bamburg, Durham Public Schools
• Chase Barnhill, NC Biotechnology Center
• Adrienne Bridges, NC Department of Adult Correction
• Barbara Brothers, Capital Area Workforce Development
• Layel Burton, ZIEHL-ABEGG
• Philip Cooper, Operation Gateway, Inc.
• Bramley Crisco, Action Greensboro
• Freeman Denton, NC Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions
• Tiffany Dix, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM)
• Devita Ewell, Goodwill Industries Northwest NC
• Sean Foley, NC State University, Wellness and Recreation
• Pam Hartley, myFutureNC
• Julanda Jett, Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, Inc.
• Eliza Kiser, NC State University, Upper Coastal Plain Learning Council and The Collaborative
• Stacey Knox, One Place
• Kelsey Lam, The Resiliency Collaborative
• Kelly Laraway, NC State University, Career Development Center
• Michael London, City of Durham
• Amanda McMillian, Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute
• Glenda Morrow, Durham Workforce Development Board
• Olalah Njenga, Management LLC
• E.B. Odderstol, Buncombe County
• Kenny Parker, Centralina Workforce Development Board
• Bridget Phifer, Living Better Life CDC
• Jazmine Stevenson, SECU Foundation
• David Szwejbka, GuilfordWorks

Interested in the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative? Stay informed and be the first to hear about the next cohort at: go.ncsu.edu/workforceleader or by completing the interest form.