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Christopher Chung Joins IEI National Advisory Board

Institute for Emerging Issues

A Water Infrastructure Advisory Council meeting at Hunt Library.

Jul 5, 2026

New Strategies Offer North Carolina Communities Solutions for Water Challenges

IEI is pleased to present the final Strategies for Strengthening North Carolina's Water Infrastructure. These recommended strategies were developed by the Water Infrastructure Advisory Council as part of the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water.
Group photo of the fourth cohort of IEI's Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative.

Jul 2, 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.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, June 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Jun 30, 2026

Director’s Message | June 2026

Kicking off summer 2026, IEI Director Sarah Hall highlights the enduring impact of the annual Emerging Issues Forum, showcasing how initiatives like the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative and the Financial Resilience Community Cohort continue to drive progress across the state. Looking ahead, she shares excitement for the upcoming community focus groups that will help lay the groundwork for the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, May 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

May 29, 2026

Director’s Message | May 2026

IEI Director Sarah Hall explores the undeniable return on investment driving North Carolina forward, from the soaring career earnings of NC State graduates to IEI's statewide community investments. Looking ahead, she also expresses her excitement around the institute's next strategic plan.
Video thumbnail with text: "Investing in Our Water Workforce," featuring headshots of Jessica Solis Aguilar, Bill Frazier, Perry Harker and Daniel Manring.

May 20, 2026

Water Wednesdays: Investing in Our Water Workforce

In this Water Wednesdays episode, IEI Policy and Program Manager Jessica Solis Aguilar welcomes three guests to discuss the state’s workforce crisis in the water industry. They explore solutions to rebuild the talent pipeline, including community college training, apprenticeships, certification reforms and industry partnerships.
Video thumbnail with text: "Rethinking Resiliency in Our Water Systems," featuring headshots of Jessica Solis Aguilar, Kerri Allen, Scott Elliott and Emily Sutton.

May 6, 2026

Water Wednesdays: Rethinking Resiliency in Our Water Systems

In this kickoff to The Connector's "Water Wednesdays" series, three special guests join IEI Policy and Program Manager Jessica Solis Aguilar to explore how local leaders can work together to fortify North Carolina's water systems against extreme weather, aging infrastructure and other challenges to build a more resilient future.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, April 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Apr 30, 2026

Director’s Message | April 2026

In honor of Earth Day, IEI Director Sarah Hall reflects on the vital role of nature-based solutions in addressing North Carolina's critical infrastructure challenges. She also highlights the forward-thinking work of NC State faculty and students who are already leading the way by implementing these sustainable strategies across the state.
Spring 2025 cohort of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative listening to a speaker in a group session.

Apr 7, 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 with text: “Director’s Message, March 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Mar 30, 2026

Director’s Message | March 2026

With spring in full swing, IEI Director Sarah Hall gives an update on the recommendations from the 2026 forum on water and reflects on the leadership breakfast that officially launched planning for the 2027 forum on housing. She also celebrates the team’s participation at the 2026 Rural Summit and previews a robust lineup of community initiative events in the coming months.
Graphic with text: "Welcome, New National Advisory Board Member,” featuring a headshot of Christopher Chung.

Mar 11, 2026

Christopher Chung Joins IEI National Advisory Board

IEI is pleased to announce the appointment of Economic Development Partnership of NC CEO Christopher Chung as a new member of IEI's National Advisory Board.