North Carolina Community College System Launches Presidential Search Backed by Statewide Council of Business and Government Leaders

Nationwide search seeks visionary president to drive workforce innovation and expand opportunity across North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) today announced the launch of a nationwide search for its next President — a process guided by the State Board of Community Colleges and strengthened by a newly formed Advisory Council of prominent business, government, and higher education leaders from across the state.

The State Board's goal is to identify a visionary, results-driven leader who will accelerate modernization, strengthen workforce partnerships, and unite all 58 community colleges behind a shared mission of excellence. The next President will lead the System's efforts to move at the speed of business and innovation — ensuring North Carolina remains among the most competitive states in the nation for workforce development.

With more than 30,000 employees serving more than 600,000 students annually and an operating budget approaching $2 billion, the North Carolina Community College System is one of the largest and most impactful higher education networks in the United States. Its 58 colleges serve all 100 counties, providing every community and employer with access to the education, workforce training, and resources they need to grow and compete. The System's next President will lead efforts to ensure each college has the tools, talent, and support to meet the evolving needs of North Carolina's people and businesses.

"Our goal is simple but significant," said Thomas F. Looney, Chair of the State Board. "We will identify a transformative leader who can move our System at the speed of business and innovation — leveraging the collective strength of our 58 colleges and the communities they serve. This process will be transparent, collaborative, and focused on results."

John Kane, Vice Chair and Co-Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, emphasized the importance of statewide engagement and economic alignment.

"North Carolina's economic success depends on the strength of our community colleges," Kane said. "This search will engage business and government leaders statewide to ensure the next President continues modernizing the System, strengthening workforce alignment, and expanding opportunities for every business, industry, and student across our state."

The search will focus on identifying a transformative, results-driven leader who can strengthen alignment between education, workforce, and economic priorities while inspiring systemwide collaboration and public trust through an engaging, transparent process. The State Board will make the final selection through a process designed to be both rigorous and efficient, ensuring continuity and confidence across the System and the State.

"We intend to complete this search with both rigor and speed," Looney added. "It will reflect the very best of this Board, this System, and this State."

Search Leadership and Advisory Council
The presidential search will be co-chaired by Thomas F. Looney, Chair of the State Board, and John Kane, Vice Chair. They will be joined by State Board members Chaz Beasley, Treasurer Brad Briner, Lisa Estep, and Chris Lumsden.

To ensure alignment and transparency, the Board has established a Search Advisory Council composed of seven highly respected leaders representing business, government, and higher education:

• Dr. Amanda Lee, President, NC Association of Community College Presidents
• Gene Rees, Chairman, Board, NC Association of Community College Trustees
• Chris Chung, CEO, Economic Development Partnership of NC
• Ward Nye, Chairman & CEO, Martin Marietta
• Sen. Michael Lee, North Carolina Senate
• Rep. David Willis, North Carolina House
• Seth Dearmin, Chief of Staff for the North Carolina Governor's Office

About the North Carolina Community College System
The North Carolina Community College System is the state's largest higher education network, serving approximately 600,000 students annually across 58 colleges. NCCCS plays a critical role in preparing North Carolina's workforce, advancing economic development, and providing affordable access to education and training in every county of the state.

For more information, visit www.nccommunitycolleges.edu.

SOURCE North Carolina Community College System