New Appointments Enhance Community College Board
Three notable North Carolina business figures, John Kane, Paula Benson, and Geoffrey Lang, were recently inaugurated into the State Board of Community Colleges, promising to enhance the board’s mission of workforce development and student support. The ceremony, held in Raleigh, underscores the board’s commitment to exceptional leadership to drive significant improvements in college education and training across the state. State Board Chairman Tom Looney emphasized the importance of such dynamic leadership to achieve extraordinary outcomes for the community colleges and their students.
Backgrounds of the New Board Members
John Kane, a seasoned developer and CEO of Kane Realty Corporation, brings decades of experience in developing sustainable communities and commercial properties in North Carolina. Paula Benson, transitioning to Director of the Healthcare Foundation of Wilson in 2024, has a robust background in business administration and has actively collaborated on regional workforce development initiatives. Geoffrey Lang, a former executive at MetLife and IBM, offers extensive expertise in technology and recruitment, vital for connecting the state’s community colleges with North Carolina’s broader economic and technological landscape.
Strategic Impact on Workforce Development
The addition of these influential leaders is expected to provide fresh perspectives on aligning educational programs with the needs of North Carolina’s evolving job market. Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, noted the pivotal role the Community College System plays in training over 22,000 employees annually, crucial for meeting the demands of both existing and new businesses in the state. These strategic appointments come at a time when the State Board is focusing on expanding its influence and efficiency, with legislative changes set to streamline its size and enhance its governance structure by 2027.