Civic Foundation invests in local government professional development

Since the start of this year, the Civic Foundation (“the Foundation”) has awarded nearly $30,000 in scholarships to 24 North Carolina local government employees pursuing courses at the UNC School of Government (“the School”). These individuals are Civic Credit Union members planning to attend courses such as Fundamental Supervisory Practices, Introduction to Local Government Finance, and the Public Executive Leadership Academy (PELA).

Curtis Potter, Washington County Manager, said, “The PELA course will strengthen my leadership, policy analysis, and strategic communication skills, which are critical as I continue serving in local government management. It offers a unique opportunity to learn from peers across the state and deepen my understanding of public service challenges and innovations. Receiving the Civic Foundation scholarship makes this growth possible by reducing financial barriers and demonstrating their investment in emerging public leaders committed to serving North Carolina communities.”

The UNC School of Government is the largest university-based local government training, advisory, and research organization in the United States, offering nearly 200 courses, webinars, and specialized conferences.

"Our commitment to empowering leaders in local government is deeply rooted in our belief that strong communities begin with strong public leaders,” said Civic Foundation Executive Director, Jazmine Kilpatrick. “Through our partnership with the UNC School of Government, the Foundation proudly invests in the professional growth of Civic Credit Union members who are shaping policy, driving innovation, and delivering critical services across North Carolina. These scholarships are more than financial support — they are a catalyst for leadership, equipping local government professionals with the tools and training to create lasting, equitable change in the communities they serve."

Civic Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Civic Credit Union. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be a member of Civic and be registered for an eligible course at the School. For more information, visit the Civic Credit Union website.

2025 School of Government Scholarship Recipients

• Shyniece Battle | Edgecombe County | Introduction to Local Government Finance
• Erica Brooks | Cleveland County | Building & Earning Trust
• Robert Davie | Town of Warrenton | Planning & Development Regulation
• Phillip Fleischmann | City of Greensboro | Public Executive Leadership Academy
• Heather Harris | Town of Newport | Cash Management & Investment of Public Funds
• Amelia Hosine | Town of Morrisville | Basic Economic Development
• Adrienne Isenhower | Town of Woodfin | Introduction to Local Government Finance
• Lisa Johnson | Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership | Basic Economic Development
• Michael Lanning | Town of Spencer | Public Executive Leadership Academy
• Justin Longino | City of Shelby | Public Executive Leadership Academy
• Christy Lyday | Transylvania County | Fundamental Supervisory Practices
• Joseph Marmet | City of Wilmington | Introduction to Local Government Finance
• Felicia Murphy | Jones County | Fundamental Supervisory Practices
• Sushil Nepal | City of Gastonia | Public Executive Leadership Academy
• Rebekah Pearce | Town of River Bend | Introduction to Local Government Finance
• Curtis Potter | Washington County | Public Executive Leadership Academy
• Porshia Pulley | Wilson County | Advanced Supervisory Practices
• Halee Ratcliff | Town of Wilkesboro | Public Executive Leadership Academy
• Angela Sands | Town of Landis | Planning & Development Regulation
• Willisha Smith-Branch | City of Greensboro | Introduction to Local Government Finance
• Shannon Tuch | Town of Woodfin | Public Executive Leadership Academy
• Kathy Tyler | Alamance County | Fundamental Supervisory Practices
• Lisa Warren | Edgecombe County | Introduction to Local Government Finance
• Nicole Wilson | Cleveland County | Building & Earning Trust