The Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors announced the selection of Ted Lord as the organization's fourth President and Chief Executive Officer. Lord was selected following a comprehensive search that attracted qualified candidates with extensive experience in nonprofit management, grantmaking, and economic development from across North Carolina. Lord will assume leadership of the Foundation following the retirement of Scott T. Hamilton, the current President and Chief Executive Officer.

With more than two decades of experience helping guide Golden LEAF's grantmaking and strategic initiatives, Lord brings extensive knowledge of the Foundation's operations, statewide partnerships, and economic development priorities to his new role.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Golden LEAF Foundation and build on its strong legacy of investing in rural North Carolina,” said Lord. “Golden LEAF has a unique role in helping communities identify and take advantage of opportunities through targeted investments that support long-term economic advancement. The strength of our rural communities is essential to the success of our state, and I look forward to working alongside our Board of Directors, staff, and partners to build on the strong relationships we have, respond to emerging needs, and identify new opportunities that will position rural North Carolina for long-term economic success.”

A native of Winston-Salem, Lord holds a law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law and a bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College. He is an active member of his community, currently serving as Vice Chair of the Rocky Mount Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and Vice Chair of the South Eastern North Carolina Community Development Corporation Board of Directors. He and his wife reside in Nash County, where they raised their three children.