NONPROFITS & PHILANTHROPIES.

Little gets done in North Carolina without a strong helping hand from nonprofit executives who play pivotal civic leadership roles. Their influence has mounted as assets of many foundations sharply increased with stock market valuations soaring over the last three years. North Carolina's nonprofit sector is heavily focused on adding affordable housing, improving public education and historic racial inequities.

ELIZABETH BRAZAS

president, CEO | Community Foundation of Western NC

Asheville

The former Wachovia, Deloitte and Morgan Stanley staffer leads a group with about $448 million in assets used to support philanthropies throughout the state's western region. Brazas has held her position at the 18-county organization for more than 12 years.

RICHARD BRUNSON

executive director | NC Baptists on Mission

Cary

Brunson has served in his current role for 30 years after holding other positions at the group. It is supporting Ukrainian refugees through volunteer teams in countries surrounding the conflict. He is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

AMY CUBBAGE

president | NC Partnership for Children

Raleigh

Cubbage's role puts her in charge of Smart Start, North Carolina's comprehensive system that prepares kids to enter school. She became president in 2020 and advocates for better childcare options. She has a law degree from Northeastern University.

HEATHER JACOBS DECK

executive director | Sound Rivers

Washington

Deck joined the group in 2003 and leads advocacy, volunteer and educational programs to protect the state's watersheds. The Lycoming College graduate also has a master's in environmental management from Duke University. She is a former Peace Corps volunteer.

KEITH FISHBURNE

president, CEO | Special Olympics North Carolina

Morrisville

The UNC Chapel Hill graduate joined the group in 1989 and has been its leader since 1997. He is responsible for a $6.5 million budget and tens of thousands of volunteers. Nearly 40.000 individuals with disabilities participate annually in the group's events.

FRANKLIN GRAHAM

president, CEO | Samaritan's Purse

Boone

The son of evangelist Billy and Ruth Bell Graham has provided food, medicine and other assistance to more than 100 countries through Samaritan's Purse. The nonprofit had revenue of $894 million in 2020. He also is the CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, a Christian outreach organization.

MAURICE MO' GREEN

executive director | Z. Smith...