Jones County’s Jennifer King selected for Leadership North Carolina class

Jennifer G. King, Jones County’s consolidated human services director and deputy director of administration, has been selected for Leadership North Carolina’s 2026-27 class.

King is among 56 civic and community leaders chosen from across the state for the organization’s 34th class. Participants represent government, business, nonprofit organizations and education.

Through seven sessions lasting two and a half days each, King and her classmates will examine issues affecting North Carolina, including economic development, education, the environment, government, health and human services, and inclusive leadership.

The program combines discussions with public officials and other professionals, field trips and hands-on learning activities. Participants explore the state’s strengths and challenges and consider ways to apply what they learn in their communities.

Class members gathered in New Bern for orientation. Upcoming sessions include a government session in Raleigh in November and an education session in Greensboro in December. Additional sessions will take place in Durham, Greenville, Charlotte and Asheville.

Leadership North Carolina selects established and emerging leaders through an annual application and selection process. Its Core Program is designed to broaden participants’ understanding of statewide issues while building connections among people from different professions and communities.

More than 1,600 people have graduated from the program, according to the organization.