WASHINGTON, DC – Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), released the following statement on the passing of former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt:

The USGLC family mourns the loss of Governor Jim Hunt – a tireless public servant and champion of American leadership on the global stage, who served as a founding co-chair of our North Carolina State Advisory Committee.

As the longest-serving governor in North Carolina’s history, Governor Hunt understood that North Carolina’s success is inextricably linked to America’s engagement with the world. He championed education, economic development, and global competitiveness as essential pillars of both state and national strength – witnessing firsthand the mutually beneficial impact of development projects in Nepal while working at the Ford Foundation early in his career.

Throughout his four terms as Governor, he built bridges between rural and urban communities, between education and opportunity, and between North Carolina and the world. He channeled this message often, joining USGLC for several events in his home state.

At an event in Raleigh, he said, “We understand that for America to be an effective leader, we must invest in a range of things that we can do to ensure our future. That includes our international tools of diplomacy, global development, trade, and aid – the kind of things we do to help countries do well and make progress…things that help advance America’s interests throughout the world.”

On a personal note, I will always be grateful that Governor Hunt and Governor Jim Martin joined together as our first bipartisan co-chair duo to lead our state Advisory Councils. I remember talking with Governor Hunt about his dedication to bridging the political divide and his unwavering commitment to bringingpeople together to advance America’s interests in the world. It was truly an honor to know him and learn from him.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and to the people of North Carolina he served so honorably. His principled leadership and unwavering belief in America as a force for good leaves a lasting legacy.

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