Art Pope Serves on Golden LEAF Board of Directors

In June 2011, N.C. Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger appointed Art Pope to the Board of Directors for Golden LEAF (Long-term Economic Advancement Foundation). The Foundation, headquartered in Rocky Mount, makes annual grants to spur economic development in tobacco-dependent areas of North Carolina.

For the 2011-2012 budget year, the Foundation will make $48.2 million in community-assistance, education, and health-care grants.

Art has brought a wealth of business and philanthropic experience to the Golden LEAF Board. He is the current CEO and Chairman of the Board for Variety Wholesalers Inc. and Chairman of the John William Pope Foundation, a private philanthropy that has given away over $100 million in the past 25 years. Art’s past experience in the North Carolina General Assembly has given him added insight into the decisions faced by Golden LEAF.

Art serves on the Board with 14 other North Carolinians who represent a variety of industries and business sectors.