RALEIGH, N.C. (March 21, 2025) — Today, Marcus Bass, Board Chair of Democracy NC, released the following statement.
“After dedicating more than 10 years to Democracy NC, our beloved Co-Executive Director, Cheryl Carter, has decided to transition from our organization to new horizons. We are deeply grateful for Cheryl’s commitment to the principles, values, and mission of Democracy NC. From leading our statewide organizing team through pivotal phases of growth to expanding our flagship program, Democracy Summer—now in its 26th year—Cheryl has left an important legacy on this organization. Her leadership in growing our Nonprofit Voter Engagement program and empowering countless individuals in the fight for democracy is a legacy we will continue to build upon. Cheryl will always be a part of the Democracy NC family.
After consulting with the Board of Directors, we have asked Adrienne Kelly, our current Co-Executive Director, to step into the role of Interim Executive Director. The work we do is too important to lose focus, and we remain committed to ensuring the protection and advancement of democracy for all. Adrienne has been an integral part of our leadership team, and we know her continued leadership will propel Democracy NC forward as we rise to meet the challenges of this critical moment in history.”
Adrienne Kelly, Interim Executive Director of Democracy NC:
“I am deeply grateful to my dear Co-ED, Cheryl, for her decade of service to Democracy North Carolina. It has been an honor to grow in the movement and build a lasting friendship along the way. I also want to thank the Board of Directors for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead this organization during this time of transition. Our staff remains focused on our mission, and I am excited to take our work to new heights as we continue fighting for a democracy built of, by, and for the people.”
Cheryl Carter, outgoing Co-Executive Director of Democracy NC:
“I am extremely grateful for the incredible decade I’ve spent with this team, our partners, funders, and leaders in this movement. The relationships, partnerships, and friendships I’ve built along the way will stay with me for a lifetime. As I move on to my next chapter, the work will continue in a new phase, led by a new generation of leaders. As we all know, there comes a time when, as elders in the movement, we must recognize when it’s time to pass the baton—and this is that moment for me. While the work ahead may look different, I remain deeply connected to this movement and the work of Democracy North Carolina, and I look forward to the future of our shared mission.”
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Democracy North Carolina is a statewide nonpartisan organization that uses research, organizing, and advocacy to increase civic participation, reduce the influence of big money in politics, and remove systemic barriers to voting and serving in elected office. Learn more at democracync.org.