Laura Carlson joined the NC Rural Center in October 2020 as the executive assistant to the president. In this role, she also supports the management team and the Board of Directors.
Growing up in Readlyn, Iowa (a town of 857 people and 1 old grump), Laura understands the importance of providing valuable resources to rural community leaders and small business owners.
Laura graduated from Hawkeye Community College in 1990 with an associate degree as an executive secretary. She began working full-time the day after she graduated. She has worked in an array of business settings supporting top executives from insurance, banking, medical information technology, retail, education, and now economic development.
Laura and her family moved to Wake Forest, North Carolina in 2004 and stayed until November 2005. In 2008, her husband was transferred back to North Carolina and they chose Raleigh as their new home. She and her husband, John, have two daughters, Alicia and Alayna.
In her spare time, Laura serves as a Stephen’s Minister. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends either on the golf course, by the fire or just taking walks. You might also find her by the pool cheering on her swimmers.