The North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM) is pleased to announce that Associate Director Ayana Simon, MSW, MHA, has been selected to participate in Leadership North Carolina Class 34.

Leadership NC brings together leaders from a variety of industries and from both the private and public sectors to develop leaders who are committed to driving improvements and influencing outcomes across North Carolina. Through a comprehensive, integrated approach, participants explore the connections among the state’s most pressing issues, collaborate to address real-world challenges, and engage in service that strengthens communities across the state.

In her role as Associate Director at NCIOM, Ayana works across strategic planning, health policy, community engagement, partnerships, and organizational initiatives that advance the Institute’s mission to improve the health of North Carolinians. Her selection for Leadership NC recognizes this demonstrated leadership while providing an opportunity to collaborate with leaders across industries and sectors, exchange perspectives, and expand the statewide relationships that will further elevate NCIOM’s work.

Through the Leadership NC experience, Ayana will contribute her expertise and perspective while learning from leaders working across North Carolina’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The relationships and cross-sector insights gained through the program will strengthen NCIOM’s ability to engage stakeholders, foster collaboration, and bring diverse perspectives to conversations and strategies that improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians.

"Ayana brings a unique perspective shaped by her work bringing organizations together to improve health outcomes for North Carolinians.," said NCIOM President and CEO Michelle Ries, a 2019 graduate of Leadership NC. "We are excited to see her selected for Leadership NC. The relationships and perspectives she gains through this experience will strengthen her leadership and, in turn, strengthen the NCIOM's ability to foster collaboration and advance solutions to our most pressing health challenges."

NCIOM congratulates Ayana on her selection to Leadership NC Class 34 and looks forward to supporting her throughout the program and to the perspectives, relationships, and statewide connections she will bring to the Institute’s work.