The North Carolina Military Foundation is a statewide, non-partisan, nonprofit economic-development group focused on growing NC’s defense and homeland security economy. Leveraging its unique ability to build complex partnerships between the military, academia, industry, and the state; the Foundation guides North Carolina's defense initiatives to close the military's capability gaps and generate long-term investment and job opportunities within the state. It is directed by retired flag officers, the state’s leading corporate citizens and a staff experienced in business development, defense procurement and state and federal policy-development and decision-making processes. Its mode of operation – be prepared and be proactive – is straightforward, and highly effective. The Foundation’s board members and staff value the relationships they have established with North Carolina’s elected officials, military and community leaders and other business development groups. No one entity can grow the state’s defense and homeland economy; it is a collective effort. The Foundation’s role is to ensure that North Carolina has a seat at the table prior to and during the decision-making process.