Catawba County News
County Commissioner Randy Isenhower appointed to fourth term on Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors
Published: April 23, 2026
Catawba County Commissioner and Board Chair Randy Isenhower has been appointed to a fourth term of service on the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors. Isenhower has served on the Foundation Board since 2013 and previously served as its Board Chair.
The Golden LEAF Foundation was established in 1999 to receive a portion of North Carolina’s funding from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. The Foundation leverages those funds to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities through grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, college scholarships, and stewardship. In fiscal year 2025, Golden LEAF helped create 1,665 jobs, more than $116 million in new payrolls, and more than 4,722 workers trained or retrained for higher wages.
The nonprofit Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors. Board members are appointed by leaders in the legislative and executive branches of North Carolina.
“I have been fortunate to be part of many years of good work done by the Golden LEAF Foundation, and I have truly enjoyed my service,” said Isenhower. “I am looking forward to continuing to contribute my time and energy toward this outstanding organization and the communities we serve together.”
Isenhower, a Newton, NC resident and local attorney, has served on the Catawba County Board of Commissioners since 2010. As Board Chair, a role he has held since 2014, Isenhower has led the county’s strategic efforts to drive economic growth and job creation in collaboration with his fellow commissioners and municipal leaders throughout the county.
PHOTO: Catawba County Commissioner and Board Chair Randy Isenhower presents college scholarships to Hickory High School students on behalf of the Golden LEAF Foundation, where he is currently serving a fourth term as a member of its Board of Directors.