Meet Prospera Regional Board Member in North Carolina, Dave Kaiser
Dave Kaiser serves as Senior Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Innovation at the NC Rural Center, where he helps lead efforts focused on economic development, policy, advocacy, and broadband access across rural North Carolina. As a Prospera Regional Board Member in North Carolina, Dave brings both professional expertise and a deep understanding of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity to his volunteer role. Keep reading to learn more about his experience and perspective.
What are your company’s mission and products/services?
The NC Rural Center’s mission is to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. We serve the state’s 78 rural counties, with a special focus on individuals with low-to-moderate incomes and communities with limited resources. The Rural Center has done this successfully since 1987, but our challenges are always changing. In my role as Senior Director, I oversee our policy, advocacy, and broadband work.
What motivated you to serve as a Prospera volunteer?
As a former economist who studied entrepreneurship, I’m well aware of the disparities in capital access among immigrant and minority entrepreneurs. Prospera’s mission to help start, sustain, and grow small businesses to achieve community prosperity is vital for North Carolina’s future, as well as our nation’s. It is a mission I personally and professionally support, so I felt honored and humbled when approached to join the board.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
The world has been through a lot over the last few years, so the most important lesson I’ve learned is that change is everywhere and inevitable. Furthermore, with enough openness, flexibility, and empathy, that inevitable change can become a very good thing.
Where is your favorite place to have a meeting outside of the office?
I’m a big fan of eating out, so having meetings over a good meal is, in my opinion, a great way to create productive conversations and meaningful connections.
Which three words best describe you?
Economist, family man, and small-town native.
Dave’s commitment to economic opportunity and his understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face make him a valuable member of Prospera’s Regional Board in North Carolina. Through his experience in policy, advocacy, and economic development, he helps strengthen conversations and initiatives that support small business growth across the region, particularly in rural communities where access to resources and opportunities are critical. Prospera is grateful to have leaders like Dave who contribute their knowledge, perspective, and dedication to creating stronger communities and opportunities for small business owners.
