Prospera Regional Board Member Dave Kaiser is the senior director of policy, advocacy and innovation at the NC Rural Center, where he manages and drives efforts to advance the Center’s programmatic and advocacy activities. Volunteering his time, treasure, and ties to support Prospera’s efforts year-round, Dave believes that Prospera’s mission to start, sustain, and grow Hispanic-owned businesses to achieve community prosperity is vital for North Carolina’s future. Keep on reading to learn more about him:
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, where we work with rural counties from around the state to advance broadband deployment and adoption, advocate for economic development policies, and foster vibrant rural communities and economies.
What motivated you to serve as a Prospera volunteer?
As a former economist that studied entrepreneurship, I’m well aware of the disparities in capital access among immigrant- and minority-entrepreneurs. Prospera’s mission to start, sustain, and grow Hispanic-owned businesses to achieve community prosperity is vital for North Carolina’s future (as well as our nations) and is one I personally and professionally support, so I felt quite 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 the last few years, so the most important lesson I’ve learned is that change is everywhere and is inevitable. Furthermore, with enough openness, flexibility, and empathy, that inevitable change can be 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 conducting a meeting with your team, staff, clients, or partners over a good meal is, in my opinion, a great way to have a productive meeting and good conversation.
Which are the three words that best describe you?
Three words are tough. How about three adjectives? If so, I’d say: Economist. Family man. Small-town native.
