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NC3 has some impressive team members in our ranks and this Staff Spotlight series aims to highlight the incredibly talented individuals who work with us. We’ll be featuring a new interview in our monthly newsletters, here on our website, and on our social media pages each month.
Craig Foucht
Director of Development
Although Craig is new to his current role, he brings a longstanding connection to NC3 and a wealth of experience. He spent the last two years in economic development in North Carolina and, before that, dedicated two decades to higher education. His roles ranged from instructor to Executive Director of the local Business and Industry Center at a community college, reflecting a deep commitment to workforce development and education.
Check out our Q&A session below to learn more about Craig!
How would you describe the NC3 team?
The NC3 team is truly one of a kind. They’re passionate about the mission, good-hearted in their approach, and genuinely fun to work with. Whether it’s in a virtual meeting or during a national event, you can feel the energy and commitment they bring to everything they do. It’s a team that not only believes in the power of education and workforce development, but also knows how to laugh, connect, and make the work meaningful along the way.
What do you like most about your job?
Knowing that what we do truly makes a difference is incredibly meaningful to me. As an educator who implemented NC3 certifications, I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact they have on students and instructors alike.
One moment, however, will always stand out. After completing my final training as a Master Instructor, I was honored with an award at the NC3 Leadership Summit. Following the ceremony, an instructor approached me to offer his congratulations. He shared that several years earlier, he had been in one of my Train-the-Trainer sessions. At the time, he had just submitted his résumé and was ready to walk away from education. But that particular class reignited his passion and changed his mind.
My wife happened to witness that exchange, and afterward she said, “Now I understand why you love this organization so much, it is because of the real impact it’s making across the country.”
That moment reminded me why we do what we do.
Do you have a motto or personal mantra?
Change isn’t always better but to be better we have to have change.
What is on your wish list for the next 5 years with NC3?
Increased employer awareness and recognition of the certifications that are offered in conjunction with our global industry partners. It is one of the items in our strategic plan that we have an opportunity to expand. It will take a concentrated effort from the entire coalition of NC3 members to make this happen, but I believe we can do it.
What would you tell someone in high school about the years to come?
You’re not here just to get by. You’re here to do something great! You may not realize it now, but you’re standing at the edge of something incredible, your future! You don’t have to have it all figured out today. Just take one step forward, and then another. Learn, grow, try, fail, try again. Greatness isn’t a single moment; it’s the courage to keep moving even when the path is unclear.
What do you like to do on your days off?
Spending time with my family is one of my greatest joys. I’ve been blessed to be married to my wife, Nikki, for over 25 years, and together we have three wonderful children: Michael, Margo, and Matthew. One of our favorite things to do as a family is head to the North Carolina coast—feeling the sand beneath our feet, the salt in the air, or enjoying time out on the water in our boat.
If you have questions for Craig, you can contact him at craig.foucht@nc3.net.
