The Governor's Institute advances evidence-based substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery through education, technical assistance, workforce development, implementation support, and strategic partnerships.

The Foundation of Our Work

The Governor’s Institute traces its roots to 1986, when a statewide task force led by pediatrician Dr. Michael Durfee began exploring ways to increase healthcare professionals’ involvement in the prevention, identification, and treatment of substance use disorders. At a time when addiction was often viewed through a criminal justice lens, these early leaders recognized it as a public health challenge affecting individuals, families, and communities across North Carolina.

Their work helped lay the foundation for a new approach—one that emphasized education, collaboration, and community partnership as essential tools for improving health outcomes.

In 1990, during the administration of Governor James G. Martin, that vision became a reality when the Governor’s Institute was formally incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Guided by Governor Martin and founding pediatricians Dr. Michael Durfee and Dr. Jonnie McLeod, the Institute was established to help healthcare professionals better identify and respond to substance use disorders through education, research, and partnership.

Over the decades, the Governor’s Institute became a trusted leader in workforce development, professional education, and systems improvement. Through conferences, training programs, technical assistance, and statewide initiatives, the organization helped strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts while building the capacity of professionals and organizations serving communities throughout North Carolina.

As community needs evolved, so did the Institute’s work. While remaining grounded in its founding mission, the Governor’s Institute expanded its efforts to support behavioral health, military-connected communities, perinatal health, prevention, recovery, and public awareness initiatives. Throughout this growth, the organization has remained committed to bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and translating research and policy into practical solutions.

Today, the Governor’s Institute serves as a convener, builder, and trusted partner. By strengthening workforce capacity, supporting implementation, coordinating statewide initiatives, and fostering collaboration across sectors, the organization helps communities address complex challenges and create lasting impact.

More than three decades after its founding, the Governor’s Institute continues to advance the vision first championed by Governor Martin, Dr. Durfee, and Dr. McLeod: improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and partnership.

The Governor’s Institute traces its roots to 1986, when a statewide task force led by pediatrician Dr. Michael Durfee began exploring ways to increase healthcare professionals’ involvement in the prevention, identification, and treatment of substance use disorders. At a time when addiction was often viewed through a criminal justice lens, these early leaders recognized it as a public health challenge affecting individuals, families, and communities across North Carolina.

Their work helped lay the foundation for a new approach—one that emphasized education, collaboration, and community partnership as essential tools for improving health outcomes.

In 1990, during the administration of Governor James G. Martin, that vision became a reality when the Governor’s Institute was formally incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Guided by Governor Martin and founding pediatricians Dr. Michael Durfee and Dr. Jonnie McLeod, the Institute was established to help healthcare professionals better identify and respond to substance use disorders through education, research, and partnership.

Over the decades, the Governor’s Institute became a trusted leader in workforce development, professional education, and systems improvement. Through conferences, training programs, technical assistance, and statewide initiatives, the organization helped strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts while building the capacity of professionals and organizations serving communities throughout North Carolina.

As community needs evolved, so did the Institute’s work. While remaining grounded in its founding mission, the Governor’s Institute expanded its efforts to support behavioral health, military-connected communities, perinatal health, prevention, recovery, and public awareness initiatives. Throughout this growth, the organization has remained committed to bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and translating research and policy into practical solutions.

Today, the Governor’s Institute serves as a convener, builder, and trusted partner. By strengthening workforce capacity, supporting implementation, coordinating statewide initiatives, and fostering collaboration across sectors, the organization helps communities address complex challenges and create lasting impact.

More than three decades after its founding, the Governor’s Institute continues to advance the vision first championed by Governor Martin, Dr. Durfee, and Dr. McLeod: improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and partnership.

Board of Directors

Lisa Chamberlain
Wake Med Health and Hospitals
Raleigh, North Carolina

Steve Kearny Jr., PharmD
SAS Institute
Raleigh, North Carolina

Anna DePollo
Welwynn Outpatient Center
Raleigh, North Carolina

Nidhi Sachdeva, MPH
NC Association of County Commissioners
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Adama Washington
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina

GI Staff

Candace Jackson
Director of Operations
919.256.7420 | Email

Avery Whittemore
Finance Assistant
919.256.7419 | Email

Jeremy Croom
Director of Addiction Medicine Special Projects
919.256.7415 | Email

Alex O'Neil
Program Manager - Communications & MHFA
919.256.7421 | Email

David Haywood
Project Coordinator - SYNAR
919.256.7424 | Email

Lauren Garvie
Program Coordinator - Western OUDCTS
Email

Funding & Stewardship

The Governor’s Institute is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization supported through a diverse portfolio of grants, contracts, educational activities, conference registrations, and strategic partnerships. This approach allows us to remain responsive to emerging needs while delivering high-quality programs, services, and initiatives that strengthen communities across North Carolina.

We are committed to responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. Through strong financial management, transparency, and accountability, we work to ensure that every investment supports meaningful outcomes, strengthens systems of care, and advances our mission of improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Our work is made possible through partnerships with federal and state agencies, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, foundations, professional associations, and community partners dedicated to improving health outcomes across North Carolina.