Leslie Anderson joined the School of Government in 1998 with the task of developing a presence for the School in civic education and engagement. She helped to develop the North Carolina Civic Education Consortium and has also contributed to the School's work in community economic development. Leslie worked for the City of Asheville for more than 20 years, and in 1986 was named the first director of the City of Asheville Downtown Development Office. In 1995, Leslie started a consulting business to lend her expertise in the areas of nonprofit management, organizational development, strategic planning, community relations and capacity building, urban redevelopment, special events planning, group facilitation, and child advocacy. She holds a B.A. and a master's degree in public affairs from Western Carolina University.
