IEF Senior Policy Fellows participate in all aspects of the Institute for the Economy and the Future and have special responsibility for developing thought leadership and organizing, implementing, and leading policy studies, survey research and policy forums as they relate to economic development of the region.
 
Senior policy fellows also conduct briefings and seminars for the General Assembly; congress; federal agencies; North Carolina state representatives and senate members; and, private sector business leaders.
 
Senior Policy Fellows assist the IEF staff in the preparation of proposals to potential government, corporate and foundation sponsors for research, policy studies, forums and local, state, national and international survey research.
 
Senior Policy Fellows also assist the Chancellor and the Executive Director of the Institute for the Economy and the Future by the development of business opportunities for the WCU Millennial Campus and the crafting of the strategic plan for the regional growth.
 
Senior Policy Fellows are appointed by the Executive Director for various terms and may include at any one time a range of appointees with multidisciplinary backgrounds with the common elements of extensive knowledge, experience and significant corporate, government and/or academic accomplishment to qualify.