Carol Hardison

Carol has dedicated over two decades to leading Charlotte Mecklenburg’s Crisis Assistance Ministry, an organization established in 1975 with a mission to ensure safe and secure housing for low-income families facing financial difficulties. Raised by a socially active family and armed with a degree in Math and Computer Science from Furman University, Carol’s early years in Charlotte brought both experience as a leader at Duke Energy as well as a community advocate engaged in a wide range of volunteer efforts supporting people in poverty. In 2000, driven by a profound passion for social service, Carol pivoted careers. 

Her civic engagement includes leadership roles with the North Carolina Social Services Commission, the Board of Directors for the Center for Legal Advocacy, the Board of The North Carolina School of Science and Math, and the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. Currently, she is a member of the boards of Fifth Third Bank’s North Carolina Affiliate, The Ginter Foundation, and the North Carolina Energy Affordability Stakeholder Group.

Recognition for her work includes the Leadership Charlotte Schley Lyons Award, Halifax Chapter of the DAR Woman in American History Award, The North Carolina Outward Bound Unity Award, and the Martin Luther King Keeper of the Dream Award. Woman of the Year 2008.