The following bio is that of an event speaker or guest author. This person is not directly affiliated with the John Locke Foundation.

Jonathan Kappler serves as executive director, North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation (NCFEF) where he implements  the organization’s mission to 1) provide the state’s business community with non-partisan, political research and analysis and 2) provide educational programming to strengthen North Carolina’s prosperous business environment. He previously served as NCFEF’s research director, and has been widely recognized for his objective analysis of North Carolina politics. Kappler is frequently quoted by local, state, and national media outlets, and the Washington Post named him among the Best State-based Political Tweeters and the Best State Capitol Reporters.

Prior to his role as Executive Director at NCFEF, Kappler served as Interim Vice President of Federal Relations and Director of State Government Relations for the University of North Carolina System, where he represented the17 institutions that comprise the University of North Carolina in business before the NC General Assembly, state agencies, the US Congress, and Federal agencies.

Jonathan graduated summa cum laude from Appalachian State University with Honors degrees in Political Science and Spanish. He also holds a Master of Public Policy from American University’s School of Public Affairs. Jonathan is a Past President of the Appalachian Alumni Association, a Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership, a member of Leadership North Carolina, and part of the American Enterprise Institute’s Leadership Network.