October 1, 2026
RALEIGH — The John Locke Foundation and its publication, Carolina Journal, are proud to announce several leadership updates and welcome a new member to the Locke team.
Locke Executive Vice President Donna King will be taking on the role of Publisher for Carolina Journal. A veteran journalist with more than 20 years of experience, King led Carolina Journal as editor-in-chief for more than five years. During her tenure, she has helped expand CJ’s reach and develop new ways to bring North Carolina news, analysis, and commentary to readers across the state.
After more than four years with Carolina Journal, most recently as managing editor, David Larson has been promoted to Editor-in-Chief. He has won many NC Press Association awards over the last decade, including six this past year alone. Larson, who previously served as opinion editor, will continue his weekly column while directing the future of the paper.
Alex Steadman, a longtime member of our development staff, will be shifting gears to take on the role of Director of Operations. In September, State Policy Network honored Steadman with its 2026 Philanthropy Impact Award, which recognizes a development professional who has made an indispensable contribution to an organization’s success.
“These changes reflect something we value deeply at Locke: recognizing talented people, giving them opportunities to grow, and putting them in positions where their strengths can have the greatest impact,” said Donald Bryson, CEO of the John Locke Foundation. “Donna, David, and Alex have each made tremendous contributions to Locke and Carolina Journal, and I’m excited to see what they accomplish in their new roles.”
Locke is also excited to announce the arrival of a new member of our team. Elizabeth Whitehurst has joined the foundation as Senior Manager of Government Affairs. Whitehurst brings experience in government relations, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Most recently, she served as Government Affairs Manager with The Southern Group in Raleigh and previously worked at Michael Best Strategies, where she supported state government affairs efforts and conducted legislative and policy analysis. She also worked in legal and external affairs at Reynolds American Inc. Whitehurst is a North Carolina native and graduate of Wake Forest University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in politics and international affairs with honors.
“Elizabeth has become a familiar face on Jones Street and is a welcome addition to the Locke team,” Bryson continued. “We have no doubt that she will be indispensable as this year’s short session winds down and we begin preparing for an ambitious 2027 legislative session.”
Together, these leadership changes and the addition of Whitehurst strengthen Locke’s ability to advance principled policy solutions, defend individual liberty, and promote free markets across North Carolina.