Zachary’s commitment to improving educational outcomes in North Carolina stems from his experience as a local public school student, and his mother’s 20+ years of work as a teacher in the Wake County Public School System. In his role as BEST NC’s Chief Storyteller, Zachary develops tools to help members and stakeholders better understand complex education topics, leads the organization’s video production and media team, and is intimately involved with the implementation of communications and marketing efforts focusing on graphic design, asset development, and digital management.

A native of Fuquay-Varina and an alum of Appalachian State University, Zachary Hodges graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing and Film Studies before moving back to Raleigh. His ability to listen, understand, his affinity for collecting and sharing stories, and his commitment to elevating educators led Zachary to join the BEST NC team.