Background
Born in Manhattan and raised in Westchester County, Brad Hessel built an early career that blended technology, innovation, and collaboration long before those became buzzwords. After launching his professional journey with Simulations Publications, Inc., a pioneering game publisher, he developed deep expertise in technical documentation and knowledge management. That work led him to Seer Technologies—a fast-rising software firm funded by IBM—where he served as “knowledge broker,” helping global teams share best practices and convert ideas into measurable success.

In 1992, Brad, his wife, and their three children settled in Raleigh. In 1999, he founded Intelledgement, LLC, a Raleigh-based consulting practice focused on knowledge management and helping organizations turn information into shared understanding. His wide-ranging career taught him one core lesson: empowering people with knowledge leads to better decisions, stronger communities, and lasting progress.

Forward, Together
Brad’s involvement in public service grew from his belief that real solutions emerge when people are free to innovate and work together voluntarily. Active in both Libertarian and independent movements, he has served as treasurer of the Wake County Libertarian Party and as executive director of the Libertarian Party of North Carolina. His runs for NC Senate in 2016, 2018, and 2024 reflected his steady commitment to transparency, open dialogue, and community-driven governance.

Today, as a Forward-endorsed Libertarian candidate for North Carolina Senate District 18—which includes all of Granville County and northern Wake County—Brad aims to advance a political culture rooted in trust, evidence, and cooperation. He believes government should empower, not inhibit; support compassion, not bureaucracy; and encourage innovation rather than impose limitation. His vision for North Carolina is one where people can pursue opportunity with dignity, respect, and shared purpose.

Issues & Advocacy
Brad’s priorities reflect his lifelong belief in constructive problem-solving and growth through collaboration:

• Smart Governance: Streamlining government to reduce waste, encourage transparency, and foster local accountability.

• Economic Innovation: Removing unnecessary regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship and supporting free-market ideas that drive sustainable growth.

• Education & Knowledge Sharing: Promoting open access to information and modernizing education systems to equip North Carolinians for a knowledge-based economy.

• Community Empowerment: Encouraging voluntary cooperation across civic, business, and local institutions to strengthen communities from the ground up.

• Respect for Individual Liberty: Protecting personal freedoms while working collaboratively to achieve shared progress.

To learn more about Brad Hessel and his Forward-oriented campaign for NC Senate District 18, visit his campaign website HERE.