Governor Josh Stein has announced a series of appointments to various boards and commissions across North Carolina. The new appointees bring experience from fields such as government, education, health services, housing, finance, and advocacy.
David Webb of Nash County will join the Equal Access to Justice Commission as the Governor’s designee. Webb currently serves as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Office of Governor Stein and has held several roles in political campaigns and education.
Jessica West of Durham County was appointed to the North Carolina Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as a person who is hard of hearing. West is a Faculty Research Scholar at Duke University with prior research experience at Harvard Medical School and Duke University.
The North Carolina Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs will see several new members:
– Brett Altman of Durham County will serve as State Budget Director or designee from the Office of State Budget and Management.
– Carla West of Johnston County joins as Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being for NCDHHS or designee.
– Debra C. Farrington of Orange County will serve as Deputy Secretary for Health, NCDHHS or designee.
– Ashley Nicole Jarrett of Burke County joins as a local government member, bringing public health leadership experience.
– Amy Modlin of Pitt County represents nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness.
– Deronda Metz of Mecklenburg County represents faith-based service providers with decades in homeless services.
– Samuel Gunter of Durham County joins from the North Carolina Housing Coalition with affordable housing policy expertise.
– Marsha Basloe of Durham County brings expertise in early childhood services for families experiencing homelessness.
– Pamela Suggs Story of Cumberland County offers experience serving public school students facing homelessness.
– Fred G. Mills, Sr. of Wake County represents the business community focused on affordable housing development.
– Karon McKinney of Forsyth County brings experience in nonprofit development and trauma-informed systems.
– Maria Perez of Wake County serves as Deputy Secretary for Medicaid at NCDHHS or designee.
– Dr. Torry Reynolds of Forsyth County joins from the NC Community College System with higher education administration expertise.
– Katrina Knight of Hanover County demonstrates commitment to reducing homelessness through her work at Good Shepherd Center.
– Jefferey Rawlings of Johnston County represents individuals with lived experience with homelessness.
– Emila Sutton of Durham County represents Public Housing Authorities through her role in Raleigh’s Housing & Neighborhoods Department.
For the North Carolina State Banking Commission:
– Yolanda McGill (Wake) is appointed as a public member; she previously served at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and has legal experience across sectors.
– Mike Conlon (Wake) also becomes a public member; he leads Affordable Communities Group LLC and authored “Unconventional Wealth.”
– Alex Funderburg (Mecklenburg) is named a public member; he is a former managing director at Bank of America with extensive financial background.
Brandon Williams (Guilford) was appointed to represent the 9th Congressional District on the North Carolina State Social Services Commission. Williams has worked extensively in mental health care.
On the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis:
– Dan Hirschman (Chatham) will represent NCDEQ; he serves as general counsel there after working at NC DOJ’s Environmental Division.
– Kris Gardner (Wake), executive director and general counsel for over 20 years at NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, joins as an at-large member.
– Patrick Chandler Brown (Warren), recognized by NC A&T as Small Farmer of the Year 2024, joins as an at-large member representing agriculture interests including industrial hemp production.
– Brian Harris (Catawba), Chief of Catawba Indian Nation since 2023, also becomes an at-large member.
“Today’s appointees bring valuable skills and perspectives that will help advance important work across our state,” said Governor Stein. “I am grateful they are willing to serve their fellow North Carolinians.”
