North Carolina's incoming Labor Commissioner Luke Farley has made his first major staffing announcement, revealing the new government affairs team poised to promote his policy objectives. As reported by the N.C. Department of Labor, the team will be instrumental in steering the department's legislative and fiscal priorities through the intricate dance of government procedure.
Long-time legislator Edgar V. Starnes will be taking on the role of Director of Governmental Affairs. Having served Caldwell County in the North Carolina House of Representatives for twenty years, and with roles as the House Finance Committee Chairman and the House Majority Leader under his belt, Starnes brings a wealth of experience to Farley's team. After leaving the N.C. House, he had already been embedded within the labyrinthine halls of state government as Legislative Liaison for the N.C. Department of Treasurer, and more recently in the same role for the N.C. Department of Labor.
Joining Starnes is Chris Bullard as Senior Advisor and Legislative Liaison. Graduating from North Carolina State University, Bullard pivots to the department with over ten years of experience in association management and government relations, moving from fields as diverse as building and construction to real estate. Bullard's previous posting as the Director of Government Affairs for the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas provides a hint of the expertise he brings to the table.
Commissioner-elect Farley, recognizing the foundation his new team brings, stated on N.C. Department of Labor, "I am grateful that Edgar has agreed to remain with the department and take on the role of Government Affairs Director," and that he is "pleased that Chris will be joining the government affairs team." He foresees them playing a pivotal role in nurturing the department's rapport with both the General Assembly and external stakeholders.
State employees and lobbyists alike will be paying close attention to how this team shapes the Labor Commissioner's agenda, which is expected to impact a wide range of workplace policies and economic issues. "These two individuals bring to the department a significant depth of legislative service and external advocacy experience," Commissioner-elect Farley "I look forward to working with them to build relationships with the General Assembly and external stakeholders," articulated in his recent announcement on the N.C. Department of Labor website.
