Gov. Josh Stein of North Carolina recently unveiled the lineup of key personnel who will be leading efforts to revive the struggling western part of the state. This team encompasses heads of the new Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) and the new Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) nestled within the Department of Commerce. "Supporting western North Carolina is going to be an all-hands-on-deck initiative that requires a team with diverse experiences and skillsets," Stein explained in North Carolina Office of the Governor's release.
The appointed director of GROW NC, Matt Calabria, brings a wealth of experience from his nearly ten-year stint on the Wake County Board of Commissioners where he championed a range of causes including education, transportation, and housing. Calabria informed the North Carolina Office of the Governor, "I am grateful to each of these leaders for prioritizing urgency, focus, transparency, and accountability as we work to rebuild the region."
Joining him, Emily Williamson Gangi will act as Chief Deputy Director for GROW NC. A western North Carolina native with a policy background spanning technological advancement to community college system strategy, Gangi's past roles have positioned her to deftly navigate the complex intersections of government and local needs.
Reflecting a commitment to regional partnerships, Eliza Edwards has been named Director of Community Partnerships for GROW NC. Her previous roles in the Office of Strategic Partnerships and Governor Roy Cooper's policy team underscore a path of increasing responsibility and impact. Similarly, Stephanie McGarrah, who has joined as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Commerce Division of Community Revitalization, carries the torch of her varied work in health, policy, and economic arenas.
Accompanying these hires is Holly Jones, now Director of the Governor's Western North Carolina Office. Jones has a history of public service in the area, marked by her advisory role to then-Attorney General Stein and her years as an elected official. Lastly, Jonathan Krebs takes up the mantle as Governor Stein’s Western North Carolina Recovery Advisor. With two decades of disaster recovery work, his expertise is expected to greatly aid the area's rebuilding process.
The foundation of this team appears strongly rooted in the shared experiences and dedication to the local community. Their diverse backgrounds and proven track records suggest the potential for effective collaboration in driving western North Carolina’s resurgence.
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