Bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to North Carolina’s natural splendor and cultural heritage, Pamela Brewington Cashwell has been sworn in as the Secretary of the state's Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NC DNCR). The ceremony, held at the North Carolina Museum of Art, saw Cashwell take the oath in the presence of her family and with Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls administering the pledge. Sworn in by her husband, David Cashwell, and their sons looked on, marking a moment not just for the family, but for the state.
As the head of NC DNCR, Cashwell is now charged with overseeing a department that manages an expansive array of parks, trails, museums, and historic sites. "Our state is fortunate to have incredible arts, culture, history, and breathtaking natural landscapes,” Cashwell stated on the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources website, understanding the gravity of her new role. Restoring locations damaged by Hurricane Helene is a top priority on her list, and she is "excited to get to work at the department dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all North Carolinians."
In terms of background, Cashwell isn't a stranger to serving North Carolina, as her penultimate role was as the secretary at the Department of Administration since 2021. Her journey in public service is extensive, having been a senior policy advisor and chief deputy secretary for Professional Standards, Policy and Planning at the Department of Public Safety. Her experience is further augmented with her time as a trial attorney in several high-profile divisions of the U.S. Department of Justice. As a member of the Coharie and Lumbee tribes, she brings a unique perspective to the table, being the first American Indian woman to lead a cabinet department in the state.
