Yesterday, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced a series of appointments to various boards and commissions, demonstrating a commitment to inclusion and expertise in addressing statewide concerns. The appointees cover a wide range of skills and issues, from health and homelessness to financial stability and education.
Among those appointed to the Equal Access to Justice Commission is David Webb, a seasoned political operative and social justice advocate. According to an announcement from the Governor's office, Webb's background includes work as a high school teacher, regional director for a U.S. Congressman, and political director for campaigns, and now he brings that significant experience to his new role representing the Governor or his designee.
For the North Carolina Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Jessica West, who has served as a Faculty Research Scholar at Duke University since 2024, has now also been named. With a doctorate and a Master of Public Health under her belt and previous stints at Harvard Medical School and Duke University, West's expertise in otology and laryngology makes her an adept fit for this council, as noted by the Governor's office announcement.
The North Carolina Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs has welcomed several new members, including Brett Altman and Carla West, both hailing from Durham and Johnston Counties, respectively, and with backgrounds in budget management and social services. With hands diligently working in health and human services and budgeting, both Altman and West will contribute to statewide efforts coordinating programs for the homeless population.
Appointed to the North Carolina State Banking Commission were individuals like Yolanda McGill, Mike Conlon, and Alex Funderburg, each bringing myriad experiences from the federal government to real estate development. Their diverse backgrounds in financial services are expected to strengthen the oversight and functionality of the state's banking sector, the Governor's office revealed in their statement.
Focusing on social services, the North Carolina State Social Services Commission will now count Brandon Williams as a member. Williams' experience as a psychotherapist and clinical social worker is indicative of the Governor's push for a holistic approach to addressing the mental health needs of North Carolinians.
The newly appointed member for the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis, Dan Hirschman of Chatham County, serves as the general counsel for the NCDEQ, while other members like Kris Gardner and Patrick Chandler Brown bring perspectives from the brew and wholesale industries and agricultural sector, including hemp farming.
The appointments reflect Governor Stein's continuing actions towards enhancing diverse representation and subject matter expertise within state governance structures, aspiring to create more effective and inclusive systems to handle the complexities of North Carolina's societal challenges.
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