Governor Stein Announces Board and Commission Appointments and Nominations

Governor Stein Announces Key Appointments to North Carolina Boards and Commissions

In a significant move to enhance governance and oversight across various sectors, Governor Josh Stein has unveiled a series of new appointments and nominations to critical boards and commissions in North Carolina. These appointments are aimed at reinforcing leadership in education, science, technology, transportation, and other vital areas.

Education Commission of the States

Maurice O. “Mo” Green from Guilford County has been appointed as a State Education Agency Representative. Green, who served as the State Superintendent and led the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in 2024, has a notable history with Guilford County Schools as Superintendent from 2008 to 2016.

Dr. Elena Ashburn of Wake County will serve as the Governor or the Governor’s Proxy. Currently, she is the Senior Advisor for Education Policy to Governor Stein, with previous experience as the Central Area Superintendent of the Wake County Public School System from 2022 to 2025.

Dr. Jeffrey A. Cox, also of Wake County, joins as an at-large member. As President of the North Carolina Community College System since 2023, Dr. Cox has a distinguished career that began in Greensboro as a teacher and has included leadership roles at Wilkes Community College.

North Carolina Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation

Sheila A. Mikhail of Orange County has been appointed as the Governor’s designee and Chair. Mikhail is a pioneering figure in biotechnology, co-founding companies like M34, Inc and Jurata Thin Film, Inc.

Governor’s Crime Commission

Elliott Abrams of Wake County, recognized for his expertise in criminal defense and civil rights, has been nominated as a Defense Attorney. He is a partner at Cheshire Parker Schneider.

North Carolina Board of Transportation

Anthony “Tony” Lathrop from Mecklenburg County is appointed as Chair. Lathrop has been a part of the Board since 2017 and is known for his work in commercial litigation and transportation law.

David Womack of Pitt County, retired Owner of Womack Electric Supply Company, will represent the 2nd Transportation Division.

North Carolina Brain Injury Advisory Council

Libby Wilhelmson of Wake County is appointed as the Executive Director or designee, currently serving as Programming Director at the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina.

Dr. April Groff, also of Wake County, will serve as Chair of the Board or designee. She is the Vice President of Clinical Operations for Collage Rehabilitation Partners.

North Carolina State Licensing Board for General Contractors

Phillip Crumb of Pitt County fills a Highway Construction seat. He is the owner of Crumb Construction, specializing in site work contracting.

North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service

Dr. Lori Carlin is appointed as the Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction or designee. She is the Section Chief for Arts Education and Social Studies at the Department of Public Instruction.

North Carolina Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs

Darla G. Cole from Lee County, with a career spanning over 30 years in law enforcement, is appointed as Secretary of Public Safety or designee.

William C. Ray of Orange County continues his role as Director of NC Emergency Management, a position held since 2021.

Karen Elizabeth Wade of Wake County is appointed as Co-Chair and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services or designee.

Jessica Slider Whichard from Wake County joins as Co-Chair and Secretary of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or designee.

Scott Farmer of Johnston County has been serving as the Executive Director of a North Carolina Housing finance agency since 2017.

Donya M. Strong, also of Johnston County, is appointed as Secretary of Administration or designee.

North Carolina Interagency Coordinating Council for Children from Birth to Five with Disabilities

Dr. Louis A. Finney, Jr from Forsyth County, President and CEO of Smart Start, is involved in staff development/personnel training.

Vantoinette Savage of Mecklenburg County, a leader in early childhood education, serves as a local early intervention agency representative.

Dr. Cynthia K. Askew from Hertford County is a regional provider of early intervention services.

Dr. Rachel Corbitt of Wake County serves as a local, regional, or state early intervention representative.

Christine M. Robinson from Buncombe County is a parent of a disabled child under age 12.

Robert Croom of Wake County represents a state insurance agency.

Candace Witherspoon from Durham County represents a state agency providing early intervention services.

Ginger M. Cash of Johnston County is a representative of a state education agency.

Jody L. Miller from Jackson County is a provider of early intervention services in a school system.

Sara Elizabeth Palmer of Forsyth County also provides early intervention services in a school system.

Starla Horton Hatley from Rowan County serves as an at-large member or provider of early intervention services.

Michelle Antonelli Merrit of Durham County is a division of medical assistance or Medicaid representative.

Lisa E. Phillips from Guilford County represents the Office of the Coordination of Homeless Children & Youth.

North Carolina Utilities Commission

Michael Stephen Hawkins of Transylvania County serves as an at-large member, with previous experience as President of Pisgah Enterprises and a Transylvania County Commissioner.

North Carolina Veterans Affairs Commission

The Honorable Alvena Heggins of Rowan County represents the 6th Congressional district. She has a background in professional development training and has served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Child Care and Early Education Task Force

Dan Tetreault of Guilford County represents the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, bringing experience from his role as Assistant Director of Early Learning.