Governor Stein Honors North Carolinians with Order of the Long Leaf Pine

North Carolina Honors Notable Community Leaders with Prestigious Award

A select group of distinguished individuals from Mecklenburg County has been recognized for their remarkable contributions to various sectors, including business, education, and government. These honorees have been awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the most prestigious awards given by the state of North Carolina.

Governor Josh Stein commended the honorees, stating, “This group of exceptional North Carolinians who have made our state stronger through their contributions across business, education, government, faith, journalism, and athletics. I am proud to honor them today for their leadership and commitment to the Charlotte community.”

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Honorees:

Crandall Bowles, Mecklenburg County – Recognized for her leadership as the former CEO of Spring Industries and as the first woman to chair the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.

Erskine Bowles, Mecklenburg County – Honored for his service as the former White House chief of staff under President Bill Clinton and past president of the University of North Carolina System.

Mike Clement, Mecklenburg County – Acknowledged for his role as managing partner and founder of Strait Insights, and his previous positions including director of Global Corporate Communications for Bank of America and chair of Roof Above Board of Directors.

Malcomb Coley, Mecklenburg County – Celebrated for his contributions as former central region private leader and Charlotte managing partner at Ernst & Young, co-founder of Bright Hope Capital, and former chair of United Way of Central Carolinas and the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.

Beverly Earle, Mecklenburg County – Honored for her tenure as a North Carolina Representative.

Omar Jorge, Mecklenburg County – Recognized for his entrepreneurial leadership as CEO of Compare Foods Supermarkets and co-founder of Aurora Grocery Group, along with his role as co-chair of Spark Centro board of directors.

Vi Lyles, Mecklenburg County – Celebrated as the current Mayor of Charlotte.

Steve Smith Sr., Mecklenburg County – Former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver, recognized for founding the Steve Smith Family Foundation which supports behavioral health care access.

David Tepper, Mecklenburg County – Acknowledged for his work as president and founder of Appaloosa Management, owner of the Charlotte Panthers and Charlotte FC, and as a community leader and philanthropist.

Richard Vinroot, Mecklenburg County – Honored for his service as a former mayor of Charlotte.

Ricky Woods, Mecklenburg County – Recognized for his leadership as senior minister of First Baptist Church-West and as a member of the Leading on Opportunity Task Force.

Rafael Prieto Zartha, Mecklenburg County – Celebrated for his impact in journalism as a co-founder of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and as an inductee in its Hall of Fame.