Governor-elect Josh Stein has unveiled his Cabinet appointments, blending experienced leaders from Governor Roy Cooper’s administration with historic new faces, underscoring his commitment to both continuity and inclusivity as North Carolina prepares for the future.
Continuity in Leadership
Stein has chosen to retain several key figures from the current administration, ensuring stability during the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene’s devastation in western North Carolina.
• Eddie Buffaloe, who has been serving as Secretary of Public Safety since 2022, will continue in his role, providing steady leadership as the state rebuilds.
• Joey Hopkins, with over three decades at the Department of Transportation and appointed as Secretary in 2023, will remain in his position to oversee critical infrastructure repairs.
• Kristin Walker, North Carolina’s first female State Budget Director since 2022, will continue to manage the state’s financial planning and disaster recovery funding.
Historic Appointments
Stein’s selections also mark significant milestones in the state’s representation.
• Gabe Esparza is set to become the state’s first Latino Cabinet member as Secretary of Administration. A former U.S. Small Business Administration official and recent candidate for State Treasurer, Esparza brings a wealth of experience to the role.
• Dr. Devdutta Sangvai, a Duke University School of Medicine professor and former President of Duke Regional Hospital, is nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. He will be the first Indian-American to serve as a Cabinet Secretary in North Carolina.
Additional Appointments
Stein’s Cabinet will also include:
• Reid Wilson, transitioning from Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources to lead the Department of Environmental Quality, bringing extensive environmental policy experience.
• Pam Cashwell, currently Secretary of Administration, will assume leadership of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, continuing her dedicated public service.
• Lee Lilley, appointed as Secretary of Commerce, previously served as Director of Economic and Pandemic Recovery, poised to spearhead the state’s economic development efforts.
• Staci Meyer, the new Director of the Office of State Human Resources, currently serves as Chief Deputy Secretary at the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, bringing a wealth of administrative experience.
• Teena Piccione, with leadership roles at Google and AT&T, will lead the Department of Information Technology, guiding the state’s tech initiatives.
• McKinley Wooten, a seasoned state government administrator, will head the Department of Revenue, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient tax processing.
• Jocelyn Mallette, an attorney and Air Force veteran, is appointed to lead the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, advocating for the state’s service members and veterans.
• Leslie Dismukes, currently the Criminal Bureau Chief at the Department of Justice, will oversee the Department of Adult Correction, managing the state’s prison system with a focus on safety and rehabilitation.
These appointments reflect Stein’s dedication to building a diverse and experienced team to address North Carolina’s challenges and opportunities. The Cabinet members will serve in an interim capacity pending confirmation by the state Senate.
