State Treasurer Brad Briner announced today his appointment of Jonathan Harris as the Department of State Treasurer’s general counsel. The move completes a monthslong national search. Harris comes to the department after having served as general counsel for the North Carolina Court of Appeals since 2021
“Jonathan brings exceptional skills, proven leadership and a comprehensive understanding of North Carolina’s legal landscape. This makes him an ideal choice to guide our legal team. His track record includes directing various agency operations, managing litigation matters and advising on legislative strategy, bill drafting and analysis,” State Treasurer Brad Briner said. “Combined with his background dealing with information technology initiatives, these strengths will serve the department, our constituents and taxpayers well.”
Harris previously served as deputy general counsel for Gov. Pat McCrory, general counsel for the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts and general counsel and chief of staff for the N.C. Community Colleges System Office. He was a special assistant to state House Speaker Richard Morgan and has private legal experience as a solo practitioner and for a law firm.
Tim Melton has been serving as DST interim general counsel since January but did not place himself into consideration for the permanent role. Melton will continue as assistant general counsel for the department’s Retirement Systems Division.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Tim’s ability on our legal team. He effectively fulfilled the temporary responsibilities of interim general counsel while meeting the many demands of his retirement duties, and I am grateful for his leadership,” Treasurer Briner said.
Harris is expected to begin his new duties on May 13.