The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer (DST) and former Treasurer Dale Folwell have recently entered into an agreement with Ms. Justine Jones to resolve litigation brought by Ms. Jones. This is regarding the Local Government Commission’s (LGC) decision not to approve funds for Ms. Jones’ hiring as Town Manager of Spring Lake in 2022 after the Board of Aldermen voted to offer her a contract for that position. The parties have mutually agreed to resolve the matter with no admission of fault or liability on the part of either party.
Topics Related to OST Press Release
Treasurer Brad Briner wrote to the Wake County Board of Commissioners on Saturday asking them delay and reconsider their vote on the WakeMed/Atrium merger. The Board has now indicated they will delay this vote. You can find a copy of the letter here.
Treasurer Brad Briner released a statement today in response to a just released Wake County Commission agenda item indicating Atrium Health and WakeMed plan to merge:
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
Financial Literacy Month News: Department of State Treasurer Launches New Opportunities for Students
There is a new opportunity for high school students to get a step ahead in the world of finance.
The N.C. Department of State Treasurer (DST) has been honored with The Institute for Financial Literacy’s (IFL) national 2026 Government Organization of the Year for “advancing the field of financial education in meaningful ways” through its monthly newsletter, “Finance Fridays With the Treasurer,” and other initiatives.
After spearheading the first North Carolina state government artificial intelligence (AI) pilot program one year ago, the N.C. Department of State Treasurer has now integrated AI into daily department workflow. After the pilot showed increased productivity across two teams using ChatGPT, the department continued testing use cases and multiple AI engines.
Treasurer Brad Briner took out his personal checkbook today to pay off the first loan repayment due for the Cashflow Loan Program. The loans, which were distributed last year to Hurricane Helene-affected communities, had an initial, nominal $1 repayment due this fiscal year. As many communities are still continuing their recovery efforts, the treasurer wants to take one clerical action off their plates.
State Treasurer Brad Briner announced today that Tim Melton will be the Department of State Treasurer’s interim general counsel. The move follows current General Counsel Ben Garner’s decision to resign at the end of this month to take a job in the private sector.
“Ben has been a valued member of our senior staff. During his six years as general counsel, his steady-handed legal guidance has been exemplary. Ben’s professional judgment has been sound and trusted, and his dedication to public service unwavering. He will be missed,” Treasurer Briner said.
North’s Carolina’s appellate court agreed with a lower court ruling today, affirming a state law which allows the state treasurer to make an appointment to the North Carolina Utilities Commission. This appointment previously had been granted to the governor.
“This is another affirmation that executive branch functions do not sit solely with the governor here in North Carolina. The entire Council of State is duly elected by all citizens of the state to carry out executive roles and responsibilities independent of the governor,” said Treasurer Brad Briner.