McCrory appoints lawyers in Raleigh, Charlotte to posts

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RALEIGH (AP) — A former legislator, a mayor and a federal prosecutor are among those who will serve in key Cabinet positions for incoming North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory.

McCrory announced Thursday that he will appoint Winston-Salem businessman Lyons Gray as secretary of revenue, the state’s chief tax collector. Gray served six terms in the state legislature before joining the Bush administration as the chief financial officer at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Susan Wear Kluttz will serve as McCrory’s secretary of cultural resources. Kluttz served 14 years as mayor of Salisbury and is on the City Council, where she helped develop a cultural arts plan for the town. She also has been involved in historic preservation projects.

McCrory named Raleigh defense attorney Kieran Shanahan secretary of public safety. Shanahan is a former federal prosecutor who concentrated in the investigation of white collar crime.

On Thursday, McCrory said: “During this transition process, I am continuing to build a strong team of talent. These individuals will bring enormous talent and experience to their respective roles, and will help me run the government in the most effective way possible.”

McCrory said his primary objectives for his leadership team will be instituting a “culture of customer service” in state government, identifying and implementing efficiencies in state government, collaborating and sharing resources across departments and agencies, and instituting high ethical standards in government.

The governor-elect also filled other key jobs, including the appointment of wealthy Republican donor and former legislator Art Pope as deputy budget director. The CEO and chairman of Variety Wholesalers, Pope has spent millions of his personal fortune to help fund such conservative groups as Americans for Prosperity and the Civitas Institute.

Charlotte lawyer Bob Stephens will serve as McCrory’s chief legal counsel. His legal practice has primarily focused in construction contracts and litigating claims.

Chris Walker was named communications director. He previously worked for on Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign and as the former press secretary for U.S. Senator Richard Burr.