New Appointees to State Boards and Commissions


Governor Cooper announced his nominations and appointments to 19 boards, commissions, and councils on Friday, July 20, including appointments to the North Carolina Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board and the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission.

North Carolina Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board Appointments:

  • Angela Christian of Newport as a manager of NC municipality using a treated groundwater supply. Christian is the Town Manager for the Town of Newport. Prior, she was the Chief Operations Officer and Deputy County Manager for the Onslow County Government.
  • Samuel Call of Wilkesboro as a director of utilities with an NC municipality. Call is the Utility Director for the Town of Wilkesboro. Prior, he worked as a Water Plant Superintendent, a Water Plant Operator, and a Waste Water Operator for the Town of Wilkesboro.

North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission Appointments:

  • Bob Emory of New Bern to the Coastal Forestry seat. Emory previously worked with Weyerhaeuser Company, and held positions in land acquisition, land use, and logging and wood procurement. He previously served on the Coastal Resources Commission for 20 years.
  • Councilwoman Renee Cahoon of Nags Head as a member of local government within the coastal area. Cahoon works at R.V. Cahoon, Inc., a retail and rental business. Cahoon has served on the Coastal Resources Commission for 16 years.
  • Robin Smith of Chapel Hill as a member with experience in marine-related science. Smith is a lawyer with over 25 years of experience in environmental law and policy. Now in private practice, Smith previously served North Carolina as Assistant Secretary for Environment and as a Special Deputy Attorney General.
  • Mayor Trace Cooper of Atlantic Beach as coastal property owner. Cooper is serving his sixth term as Mayor. He is the founder of Cooper Development Company, which focuses on hospitality projects and other sustainable, community-oriented development.
  • Lauren Salter of Williston as a commercial fishing representative. Previously, Salter worked at the North Carolina Fisheries Association and the NC Division of Marine Fisheries.