Trending...
- Kevin Francis Design Introduces CHROMA, a Collection of Saturated Solid Color Wool Rugs - 134
- UK Financial Ltd Completes One Of The Most Extensive CoinMarketCap Supply Verification Packages For Maya Preferred PRA (MPRA)
- The $5 Million Man Still Begging: Incumbent Jimmy Panetta Hits Up Voters for More Cash Despite Massive War Chest
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Machelle Sanders, current Secretary of the NC Department of Administration, will now serve as Secretary of the Department of Commerce. Sanders will replace Tony Copeland who stepped down at the end of January.
"Machelle has been an outstanding leader in this administration, and I am grateful that she is willing to take on this new role and continue to serve our great state," said Gov. Cooper. "Her strong background as a business leader and her extensive knowledge of what it takes to build a globally competitive workforce will serve North Carolina well as we attract better paying jobs, help small businesses and stimulate our innovation and entrepreneurial economy."
"I am humbled and excited about leading the NC Department of Commerce at this critical time in our state's history. In this role, I plan to execute on a bold vision for economic restoration and progress for our state and its people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Sec. Sanders. "My top priority is to marry innovation and strong leadership to create promising conditions for economic recovery and opportunity. Expanding workforce development initiatives is essential to helping North Carolina attract and keep jobs that not only help people fulfill basic needs, but also provide them with the ability to start and sustain businesses of their own. Collaboration with economic development partners, community stakeholders, higher education networks, and affinity groups will help to transform the enormous economic possibilities for rural areas and groups marginalized from enjoying in the promise of economic growth and prosperity. Building a strong team of dedicated public servants and experts, and creating a culture of equity, inclusion, and excellence will ensure that the agency remains committed to these goals. I look forward to leading with purpose to achieve results consistent with Governor Cooper's promise to make this a state that works for everyone."
More on ncarol.com
Most recently, Sanders served as Secretary of the Department of Administration. Gov. Cooper appointed her to the position on January 12, 2017.
A graduate of North Carolina State University, Sanders holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Health Administration from Pfeiffer University.
Sec. Sanders is a native of Belhaven, North Carolina and brings strong business experience in both management and leadership to the Commerce Department. She is a seasoned pharmaceutical and biotechnology executive and previously held the role of vice president of manufacturing and general manager of Biogen's largest manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park (RTP). She also held leadership positions overseeing manufacturing, global quality assurance and quality control functions at Biogen and Diosynth-Akzo Nobel. While at Biogen, Sec. Sanders created a Women's Innovation Network.
Sec. Sanders is a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion and serves as the Chair of the North Carolina Commission on Inclusion, the North Carolina Complete Count Commission and the Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force. Additionally, she serves on the Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs (ICCHP), Commission of Indian Affairs and the NC State University Board of Visitors.
More on ncarol.com
Deputy Secretary Mark Edwards will serve as interim Secretary of the NC Department of Administration.
"Machelle has been an outstanding leader in this administration, and I am grateful that she is willing to take on this new role and continue to serve our great state," said Gov. Cooper. "Her strong background as a business leader and her extensive knowledge of what it takes to build a globally competitive workforce will serve North Carolina well as we attract better paying jobs, help small businesses and stimulate our innovation and entrepreneurial economy."
"I am humbled and excited about leading the NC Department of Commerce at this critical time in our state's history. In this role, I plan to execute on a bold vision for economic restoration and progress for our state and its people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Sec. Sanders. "My top priority is to marry innovation and strong leadership to create promising conditions for economic recovery and opportunity. Expanding workforce development initiatives is essential to helping North Carolina attract and keep jobs that not only help people fulfill basic needs, but also provide them with the ability to start and sustain businesses of their own. Collaboration with economic development partners, community stakeholders, higher education networks, and affinity groups will help to transform the enormous economic possibilities for rural areas and groups marginalized from enjoying in the promise of economic growth and prosperity. Building a strong team of dedicated public servants and experts, and creating a culture of equity, inclusion, and excellence will ensure that the agency remains committed to these goals. I look forward to leading with purpose to achieve results consistent with Governor Cooper's promise to make this a state that works for everyone."
More on ncarol.com
- Alvear Homes Shares Insights on Building Stronger Neighborhood Connections Across NC & SC
- Warm, Dry Summer Forecast Points to a Stronger Wasp and Yellowjacket Season Across the Pacific Northwest
- Qscription Technologies Appoints Anurag Velekkatt Sunil Kumar to Drive Enterprise Scale
- SafeBets Named Presenting Sponsor of IMCX 2026, Bringing Its No-Deposit Prediction Platform to the Creator Economy's Deal-Making Conference
- A New Pulse for Cardiac Care in Baltimore: St. Elizabeth Rehab & Nursing Welcomes Dr. Hakim Uqdah and Expands Advanced Heart Program
Most recently, Sanders served as Secretary of the Department of Administration. Gov. Cooper appointed her to the position on January 12, 2017.
A graduate of North Carolina State University, Sanders holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Health Administration from Pfeiffer University.
Sec. Sanders is a native of Belhaven, North Carolina and brings strong business experience in both management and leadership to the Commerce Department. She is a seasoned pharmaceutical and biotechnology executive and previously held the role of vice president of manufacturing and general manager of Biogen's largest manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park (RTP). She also held leadership positions overseeing manufacturing, global quality assurance and quality control functions at Biogen and Diosynth-Akzo Nobel. While at Biogen, Sec. Sanders created a Women's Innovation Network.
Sec. Sanders is a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion and serves as the Chair of the North Carolina Commission on Inclusion, the North Carolina Complete Count Commission and the Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force. Additionally, she serves on the Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs (ICCHP), Commission of Indian Affairs and the NC State University Board of Visitors.
More on ncarol.com
- Inframark–Slater Joint Venture Selected to Manage Fulton County Wastewater Operations
- Cancun International Airport Reports Strong Start to Summer 2026 Travel Season
- Freedomtech Solutions Launches the World's First Pre‑Installed Agentic AI Server — Instant, Sovereign, Infrastructure‑Native Intelligence
- GitKraken Introduces Code Flow, a Framework for Software Development in the Agentic Era
- RIGHT CARS Announces Landmark African Expansion Through Strategic Collaboration Agreement Across Eight Nations
Deputy Secretary Mark Edwards will serve as interim Secretary of the NC Department of Administration.
0 Comments
Latest on ncarol.com
- Embracing Tranquility and Serenity
- CCHR Condemns Behavioral Treatment After FDA's Missed Deadline to Ban Shock Device
- Brilliant Minds to Gather in Fort Worth for National Mensa Event
- Drivin N Cryin at 40: A Spit Shine that Sparkles Differently | Visulite | June 12, 2026 | by Derek Farley
- UK Financial Ltd Completes One Of The Most Extensive CoinMarketCap Supply Verification Packages For Maya Preferred PRA (MPRA)
- A Healthier Home Publishes New EnviroVention™ E-Book
- Data Tiles Strengthens U.S. Presence with Chief Revenue Officer John Goode
- Haven Media Solutions Offers Web Design and PPC Services in Atlanta GA
- New Children's Book Celebrates the Limb Difference Community
- TREND Network Announces Miami Based Reality Series "Coming Up Miami" Premiering July 1
- High Point Girl Scout Troop Helps Transform Community Garden at Senior Living Community
- Beemok Hospitality Collection And KLH Group Announce Preferred Partnership
- Expanding Access to Mental Health Care in Toronto with Dr. Stephen Shainbart
- Dr. Stephen Shainbart Launches Expanded Mental Health Support for Anxiety and Depression in Toronto
- Equipment Leases, Inc. Launches Updated Family Office Equipment Financing Page
- Tickets now available for October 3rd Awadagin Pratt concert at the Tryon Fine Arts Center
- The $5 Million Man Still Begging: Incumbent Jimmy Panetta Hits Up Voters for More Cash Despite Massive War Chest
- Kevin Francis Design Introduces CHROMA, a Collection of Saturated Solid Color Wool Rugs
- New from Regal House Publishing, Shout at the Thunder, a girl reveals secrets in a forgotten mansion
- $150+ Million Contracted Backlog, Strategic Acquisitions Adding Millions In Recurring Revenue, Improving Margins & A Clear Path Toward Profitability