Governor McCrory Appoints Lyons Gray To Utilities Commission | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, N.C. — Governor Pat McCrory announced today he is nominating Revenue Secretary Lyons Gray to the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

    "In Lyons Gray, the people of North Carolina will be represented by a man who brings a wealth of real-world experience and compassion to the Utilities Commission," Governor Pat McCrory said. "His unique combination of service in the public, private and non-profit arenas as well as his stellar record of integrity will be an asset to the commission and our citizens for years to come."

    Gray's appointment will be submitted to the General Assembly for confirmation. Gray will continue to serve as Secretary of Revenue until his appointment is confirmed.

    "I am humbled and appreciative of the governor's appointment to the oldest regulatory body in North Carolina's history," Gray said. "The commission's mission of regulating rates and ensuring utility services are safely delivered are fundamental responsibilities the state has to the people of our state. I look forward to working hard to fulfill those responsibilities and hope to contribute to the commission's legacy of service and helping grow North Carolina's economy."

    Gray has been Secretary of Revenue since January 2013. Previously he served as Senior Advisor to the President of the University of North Carolina system.

    Gray has considerable regulatory and budgetary experience on the federal level. From 2005-2009, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

    At the state level, Gray served from 1989 to 2002 in the North Carolina House of Representatives. During his tenure he served as Chairman of the House Finance Committee and Vice Chairman of the House Ethics Committee.

    In the private sector, Gray owned Salem Systems, Inc. and Triangle Campers, Inc. both of Winston-Salem. He was also Vice President of Intercontinental Consultants Corporation and worked 12 years for the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

    In the non-profit arena, Gray was President and CEO of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership. He initiated a number of projects that have revitalized the downtown core.

    He has also served on the boards of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc., UNC-Chapel Hill's General Alumni Association, Salem Academy and College, the UNC School of the Arts Foundation and the Piedmont Triad Partnership. Gray has served on the boards of visitors of the Winston-Salem State University Foundation and the Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University. Gray has held leadership roles in multiple civic and philanthropic organizations, including AIDS Care Service of Winston-Salem, the North Carolina Nature Conservancy, Leadership Winston-Salem, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army Boys Club.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov