Republican Cherie Berry was first elected labor commissioner in 2000. Her department is responsible for enforcing workplace safety rules and inspecting elevators and carnival rides, like those at the State Fair.

According to her official biography, Berry is a native of Catawba County and lives in Newton. She is the former business owner of LGM Ltd., a company that produces spark plug wires for the automotive industry.

Berry may be best known for her picture, which appears on the permits placed in elevators throughout the state and has inspired at least one pop song.