Governor names new head for Department of Commerce
Machelle Sanders, who has been Cooper's secretary for administration, will move to the job-recruiting agency.
Posted — UpdatedShe is the first African American to hold the post, according to the Department of Commerce.
Sanders replaces Tony Copeland, who stepped down at the end of January. A native of Belhaven, Sanders has a background in the biotech industry, a degree in biochemistry and a master's degree in health administration.
"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," Cooper said in a news release announcing the move.
Sanders said in the release that her top priority will be "to marry innovation and strong leadership to create promising conditions for economic recovery and opportunity."
"Expanding workforce development initiatives is essential," she said in the release. "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."
Sanders headed the Department of Administration, which manages contracts and other day-to-day logistics for state government, during Cooper's first term. Before that, she was vice president of marketing and general manager of Biogen's largest manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park.
The legislature confirmed Cooper's new pick to head the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Reid Wilson, earlier this week. His nominee for secretary of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Walter Gaskin, is awaiting a confirmation hearing.
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