Easley Appoints Interim Agriculture Commissioner

Cobb will remain as Commissioner while Easley considers a permanent appointment for the post.

Cobb has been an employee of the Agriculture Department since 1972. He has served as the Assistant Director of Marketing since 1991.

"Britt has over 30 years of experience with the Department," Easley said. "His knowledge and understanding of the agriculture industry and the inner workings of this agency will ensure that the department operates smoothly and efficiently to serve the people of this state effectively throughout this transition period."

Cobb is a 1971 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He began his career at the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in 1972 as a food distribution representative.

Cobb served as the Director of Agriculture for the State of North Carolina's European Office from 1976 through 1979. He has worked in the Marking Division of the Agriculture Department since 1979.

Cobb is a past president of the North Carolina World Trade Association and serves on their Board of Directors. He is a member of the North Carolina District Export Council, the World Trade Center of North Carolina Board of Directors, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture/Food Marketing Institute Trade Show Advisory Committee, the Commonwealth Business Park Board of Directors, the Rotary Club of Raleigh, and the University of North Carolina Educational Foundation. He is also a past chair of the Southeast United States Trade Association Marketing Committee.

Cobb will assume the role of Commissioner effective immediately.