Governor Stein Celebrates Exceptional North Carolinians at Long Leaf Pine Presentation

Today Governor Josh Stein inducted a group of outstanding North Carolinians into The Order of the Long Leaf Pine for their contributions to their communities.

"This group of exceptional North Carolinians who have made our state stronger through their contributions across business, education, government, faith, journalism, and athletics," said Governor Josh Stein. "I am proud to honor them today for their leadership and commitment to the Charlotte community."

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Honorees:

• Crandall Bowles, Mecklenburg County - Former CEO of Spring Industries; first woman to chair the University of North Carolina Board of Governors
• Erskine Bowles, Mecklenburg County - Former White House chief of staff for President Bill Clinton; former president of the University of North Carolina System
• Mike Clement, Mecklenburg County - Managing partner and founder of Strait Insights; former director of Global Corporate Communications for Bank of America; former chair of Roof Above Board of Directors
• Malcomb Coley, Mecklenburg County - Former central region private leader and Charlotte managing partner at Ernst & Young; co-founder of Bright Hope Capital; former chair of United Way of Central Carolinas and the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
• Beverly Earle, Mecklenburg County - Former North Carolina Representative
• Omar Jorge, Mecklenburg County - CEO of Compare Foods Supermarkets; co-founder of Aurora Grocery Group, a group of independent Latino-owned supermarkets; co-chair of Spark Centro board of directors
• Vi Lyles, Mecklenburg County - Mayor of Charlotte
• Steve Smith Sr., Mecklenburg County - Former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver; founder of the Steve Smith Family Foundation, supporting behavioral health care access
• David Tepper, Mecklenburg County - President and Founder of Appaloosa Management; Owner of the Charlotte Panthers and Charlotte FC; philanthropist and community leader
• Richard Vinroot, Mecklenburg County - Former mayor of Charlotte
• Ricky Woods, Mecklenburg County - Senior minister of First Baptist Church-West; Leading on Opportunity Task Force member
• Rafael Prieto Zartha, Mecklenburg County - Journalist; National Association of Hispanic Journalists co-founder and Hall of Fame inductee

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