New North Carolina Emergency Response Director Appointed

A senior official in North Carolina’s emergency management department has been tapped to succeed his retiring director. Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks has appointed William Ray as the state’s new director of emergency management. Ray currently serves as the chief of staff, a leadership role, at North Carolina Emergency Management. Ray will succeed Director Mike Sprayberry, whose retirement was announced in April. With more than 40 years of state service, Sprayberry has been one of the most visible faces for state government’s efforts to prepare for and recover from hurricanes, snowstorms and other natural emergencies.