Today’s NC Political News briefs
New appointments will reshape Lottery Commission leadership, while DEQ has opened electronic filing for major-source air permits.
North Carolina officials announced two appointments to the commission overseeing state-regulated gaming operations, while environmental regulators opened a new electronic filing option for certain air-quality permits.
Starnes appointed Lottery Commission chair
State Treasurer Brad Briner appointed Bryan Starnes, a certified public accountant, to serve as chair of the North Carolina State Lottery Commission. Starnes’ five-year term begins Sept. 1. The appointment marks the first time the state treasurer has had authority to select the commission’s chair following changes enacted in the 2026 state budget. Starnes has nearly four decades of accounting, financial and executive leadership experience, including work with Martin Starnes & Associates, Meridian Senior Living and ALG Senior.
Source: North Carolina Department of State Treasurer
Poole named to Lottery Commission
State Auditor Dave Boliek appointed Robert “Jason” Poole to serve on the nine-member North Carolina State Lottery Commission. Poole is a certified public accountant, a Chartered Global Management Accountant and a partner with TRP Sumner PLLC. He has more than two decades of experience in accounting, auditing, financial reporting, taxation and management consulting. Session Law 2026-41 gives the state auditor authority to appoint one member of the commission, which develops rules, licenses gaming entities, monitors compliance and enforces regulatory requirements.
Source: North Carolina Office of the State Auditor
DEQ opens online filing for Title V permits
Businesses classified as major sources of air emissions can now submit Title V air-quality permit applications electronically through the AccessDEQ portal. The option applies to facilities in the 97 counties regulated by the North Carolina Division of Air Quality. Facilities in Buncombe, Forsyth and Mecklenburg counties remain under local air-quality programs. DEQ said it plans to add electronic filing for non-Title V applications, including small and synthetic-minor permit applications, later this year.
