About Us
What We Do
The State Ethics Commission is responsible for interpreting and administering the State Government Ethics Act, including issuing formal advisory opinions, administering the financial disclosure process (Statement of Economic Interest or “SEI” filings), providing education for individuals covered by the Ethics Act, and investigating complaints alleging a violation of the Ethics Act or Lobbying Law. The Commission also interprets all provisions of the Lobbying Law and shares enforcement authority over the Lobbying Law with the Secretary of State’s office.
More information about the Commission's jurisdiction.
Who We Are
The State Ethics Commission
The State Ethics Commission consists of eight members, four Republicans and four Democrats. Four members are appointed by the Governor and four members are appointed by the General Assembly, two upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and two upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House.
| Name | Term Expires | Appointed by | County | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William H. Freeman, Chair (D) | 12/31/21 | Governor | Forsyth | |
| Shirley M. Randleman, Vice-Chair (R) | 12/31/22 | Senate President Pro Tempore | Wilkes | |
| James L. Baker (R) | 12/31/23 | Governor | Madison | |
| Carrie B. Cook (D) | 12/31/23 | Governor | Mecklenburg | |
| Thomas Jeffery Keith (R) | 12/31/21 | Governor | Forsyth | |
| Dr. Clarence G. Newsome (D) | 12/31/24 | Senate President Pro Tempore | Mecklenburg | |
| Carl J. Stewart (D) | 12/31/24 | Speaker of the House | Gaston | |
| Thomas Roger West (R) | 12/31/22 | Speaker of the House | Cherokee | |
Commission Staff
| Name | Duties |
|---|---|
| Kathleen S. Edwards | Executive Director |
| Dottie Benz | Investigations, Education |
| Lisa Johnson | SEI Unit Manager |
| Jameson Marks | Counsel |
| Tracey Powell | Reception, Education |
| Angela Pryor | SEI Unit |
| Mary Roerden | SEI Unit |
| Susanne Sing | SEI Unit (MPO/RPO) |
| David Smyth | Counsel |
Commission Meetings
The Commission must meet at least quarterly. Traditionally, Commission meetings begin at 10:00 a.m. and take place in Raleigh and Morganton, NC. Commission meetings are subject to the Open Meetings Law; however, the consideration of advisory opinions and complaints is strictly confidential under the State Government Ethics Act and must take place in closed session.
Office Location
Although our offices are currently located in the Dobbs Building we will be moving back to the Capehart-Crocker House, the Commission's original home, in the next few months. Stay tuned!