Gov. Stein appoints 2 new members to western NC Helene recovery office

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein announced Tuesday that two western North Carolinians will join his recovery office and play a key role in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. 

The Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) is focused on urgency, transparency and accountability to rebuild the western part of the state, Stein’s office says. 

“I welcome to the team Sharon Decker, a former Secretary of Commerce, to serve as a Senior Advisor, and Forrest Gilliam, a former Madison County manager and legislative liaison, as Legislative Director,” Stein said. “I am grateful for their continued service to the people of western North Carolina.”

“The devastation has been horrific, but the fortitude and perseverance of western North Carolinians is extraordinary,” Decker said. “We will come back, and better than before. A strong plan, with actionable steps built on improved health care, more available and affordable housing, a strong education network across the region, planned economic development, strengthened infrastructure, and collaborative community engagement is essential for ensuring our recovery leads us on a sure path for the future.”

Decker and her nonprofit Tapestry Collaborative will contract with GROW NC to lead a collaborative effort that produces a framework and plan for long-term economic recovery as the region rebuilds. She’ll also serve ss an advisor to Stein to identify opportunities to advance Helene recovery. 

Forrest Gilliam will join GROW NC as Legislative Director. He has nearly two decades of experience across all levels of government, including serving as a member of Gov. Bev Perdue’s legislative affairs team. Since 2020, he’s contracted with the town of Marshall in Madison County as a town administrator. 

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