Feb. 12. Machelle Sanders is the new NC Secretary of Commerce, replacing Tony Copeland who stepped down at the end of January. She was previously Secretary of the NC Department of Administration.

“I plan to execute on a bold vision for economic restoration and progress for our state and its people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sanders.

She said her top priority is to marry innovation and leadership to “create promising conditions for economic recovery and opportunity.”

Sanders promised collaboration with economic development partners, community stakeholders, higher education networks and affinity groups.

Gov. Roy Cooper said her background as a business leader and understanding of what it takes to build a globally competitive workforce will help North Carolina attract better paying jobs as well as stimulate “innovation and entrepreneurial economy.”

Sanders was appointed to head up the Department of Administration on Jan. 12, 2017.