Former NC Rep. Carolyn Justice has joined Cornelius-based Red Dome Group as a senior partner of the political consulting firm. At the same time, Red Dome’s co-founder and senior partner Todd Poole has taken a leave of absence to serve as chief of staff for US Rep. Richard Hudson.

Justice was the first woman ever elected to the General Assembly from Pender County, which she represented from 2003 – 2012. During her time in office, she was chair of the environment committee, vice chair of appropriations and vice chair of commerce and job development. In 2013, she was elected vice chair of the NCGOP. She will work from the Wilmington area.

Senior Partner Andy Yates was recently named a “Rising Star” by Campaigns & Elections magazine. The magazine states that previous recipients “have climbed to the heights of politics” and are some of the most influential members of the political world.