Roberts leaving as budget director; Gray moves from Revenue

By GARY D. ROBERTSON
Associated Press

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Gov. Pat McCrory is losing his state budget director after assuming the job 16 months ago. The governor is also moving his revenue secretary to the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

McCrory announced Thursday changes entering the fourth year of his administration.

Budget Director Lee Roberts will step down at the end of the month to return to the private sector as managing director of an investment management firm. He’ll be replaced by Drew Heath, chairman of the state Industrial Commission.

McCrory also said he’s appointing Revenue Secretary Lyons Gray to the state utilities panel to fill a vacancy. The new secretary will be current revenue department Chief Operating Officer Jeff Epstein.

Roberts got attention recently for his role evaluating the value of private contractors to perform prison maintenance.

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