What does the Administration Secretary do?

Supervises the behind-the-scenes business of state government.

As head of the N.C. Department of Administration, the governor-appointed secretary acts as the business manager for the state.

The secretary oversees building contruction, purchasing and contracting, managing state vehicles and acquiring and disposing of real estate. Other functions include handling surplus property, maintaining state grounds and providing police security for state buildings in Wake County.

In 2008, the department had 849 employees and an annual budget of $175.8 million. The secretary's salary was $120,363.

The department was created in 1957 under the administration of Gov. Luther Hodges. It is one of 10 Cabinet-level positions appointed by the governor to head state agencies.

The first female secretary of Administration was Jane S. Patterson, who served as acting secretary from 1979 to 1980 and as secretary from 1981 to 1985.

In 1993, Gov. Jim Hunt named Katie Dorsett of Greensboro, the first black woman to hold a Cabinet position in North Carolina. She served through 2000.

Another black woman, Gwynn Swinson, served under Gov. Mike Easley.

In 2009, Gov. Beverly Perdue announced that she would reappoint Britt Cobb as secretary, the only member of Easley's Cabinet to remain.

The department is outlined in general statutes under Article 9 of G.S. 143B.