In a move aimed at bolstering recovery efforts in western North Carolina, Stephanie McGarrah has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary for the newly created Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) within the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Her appointment was announced on January 22, reflecting Governor Josh Stein’s dedication to revitalizing regions affected by Hurricane Helene.
Leadership to Drive Recovery in Western North Carolina
“Supporting western North Carolina requires bold leadership and a strategic approach to rebuilding and revitalizing communities,” stated N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. With the establishment of the DCR, the department aims to leverage McGarrah’s extensive experience in public sector management and her deep connections to the region to spearhead recovery initiatives.
McGarrah, who hails from Morganton and Lake Junaluska, has a formidable background in public service and economic recovery. Her previous role as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office (NCPRO) involved managing a substantial $11.5 billion in federal recovery funds, where she played a crucial part in navigating the state’s economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Returning to Commerce with a Renewed Mission
Her return to the Department of Commerce marks a continuation of her impactful career, having previously contributed to the department as an Assistant Secretary from 2007 to 2013. During that time, she was pivotal in advancing economic and policy initiatives, emphasizing the department’s data, research, and economic analysis capabilities.
“Rebuilding and revitalizing communities is personal to me,” McGarrah expressed. “As someone who grew up in western North Carolina, I’ve seen firsthand the resilience of this region. I am honored to return to the Department of Commerce to lead this effort and am committed to working closely with our communities, partners, and stakeholders to foster recovery, growth and resilience.”
Funding and Future Plans for Community Revitalization
The Division of Community Revitalization will manage $1.4 billion in federal Community Development Block Grants-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds are intended for long-term rebuilding, focusing on housing recovery in areas hit by Hurricane Helene. Although applications for these funds are not open yet, DCR is collaborating with the Governor’s office, the GROW NC office, and HUD to ensure an effective and swift recovery process.
For further information regarding the efforts of the Division of Community Revitalization and the North Carolina Department of Commerce, please visit commerce.nc.gov/dcr.
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