North Carolina names state, local finance division interim head

North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner announced Jeff Poley will be the interim State and Local Government Finance Division director. Briner is seeking someone to take the position on a permanent basis since Poley has indicated he is uninterested in doing so.

Deputy Treasurer Debbie Tomasko announced her departure earlier this month.

"Jeff has already proven to be a huge asset for the department," said Briner. "He has worked in the local government realm for decades here in North Carolina and was able to harness those relationships to get the loans [to municipalities impacted by Hurricane Helene] out the door quickly. We are confident he'll provide a seamless transition in providing leadership for local governments."

The division supports the state and over 1,100 local government entities by monitoring debt repayment, counseling and assisting those issuing debt, and watching and analyzing their fiscal health and accounting practices. 

North Carolina has a Local Government Commission that oversees and votes on proposed municipal bonds. The LGC consists of the state treasurer, secretary of state, state revenue secretary, three members of the public, current or former county government official and a current city council member. The division provides staff support to the commission.

Poley has been a North Carolina bond lawyer for over 28 years and is currently of counsel at Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP. He received an undergraduate degree from Duke University and a law degree from UNC Chapel Hill. He is a former member of the North Carolina Rules Review Commission, an executive agency that reviews and approves rules adopted by state.

Poley created and oversaw the Hurricane Helene Cashflow Loan Program to help affected communities in western North Carolina.