Josh Dobson Archives

Former North Carolina labor commissioner becomes hospital group’s CEO

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s labor commissioner for nearly the past four years is the next president and CEO of the chief advocacy group for the state’s hospitals. The North Carolina Healthcare Association announced on Tuesday that it has hired Josh Dobson after a nationwide search to lead the group. Dobson succeeds Stephen Lawler, who is retiring. Dobson decided not to seek a second term leading the Labor Department in 2024. He resigned from the job the day after Republican Luke Farley won the statewide election for commissioner last week. Dobson’s political career includes leading state House health and budget committees in the General Assembly.… Continue Reading

North Carolina governor picks labor chief to serve until next commissioner is sworn in

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Gov. Roy Cooper has named a veteran North Carolina Labor Department administrator to lead the state agency until the next labor commissioner takes office. Cooper announced Friday that Kevin O’Barr will serve as commissioner until Luke Farley is sworn in early next year. O’Barr succeeds Commissioner Josh Dobson, who decided not to seek reelection this fall. Dobson announced his resignation on Wednesday, the day after Farley, a Republican, defeated Democrat Braxton Winston in the election for a four-year term. The North Carolina Constitution gives the Democratic governor the authority to fill the vacancy. A commissioner otherwise is elected to lead a department separate from a governor’s administration.… Continue Reading