CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein announced Tuesday that two western North Carolinians will join his recovery office and play a key role in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

The Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) is focused on urgency, transparency and accountability to rebuild the western part of the state, Stein's office says.

“I welcome to the team Sharon Decker, a former Secretary of Commerce, to serve as a Senior Advisor, and Forrest Gilliam, a former Madison County manager and legislative liaison, as Legislative Director," Stein said. "I am grateful for their continued service to the people of western North Carolina.”

“The devastation has been horrific, but the fortitude and perseverance of western North Carolinians is extraordinary,” Decker said. “We

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