RALEIGH — North Carolina Speaker-designate Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) unveiled his leadership staff picks Tuesday, with a line-up of experienced legislative and policy staff members along with new additions to guide House operations in the upcoming session.
“These talented individuals bring a wealth of experience and dedication to our team,” Hall said in a statement announcing the appointments. “Their expertise will help the North Carolina House deliver for the people of this state.”
Hall was elected as North Carolina’s next speaker of the House last November, replacing Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain), who was sworn in this week as the new representative for North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District. The 37-year-old from Caldwell County is the first millennial to lead one of the two chambers of the General Assembly. He made history in 2021 by being the first millennial to serve in a top House leadership spot as chair of the powerful House Rules Committee.
Neal Inman will continue serving as chief of staff, a position he has held since December 2020. Inman has experience with state government operations and legislative affairs, including roles like senior adviser to the N.C. House Republican Campaign Committee, serving as general counsel to the N.C. House speaker and House Rules Committee counsel, as well as associate general counsel to Gov. Pat McCrory.
The speaker’s office is expanding its communications structure, with Demi Dowdy serving as deputy chief of staff for communications and external affairs, a deeper leadership role over her previous spot as communications director under former House Speaker Tim Moore.
The office is also welcoming new faces like Courtney Taylor as director of digital media, bringing experience from her work with congressional campaigns at the national level where she most recently served as deputy digital political director at the National Republican Congressional Committee.
A notable addition is former Rep. Jeffrey Elmore, who joins Hall’s staff as senior policy adviser after serving six terms in the N.C. House. Elmore’s background includes 22 years as an educator in Wilkes County and experience chairing various legislative committees, bringing significant policy expertise and institutional knowledge to the role.
Sam Hayes continues as general counsel, drawing on his previous experience in the State Treasurer’s office and Department of Environmental Quality. Deputy general counsels Kenan Drum and Sumit Gupta round out the legal team.
Lewis King assumes the role of deputy chief of staff for policy and budget, transitioning from his position as a government relations adviser at Manning, Fulton & Skinner. King’s background includes policy advisory roles under former speakers Moore and Thom Tillis.
Julie Garrison, who has worked in the speaker’s office since 2012 under multiple administrations, will continue as director of operations.
The policy team announced by Hall includes advisers David Cobb, William Cobb and Grace Irvin, each of whom brings legislative experience to their positions.
