RALEIGH — North Carolina State Board of Elections Director Sam Hayes announced the appointment of Ron Herring as director of election security and enforcement last week. The announcement said Herring’s appointment was “effective immediately.”
The new position will involve oversight of investigative operations as well as supporting election security and integrity initiatives.
“Ron’s impressive background and decades of experience stood out amongst the other candidates, and this appointment will further our mission of providing comprehensive election security for the people of North Carolina,” Hayes said. “I am confident Ron will bring valuable knowledge to our existing investigations unit and further enhance the public trust in North Carolina’s elections security.”
According to Hayes’ press release, Herring has “29 years of experience leading, advising, and directing complex law enforcement and security operations at the federal level.”
Before being named to the new role, Herring was in a senior leadership position connected to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces program. He also was a supervisory criminal investigator with Homeland Security Investigations, dealing with drug and human trafficking, financial crimes, as well as immigration fraud.
“Election security is an integral part of building and maintaining confidence in North Carolina’s elections,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek. “Having professionals like Mr. Herring on board as director of election security and enforcement will go a long way in helping ensure it’s easy to vote and hard to cheat in our elections.”
A Mount Olive native, Herring participated in security operations for the inauguration of Barack Obama. He also received the Southern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Award for his investigative work focused on a major international drug trafficking organization.
Herring earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
