Mike Sprayberry, the head of North Carolina’s emergency management operations since 2013, will retire Aug. 1, the Department of Public Safety announced Friday.

After Gov. Roy Cooper, Sprayberry has been the most visible face for state government’s efforts to prepare for and recover from hurricanes, snowstorms and other natural emergencies. Sprayberry, with more than 40 years of state service, has led the State Emergency Response Team in 19 state-declared disasters and 11 federally declared disasters, including Hurricane Florence in 2018, the department said.

Sprayberry “has served our state with distinction, keeping North Carolinians safe through unprecedented natural disasters and a global pandemic,” Cooper said in a news release, adding he’s “worked to make our state more resilient and prepared than ever to withstand future storms and emergencies and overcome challenges.”

Director of Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry became a more known state official this past year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as he coordinated North Carolina’s emergency response and frequently gave updates with Governor Roy Cooper. (Ethan Hyman/The News & Observer via AP)

A Charlotte native, Sprayberry is a former Marine and North Carolina National Guard member who became deputy emergency management director in 2005.

Sprayberry always tells viewers of televised COVID-19 news conferences in which he participates to check in on loved ones.

“I guarantee they’ll appreciate it,” he said in a familiar refrain last summer. “With kindness and cooperation, we’ll all get through this together as one team, one mission and one family.”

 

Photo via Robert Willett/The News & Observer and Associated Press.

 

Related Stories
‹
New N. Carolina Emergency Response Director Appointed
A senior official in North Carolina’s emergency management department has been tapped to succeed his retiring director. Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks has appointed William Ray as the state’s new director of emergency management, the agency said in a news release. Ray currently serves as the chief of staff, a leadership role, at […]
North Carolina Effort Wipes Out $6.5B in Medical Debt for 2.5M People
More than 2.5 million North Carolina residents are getting over $6.5 billion in medical debt eliminated through a state government effort that offered hospitals extra Medicaid funds.
North Carolina GOP Announce Plans to Vote on New House Map Amid Nationwide Redistricting Battle
North Carolina Republican legislative leaders announced plans to vote on redrawing the state's U.S. House district map for 2026 elections.
Lumbee Leader to Join North Carolina Statehouse as Tribe’s Federal Recognition Push Gains Attention
The leader of a southeastern North Carolina tribe is about to join the state legislature to succeed his brother, adding attention around the Lumbee's efforts to attain full U.S. government recognition.
UNC Women's Lacrosse Coach, Former Soccer Star Welcomed Into Order of the Long Leaf Pine
The governor inducted six people to the state's Order of the Long Leaf Pine on Friday, including two accomplished UNC sports figures.
North Carolina Governor Signs Criminal Justice Bill Into Law After Ukrainian Refugee’s Death
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed a criminal justice bill into law in response to the stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee in Charlotte.
On the Porch: Dr. Jim Crawford - September News Roundup
This Week: Born into a blue collar and agricultural clan in rural Pennsylvania, Dr. Jim Crawford was the first in his family to graduate from college. Earning his PhD from the University of North Carolina, he taught US and World History at several universities in the piedmont North Carolina for several decades. He served as chairman of the Chatham County board of commissioners, and currently serves as trustee for Central Carolina Community College. He is a firm believer in American democracy and trusts that the constitution will hold firm now as it has in past crises despite the broken, distempered electorate.
North Carolina Medicaid Patients Face Care Access Threat as Funding Impasse Continues
North Carolina Medicaid patients face reduced access to services as an legislative impasse over state Medicaid funding extends further.
North Carolina Legislature Passes ‘Iryna’s Law’ After Refugee’s Stabbing Death
In response to the stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on Charlotte’s light rail system, the North Carolina legislature gave final approval Tuesday to a criminal justice package that limits bail and seeks to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations.
Sen. Graig Meyer Shares Updates on State Budget Impasse, Medicaid, Disaster Relief and More
Ahead of the North Carolina General Assembly reconvening, state Sen. Graig Meyer joined 97.9 The Hill to discuss several topics on his mind.
›