Kevin O'Barr Appointed Interim Labor Commissioner

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper appointed Kevin O'Barr as the interim Commissioner of Labor following the resignation of Josh Dobson, who left to pursue work in the private sector. O'Barr, a 24-year veteran of the North Carolina Department of Labor, will serve until Commissioner-elect Luke Farley, who won the recent election, takes office in January. Cooper expressed confidence in O'Barr's experience to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the department's critical functions. Dobson's resignation came just hours after Farley's election victory, leaving less than two months in his term. The Department of Labor is responsible for workplace safety and enforcing labor laws in the state. O'Barr, previously the bureau chief of consultative services, has a background in various departmental roles and private industry.