Governor Roy Cooper today announced that Renee Cahoon will serve as chairwoman for the state’s Coastal Resources Commission.
“North Carolina is blessed with amazing coastal resources and we need to safeguard our coast because it helps drive our economy,” Gov. Cooper said. “Renee Cahoon is a proven leader and I’m pleased to appoint her as chair of the Coastal Resources Commission.”
Cahoon has been a member of the commission since 2002 and has served as its vice-chairwoman since 2013. She grew up in Swan Quarter and spent her summers enjoying the Outer Banks. She was mayor of Nags Head from 1991 through 2000 and was elected mayor once more from 2005 to 2009. Currently, she serves as a commissioner for the town of Nags Head and has substantial experience dealing with local government issues along the coast.
“I look forward to working with Division of Coastal Management staff and members of the commission on important issues facing our coast, including shoreline stabilization, beach management, beachfront permitting and estuarine shoreline issues,” Cahoon said.
Cahoon replaces Frank Gorham, who served as the chairman of the state’s top coastal commission since 2013. Gorham submitted his resignation last week, effective immediately.
“Former Chairman Gorham did an outstanding job leading the commission during the past three years and I have the utmost respect for him,” Cahoon said.
Braxton Davis, director of the state Division of Coastal Management, expressed his sincere appreciation for Gorham’s service.
“It has been a pleasure working with him, and we have always appreciated his support of the division’s staff,” Davis said. “I hope he will remain engaged in North Carolina’s coastal issues.”
Davis added: “Commissioner Cahoon brings many years of experience both at the local level and on our state coastal commission, and our staff has a great deal of respect for her knowledge, experience and wisdom. We look forward to working with Commissioner Cahoon on the important issues facing our coast in the years ahead.”
The Coastal Resources Commission establishes policies for the state’s coastal management program and adopts rules and policies regarding coastal development in North Carolina.