Raleigh
Mar 10, 2026
Today Governor Josh Stein inducted 12 North Carolinians into The Order of the Long Leaf Pine for their contributions to the state. The award recognizes exemplary service to the state of North Carolina.
“These North Carolinians have selflessly spent their careers serving others and strengthening our communities," said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud to honor them today for their dedication, service, and talent."
The Latest Order of the Long Leaf Pine Honorees:
- Karen Brinson Bell, Transylvania County – Former Executive Director of the State Board of Elections
- Kimberly Welborn, McDowell County – Director of the McDowell County Board of Elections
- David (Woody) Clinard, Forsyth County – Founder of the D. Elwood Clinard Charitable Trust
- Julia Clinard Townsend, Forsyth County – Founder of the REACH Women’s Network
- Edward Finley, Wake County – Former Chairman of the North Carolina Utilities Commission
- Juvencio Rocha Peralta, Pitt County – Founder of the Association of Mexicans in North Carolina (AMEXCAN)
- Jenni Johnson, Wake County – Magnet Coordinator at Hunter Elementary School, Raleigh
- Polly Jones, Ashe County – Retired Ashe County High School English Teacher
- Jim Clark, Wake County – English Professor Emeritus at North Carolina State University
- DeVetta Holman-Copeland, Wake County – Coordinator of Student Resiliency and Academic Support for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Beverly McIver, Orange County – Artist and Esbenshade Professor of the Practice in Studio Arts at Duke University
- Officer Percy Evans, Wake County – Holly Springs Police Department
Trees for the Triangle, a local tree planting nonprofit dedicated to improving the ecological and social resilience of the Triangle, is donating a longleaf pine tree seedling to each award recipient.