North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland has appointed Napoleon Wallace, a finance and community economic development executive, as the department’s Deputy Secretary to oversee the Divisions of Workforce Solutions and Rural Economic Development. Wallace had previously been serving as the Assistant Secretary for the rural division.
Wallace will direct the division’s efforts to strengthen workforce programs and streamline the delivery of services to jobseekers and employers. In his new role, he will also support NCWorks, a collaborative program bringing N.C. Commerce and workforce partners together to connect workers with job opportunities.
“North Carolina can become even more competitive, create good-paying jobs and help businesses thrive by making sure our workforce is ready for 21st century jobs,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “Napoleon will bring a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and an appreciation for rural communities to this critical work.”
Wallace has been leading the department’s support for North Carolina’s rural communities, and will continue to lead a team of rural specialists that help communities make the necessary preparations and infrastructure investments to attract business and economic growth.
Before joining Commerce, Wallace served as a Social Investment Officer at the Kresge Foundation in metropolitan Detroit. The foundation, a $3.6 billion private philanthropic organization working to expand opportunities in America’s cities. Earlier in his career, Wallace served on the Executive Staff at Self-Help, the financial and policy advocacy organization headquartered in Durham. Mr. Wallace is a native of Pitt and Beaufort counties.