UNC Health has selected a new chief external affairs officer from the ranks of N.C. State University leadership.
Kevin Howell, a Shelby native, joins UNC Health in Chapel Hill after spending the last 15 years at N.C. State University serving as vice chancellor of external affairs, partnerships and economic development. He also has previously worked in the governor’s office and with the state legislature.
“Kevin has had a long and accomplished career in the Triangle and across North Carolina, as well as having a reputation for always focusing on people and service to the state,” Dr. Wesley Burks, CEO of UNC Health. “His trusted relationships will help UNC Health’s mission of improving the health of all North Carolinians. I look forward to his wise counsel as UNC Health explores new ways to enhance care and access.”
Howell will oversee all external affairs for UNC Health, including building relationships with state leaders and expanding partnerships across the state.
“I’ve seen the incredibly positive impact UNC Health has on our state’s health and well-being, and I’m excited to join Dr. Burks’ leadership team,” Howell said. “Helping UNC Health succeed will bring so many benefits to our state for generations to come.”
Howell also has been very engaged in the greater Triangle region, serving on many boards, including: myFutureNC Board, the North Carolina Symphony Society Board, chair of the Greater Raleigh Chamber Board, the UNC Law Foundation Board and the UNC Health Rex Board. He earned his undergraduate degree from N.C. State and his law degree from UNC Chapel Hill.
Howell will be missed at N.C. State, says Chancellor Randy Woodson in a statement. “Over the years, Kevin has built an incredible team and helped coordinate the university’s relations with local and federal government leaders, supported the creation of partnerships and spurred economic development investments with significant impacts for our university and our state,” says Woodson.
Julie Smith, who has served as the associate vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development for NC State since 2019, has accepted the vice chancellor role, effective Feb. 1. This appointment is contingent on the approval of the N.C. State Board of Trustees.
“As we look ahead, Julie has been an integral part of our team for the past several years, and is well-positioned to continue building on our tremendous legacy of support from the state and strong relationships with our external partners,” Woodson added. “I look forward to working with her to help advance the mission and vision of our great university.”
In her most recent role at N.C. State, Smith worked with Howell to support the work of the entire unit and served as the university liaison for state and local relations. Prior to joining N.C. State, Smith held roles as assistant to the chancellor for external affairs at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, as well as the associate general counsel with the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association.
Smith was a Park Scholar at N.C. State and earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in environmental science with the designation of valedictorian. She earned her law degree from the University of Virginia.