Lillian's List of NC

Treasurer Janet Cowell is North Carolina’s popularly elected 27th Treasurer and is the first woman to win the post.

Cowell oversees more than 70 billion dollars in pension fund investments for the 850,000 teachers, firefighters, and public employees of North Carolina. As of January 1, 2012, Cowell has stepped up to oversee the State Health Plan, recognizing an opportunity to provide enhanced governance and accountability of critical health benefits provided to the 650,000 members in North Carolina.

Janet Cowell is a different kind of leader. The daughter of a Methodist minister and public school teacher, Cowell was raised with a profound belief in the importance of service to others. Known for her independence and commitment to doing what is right regardless of politics, Cowell has transformed the Department of State Treasurer, bringing in experts from outside government and instituting reforms critical to North Carolina’s long-term fiscal health.

Under her executive leadership as Treasurer, North Carolina has maintained a triple-A Bond rating for strong financial and debt management practices, and is recognized as one of only seven states to earn the rating. Despite the tough economic climate, North Carolina is ranked as the 5th-best funded pension in the country (Pensions & Investments).

A Wharton School of Business alumna and newly appointed member of their Global Executive Education Board, Cowell places a high value on education for North Carolina citizens of all ages. In 2011, she worked to integrate financial education with K-12 social studies curriculum across the state, visited many of North Carolina’s institutions of higher learning to educate students on managing student debt, and recently partnered with the State Education Assistance Authority and the Community College System to launch Advanced Money Management for Community College Students.

Now in her 10th year of elected office, and with the nation facing unprecedented economic challenges, Cowell continues the conservative debt practices and solid economic development policies that keep North Carolina in secure financial standing. She is proud to serve the citizens of North Carolina as State Treasurer and remains committed to working each day to build and maintain a financially strong and prosperous North Carolina.