Former State Senator Bobby Hanig Joins Ward and Smith

Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that former North Carolina State Senator Bobby Hanig has joined the firm as a Senior Government Relations Advisor.

Hanig brings nearly a decade of public-service experience advocating for northeastern North Carolina communities, businesses, and citizens. At Ward and Smith, he will build on that experience by advising clients across North Carolina on state legislation, appropriations strategy, and regulatory matters. He will draw on his firsthand experience with the House and Senate chambers, county government, and small business ownership.

“Bobby has worked on state policy from several vantage points: as a county commissioner, as a state legislator, and as a business owner,” said Brad Evans, Co-Managing Director of Ward and Smith. “That range gives him a practical understanding of how decisions made in Raleigh affect local governments and the businesses in those communities. Our clients will benefit from that perspective.”

Before entering public office, Hanig chaired the Northeast Workforce Development Board for four years and served as vice chair of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the executive board of Trillium Health Resources.

Hanig, an Army veteran, began his local government service on the Currituck County Board of Commissioners, where he was elected in 2016 and later chosen by his fellow commissioners to serve as chair.

He was then elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he represented Currituck, Dare, Hyde, and Pamlico counties. He chaired the Marine Resources and Aqua Culture Committee and the Local Government Committee, and he served as Deputy Majority Whip following his first term. Hanig’s legislative work included a bill allowing College of the Albemarle to use state funds for building projects, including educational facilities in Dare County. He also worked on bills addressing school transportation funding in Currituck County and local regulation of navigable waters.

Hanig later served two terms in the North Carolina Senate. As a Senator, he chaired the Appropriations Committee on General Government and Information Technology and the State and Local Government Committee. He also served on the Agriculture, Energy, and Environment; Education/Higher Education; Regulatory Reform; and Transportation committees. His joint legislative assignments included the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Emergency Management, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety, and the Joint Commission on Environmental Review.

Hanig will serve clients across the state while resident in his Currituck County home and supported by Ward and Smith’s Raleigh office.

Get in Touch with Bobby Hanig

• bohanig@wardandsmith.com
• 919.277.9285