The turning of the calendar to 2025 brought new bosses for many state employees. Governor Josh Stein took the oath of office at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, and with him came new leadership at several state agencies.

Stein signed five Executive Orders as his first act as governor on Hurricane Helene relief for Western N.C., including creating a new state agency to manage the effort.

Council of State members, including new State Treasurer Brad Briner, were also sworn in on Jan. 1. On his first day on the job, Briner released a video outlining his goals, including overhauling investments in the state retirement system and changes to the State Health Plan.

In this week's episode of the SEANC View Podcast, we look at the transition and priorities facing Governor Stein, Treasurer Briner, and all the state government leaders. Among the first challenges they will face is an ongoing vacancy crisis in state government, with more than 14,000 jobs currently unfilled