2009 North Carolina Code
Chapter 97 - Workers' Compensation Act.
§ 97-77. North Carolina Industrial Commission created; members appointed by Governor; terms of office; chairman.

§ 97‑77.  North Carolina Industrial Commission created; members appointed by Governor; terms of office; chairman.

(a)        There is hereby created a commission to be known as the North Carolina Industrial Commission, consisting of seven commissioners who shall devote their entire time to the duties of the Commission. The Governor shall appoint the members of the Commission, one for a term of two years, one for a term of four years, and one for a term of six years. Of the additional appointments made in 1994, one shall be for a term expiring June 30, 1996, one for a term expiring June 30, 1998, and two for terms expiring June 30, 2000. Upon the expiration of each term as above mentioned, the Governor shall appoint a successor for a term of six years, and thereafter the term of office of each commissioner shall be six years. Not more than three appointees shall be persons who, on account of their previous vocations, employment or affiliations, can be classed as representatives of employers, and not more than three appointees shall be persons who, on account of their previous vocations, employment or affiliations, can be classed as representatives of employees.

(b)        One member, to be designated by the Governor, shall act as chairman. The chairman shall be the chief judicial officer and the chief executive officer of the Industrial Commission; such authority shall be exercised pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 126 of the General Statutes and the rules and policies of the State Personnel Commission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter, the chairman shall have such authority as is necessary to direct and oversee the Commission. The chairman may delegate any duties and responsibilities as may be necessary to ensure the proper management of the Industrial Commission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter, Chapter 143A, and Chapter 143B of the General Statutes, the chairman may hire or fire personnel and transfer personnel within the Industrial Commission.

The Governor may designate one vice‑chairman from the remaining commissioners. The vice‑chairman shall assume the powers of the chairman upon request of the chairman or when the chairman is absent for 24 hours or more. The authority delegated to the vice‑chairman shall be relinquished immediately upon the return of the chairman or at the request of the chairman. (1929, c. 120, s. 51; 1931, c. 274, s. 8; 1991, c. 264, s. 1; 1993, c. 399, s. 3; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 769, s. 28.15(a).)