Martin Lancaster, Retiring President of the North Carolina Community College System, to Join Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan

Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P. is pleased to announce that Martin Lancaster, retiring President of the North Carolina Community College System, will join the firm as Of Counsel.

Mr. Lancaster has over 35 years experience in public service and private practice, including sixteen years combined service in the U. S. House of Representatives and the North Carolina House of Representatives, Special Advisor to the President of the United States, and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

His experience also includes membership on the North Carolina Economic Development Board, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center Board, the North Carolina Board of Science and Technology, and the North Carolina Rural Development Council. His many honors include receiving the 2008 Distinguished Public Service Award from the North Carolina Chamber at its 66th Annual Meeting held today.

"We feel very fortunate that Martin decided to join Smith Anderson and welcome him to our law firm," said John L. Jernigan, Smith Anderson’s Managing Partner. "We have confidence that our clients will find that Martin’s experience and long track record of success add tremendous value to our already accomplished regulatory and business practices."