Richard Y. Stevens

Richard Stevens joined Smith Anderson in September 2012 after serving as a Senator in the North Carolina General Assembly since 2003. Before stepping down from this role, he was ranked as the Senate’s third most effective member, according to a survey by the nonpartisan North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research.

Richard was co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and served as a budget leader under both Republican and Democratic majorities. An attorney and management consultant, he was Manager of Wake County from 1984 to 2000. Before that, Richard served as Assistant Wake County Manager and held numerous positions with the City of Durham, including Director of Finance and Assistant City Manager.

Recognition

• Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2024)
• Tony Rand and Tom Lambeth Advocacy Award, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2022) 
• The Best Lawyers in America®, Government Relations Practice (2021-2025)
• NCBA Citizen Lawyer Award, The Local Bar Outreach Subcommittee of the North Carolina Bar Association (2020)
• Distinguished Public Service Award, North Carolina Chamber of Commerce (2017)
• Distinguished Alumna and Alumnus Awards, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2017)
• Named Top 20 "Most Influential" Lobbyist in North Carolina, N.C. Center for Public Policy Research (2014)
• Public Leader in Technology Award, North Carolina Technology Association (2004, 2012)
• National Public Service Award, American Society for Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration (2000)
• Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, Governor of North Carolina (2000)

Education

• University of North Carolina, J.D., 1974
• University of North Carolina, M.P.A., 1978
• University of North Carolina, B.A., 1970

Bar & Court Admissions

• Transition Leadership, Governor-Elect Transition Team, Governor-Elect Appointment (2024)
• Board of Directors, UNC Health Care System (North Carolina General Assembly Appointment) (2023-present) 
• Chair, Board of Trustees, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (2019-2022, 1997-1999)
• Board of Directors, North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research (2015-2016)
• Chair, UNC Lineberger Board of Visitors (2014-2016); Member (2012-2017)
• General Counsel and Member, Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce (2013-2015)
• Board of Directors for the Institute for Defense and Business (2013-2019)
• Board of Directors, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits (2013-2016)
• National Advisory Board, Institute for Emerging Issues (2012-2016)
• UNC Press Advancement Council (2014-2016)
• Senator, North Carolina General Assembly, District 17 (2003-2012)
• North Carolina Advisory Committee to the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
• Senior Budget Adviser, Governor-Elect Transition Team (2000)
• County Manager/Assistant County Manager, Wake County Government (1984-2000)
• Former Director of Finance/Assistant City Manager, Durham, NC
• Former Instructor, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Former Assistant Dean of Men/Assistant Residence Director/Assistant in the Office of Student Affairs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Former Member, Cary Academy Board
• Former Member, Centennial Authority Board
• Former Member, National Association of County Administrators Board
• Former President, North Carolina City and County Management Association
• Former Chair, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill Endowment Fund
• Former Member, Yates Mill Associates Board