RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina’s labor commissioner, who has held the position for nearly four years, has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the state’s primary hospital advocacy organization.

On Tuesday, the North Carolina Healthcare Association announced the selection of Josh Dobson after conducting a national search for a leader. This association represents over 135 hospital systems across the state.

The group’s board of trustees decided on Dobson to take over the role from Stephen Lawler, who is stepping down from his position after seven years.

Dobson, who has previously served as a state legislator and McDowell County commissioner, had expressed around two years ago his decision not to pursue a second term in the Labor Department for 2024. Shortly after fellow Republican Luke Farley secured the statewide election for commissioner last Wednesday, Dobson declared his resignation from the labor position, effective immediately.

With substantial experience in healthcare legislation from his time in the General Assembly, Dobson notably chaired both the House appropriations and health committees during his last term. He was an advocate for expanding Medicaid to make government health insurance more accessible to low-income adults. A recent state law that began a version of this expansion is now serving 569,000 individuals and has also improved Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals.

Chris Peek, chair of the association’s board and president and CEO of CaroMont Health, praised Dobson as a “proven collaborator” capable of uniting people to create optimal solutions ensuring the continued accessibility of high-quality healthcare for employers and residents in North Carolina.

In addition to his executive responsibilities, Dobson will also supervise the association’s charitable foundation and a subsidiary that provides healthcare providers with access to various products and services.

Democratic Governor Roy Cooper appointed experienced administrator Kevin O’Barr to fill the role of labor commissioner temporarily until Farley takes office in early 2024.

Recently, numerous association members have committed to participating in a new initiative endorsed by Cooper’s administration. This initiative is intended to increase Medicaid payments to hospitals that relieve the medical debt of low- and middle-income patients and implement strategies to assist future patients in avoiding similar financial burdens.

According to an association spokesperson, Dobson will become a registered lobbyist for the organization after a six-month waiting period mandated by state legislation.