State of North Carolina Celebrates 2026 Public Service Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day

The State of North Carolina kicked off its celebration of public service and state employees today, honoring the dedication of its public workforce in creating a safer, stronger North Carolina.

"Our vision at OSHR is to elevate public service," said State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer. "I'm grateful for our public workforce all across the state including more than 70,000 state employees, and I'm especially proud to celebrate them this week."

Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) honors federal, state, county, and local government employees and is celebrated annually during the first full week of May since 1985.

OSHR, in partnership with the UNC School of Government and N.C. State's Department of Public Administration, have collaborated on this year's week-long engagement to drive greater awareness of public service in North Carolina. Together, the coalition is activating a campaign that culminates with the state's inaugural Public Service Summit in Raleigh.

"This campaign is aimed at celebrating state employees and promoting the positive impact that North Carolina public servants have on our state," said OSHR Communications and Brand Engagement Officer, Kyle Byrnes. "We want to elevate what it means to have a career public service."

Throughout the week, there will be celebratory content across the State of North Carolina's channels. State agencies, universities, and local governments, among others involved in the campaign, will be hosting respective engagements for State Employee Appreciation Day, and promoting #PSRWNC2026 across their media channels.

Additionally, the state's first-ever Public Service Summit will be hosted on Thursday, May 7 at the State Archives Building. This special event brings together bipartisan leaders across North Carolina's public sector to discuss the importance of elevating public service. More details on this invite-only event will be forthcoming.

The State of North Carolina employs approximately 77,000 people, who work daily to improve the lives of North Carolinians. These employees serve state agencies, public universities, and community colleges, and their work helps keep our state running smoothly.

Anyone interested in a meaningful public service career with the State of North Carolina can fill out an Interest Card today! Through the state's JoinNC initiative, a state recruiter will contact the interested person within 48 hours from submission. To explore all career opportunities with the State of North Carolina, please visit the Office of State Human Resources.