State Treasurer Brad Briner Names Sam Watts to State Health Plan Board of Trustees

Sam Watts has been named to the North Carolina State Health Plan Board of Trustees, State Treasurer Brad Briner announced today.

Watts was named Executive Director of the North Carolina Retirement Systems by Treasurer Briner in January 2025. He previously served as Executive Administrator of the State Health Plan and as the legislative liaison and senior public policy advisor for the Department of State Treasurer. Treasurer Briner's appointment of Watts fulfills the requirement that a state employee must be a representative on the 10-member Board of Trustees.

Watts, an eighth-generation North Carolinian, holds a B.A. in political science and a master's in public administration from N.C. State University.

"Sam has a wealth of knowledge and depth of experience that will provide enormous value to the State Health Plan Board of Trustees," Treasurer Briner said. "He is widely respected for his ability to bring diverse interests together to find fiscally responsible solutions to complex issues in order to drive long-term, positive impacts on our state."

The plan currently projects over a $500 million shortfall in 2026, even with record appropriations from the North Carolina General Assembly.

Board of Trustees members "are required to carry out their duties and responsibilities as fiduciaries for the Plan" pursuant to state statutes. As fiduciaries, they are legally bound to represent the interests of those they represent, and not their own benefits.

Among board duties are approving benefit programs, premium rates, co-pays, deductibles, coinsurance percentages and maximums for the State Health Plan, and contracts in excess of $3 million. Members develop a strategic plan and submit a report to the General Assembly, and consult with the state treasurer.

The Board comprises 10 members whose terms are for two years. The State Treasurer and the Director of the Office of State Budget and Management serve as ex-officio members. Eight members are appointed - two each by the treasurer and governor, and two each by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President Pro Tempore.

Related Topics:

• SHP Press Release
• Treasurer Briner Administration Press Releases