Cooper’s Political Appointments Draw Attention

In Washington, former North Carolina governor and current Senate candidate Roy Cooper has been linked to appointments of several executives associated with a black finance group, along with their relatives and staff, according to records.

Founded in 2017, Moving NC Forward operates as a nonprofit focused on advocacy without the requirement to disclose donor information. They’ve regularly highlighted events inviting attendance from Cooper or his staff, seemingly to draw in supporters.

One notable figure from the group, Tom Hendrickson, who previously served as the state Democratic Party chairman, has generously supported Cooper, contributing at least $15,000 since 2000. After Cooper secured his governorship, Hendrickson was appointed as director of the World Transportation and Parks Authority in 2017 and retained that role in 2023.

Furthermore, Hendrickson was elected to the Marine Fisheries Commission in 2018, solidifying his position in state governance.

In addition, Hendrickson’s daughter, Katie, was appointed by the Cooper administration in 2017 as Deputy Director of State Boards and Commissions, responsible for vetting key appointees across various state boards. She had also been involved as a transition aide during Cooper’s campaign.

Hendrickson’s wife, Jill, earned a spot on the Tryon Palace Commission in 2017, further connecting the family to Cooper’s administration. Together, the Hendrickson family contributed around $35,000 to Cooper’s Senate campaign, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Additionally, Jewell Wilson, who previously served as treasurer for NC Forward, was appointed to the state’s Western Residential Commission during Cooper’s tenure.

Kate Connelly, a lawyer linked to the finance group, has her own consulting firm and previously worked as the campaign finance director under the former governor.

As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, Moving NC Forward is permitted to engage in political advocacy without disclosing its donors, unlike traditional political action committees. This has raised questions regarding the influence of such funds in Cooper’s administration.

Reports indicated that Moving NC Forward attracted donations by offering opportunities to meet Cooper at fundraisers, including events that featured his staff.

Cooper, now North Carolina’s Democratic Senate candidate, is competing in a high-stakes race following the retirement of Republican Sen. Thom Tillis. The latest polls show Cooper leading by 6.8 points against his opponent, Republican Michael Whatley.

Neither Cooper’s campaign nor Hendrickson’s team have commented on these developments.