N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson announces the appointments of Dr. Darin Waters as Deputy Secretary for Archives and History and Schorr Johnson as Director of Communications.
“Dr. Darin Waters and Schorr Johnson will be outstanding members of our DNCR leadership team,” said Secretary Wilson. “Darin’s experience and expertise in both North Carolina history and community engagement will accelerate our efforts to provide more comprehensive stories of the people, places and events that have shaped the state we live in today. Schorr’s extensive background in communications will help the department deliver consistent messages around our priorities of expanding educational opportunities, improving public health, stimulating economic development, strengthening diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and battling climate change and enhancing community resiliency.”
Dr. Waters is currently an Associate Professor of History at UNC Asheville, and the Executive Director of UNCA’s Office of Community Engagement. He will join the department Sept. 7.
Originally from Asheville, Waters previously held other teaching, research, and community engagement positions at UNCA, UNC-Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. Early in his career he was an Adult Probation Parole Officer with the Department of Public Safety. He received a B.S. in Political Science and Government from Liberty University, a master’s in History from North Carolina State University, and a PhD in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Waters has served on numerous non-profit and state boards, including the North Carolina Historical Commission and African American Heritage Commission.
Johnson is an experienced communications, media, and public affairs professional who currently serves as the Director of Public Affairs at the N.C. Department of Revenue. A native of Statesville, Johnson is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in political science.
He has served in senior leadership roles in both state and federal government for more than 20 years, including with U.S. Representative Melvin Watt, Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight, Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton, and State Treasurer Janet Cowell. Johnson will begin his new position at DNCR Aug. 16.