North Carolina State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes has named Ron Herring as the director of election security and enforcement, effective immediately.
Herring brings 29 years of experience leading, advising, and directing complex law enforcement and security operations at the federal level. His career includes senior leadership roles supporting multi-agency investigations targeting transnational criminal organizations, national security threats, and complex financial and cybercrimes.
Herring most recently served in senior leadership supporting the U.S. Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces program, where he coordinated intelligence-driven operations, managed field office performance, and strengthened partnerships across federal, state, and local agencies.
He also served as a supervisory criminal investigator with Homeland Security Investigations, leading major initiatives addressing drug trafficking, human trafficking, financial crimes, and immigration fraud.
“Ron’s impressive background and decades of experience stood out amongst the other candidates, and this appointment will further our mission of providing comprehensive election security for the people of North Carolina,” Director Hayes said. “I am confident Ron will bring valuable knowledge to our existing investigations unit and further enhance the public trust in North Carolina’s elections security.”
Throughout his career, Herring has overseen sensitive investigations, supervised national enforcement programs, and helped establish task forces to protect national security and public safety. He was selected to support security operations for the inauguration of Barack Obama and received the Southern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Award for his work on a long-term investigation targeting a major international drug trafficking organization.
A native of Mount Olive and a graduate of Southern Wayne High School, he holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration/management from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
As director of election security and enforcement, Herring will oversee investigative operations, support election security initiatives, and work with federal, state, and local partners to protect the integrity of North Carolina’s elections.
“Election security is an integral part of building and maintaining confidence in North Carolina’s elections,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek. “Having professionals like Mr. Herring on board as director of election security and enforcement will go a long way in helping ensure it’s easy to vote and hard to cheat in our elections.”