Janet Cowell – NewDEAL

Cowell

Janet Cowell

Former State Treasurer / North Carolina

Treasurer Janet Cowell was North Carolina’s first woman to win the post, serving from 2009 to 2017. Known for her independence and commitment to doing what is right regardless of politics, Cowell transformed the Department of State Treasurer, bringing in experts from outside government and instituting reforms critical to North Carolina’s long-term fiscal health. Under her executive leadership as Treasurer, North Carolina maintained a triple-A Bond rating for strong financial and debt management practices, and was recognized as one of only seven states to earn the rating. On January 1, 2012, Cowell stepped up to oversee the State Health Plan, recognizing an opportunity to provide enhanced governance and accountability of critical health benefits provided to the 650,000 members in North Carolina.

After earning an MBA, Cowell worked as a financial analyst with banks, and later provided business consulting to various Fortune 500 companies and served as an adjunct professor at two institutions of higher learning in the state. In 2001, Cowell began contributing her financial expertise and leadership to work for the citizens of North Carolina. She was elected to Raleigh City Council in 2001 (serving two terms), was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2004, and began serving as Treasurer in 2008.

In 2011, she worked to integrate financial education with K-12 social studies curriculum across the state, visited many of North Carolina’s institutions of higher learning to educate students on managing student debt, and recently partnered with the State Education Assistance Authority and the Community College System to launch Advanced Money Management for Community College Students.

Janet Cowell’s Ideas

tile_education

The Education and Economic Engine Endowment

Problem Because many states continue to face budget challenges, many states have scaled back critical funding for education and entrepreneurship. Solution State Treasurer Cowell proposes the creation of a multi-billion dollar state-funded endowment using escheat money that pays for community college and university scholarships and invests in high-growth funds and […]

Education | Janet Cowell | Former State Treasurer | North Carolina

tile_savings

Financial Literacy For All

Problem Currently, several groups manage various financial literacy resources and tools within their own domains but there is no central location or resource for people of every age to leverage these tools. Additionally, there is no group to look for partnership opportunities across these organizations and resources. Solution State Treasurer […]

Safety Net | Janet Cowell | Former State Treasurer | North Carolina

tile_education

A Better Way for Teachers: The 403(b) Option

Problem Existing retirement programs for teachers often charge employees high fees and thus reduce amounts employees are actually saving for retirement. Solution State Treasurer Cowell set up a publicly sponsored statewide retirement plan option that will become available to school districts this fall and can offer lower fees as more […]

Education | Janet Cowell | Former State Treasurer | North Carolina

tile_government_reform

Global Benefits Management Program

Problem Public employee benefits are often managed by different agencies, often with different goals and objectives. As a result, the customer experience varies significantly. In addition, the fine points of health and retirement benefits can be difficult to understand and can interfere with employees making optimum decisions for career advancement […]

Smart Government | Janet Cowell | Former State Treasurer | North Carolina

tile_government_reform

County and Municipal Fiscal Analysis Dashboard

Problem Local government officials are tasked with monitoring and reporting on the financial positions of government but have lacked a method of quickly comparing themselves to peer governments. As a result, it can be difficult for governments to benchmark financial performance and learn best practices related to financial management. Solution […]

Smart Government | Janet Cowell | Former State Treasurer | North Carolina

Latest News

How We Move Forward...

On behalf of our 160 members who hold state and local elected offices across the nation, the NewDEAL condemns the rioters who assaulted the U.S. Capitol, as well as President Trump for inciting yesterday’s insurrection. The President’s rhetoric and actions exhibited his complete lack of respect for the institutions at the heart of American democracy.

READ MORE
Press Release: Gov. Inslee & Microsoft President Brad Smith Join NewDEAL Forum to Launch Climate Agenda

For Immediate Release: August 17, 2020 Contact: Jonathon Dworkin, 202-660-1340 x5, jonathon@newdealleaders.org Gov. Inslee & Microsoft President Brad Smith Join NewDEAL Forum to Launch Climate Agenda Policymakers and leading experts develop state and local solutions to combat global warming, grow a clean economy, and protect communities Washington, DC – As the national […]

READ MORE

Recent News

How We Move Forward...

January 8, 2021

On behalf of our 160 members who hold state and local elected offices across the nation, the NewDEAL condemns the rioters who assaulted the U.S. Capitol, as well as President Trump for inciting yesterday’s insurrection. The President’s rhetoric and actions exhibited his complete lack of respect for the institutions at the heart of American democracy.

Press Release: Gov. Inslee & Microsoft President Brad Smith Join NewDEAL Forum to Launch Climate Agenda

August 17, 2020

For Immediate Release: August 17, 2020 Contact: Jonathon Dworkin, 202-660-1340 x5, jonathon@newdealleaders.org Gov. Inslee & Microsoft President Brad Smith Join NewDEAL Forum to Launch Climate Agenda Policymakers and leading experts develop state and local solutions to combat global warming, grow a clean economy, and protect communities Washington, DC – As the national […]

NewDEAL Forum Urges Immediate Broadband Access Funding from Congress

July 28, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 28, 2020 Contact: Jonathon Dworkin, 202-660-1340 x5 NewDEAL Forum Urges Immediate Broadband Access Funding from Congress Co-chairs of Forum’s Education Policy Group stress alarming learning loss for students without access to high-speed home internet Washington, D.C. – Emphasizing that COVID-19 has the potential to set-back […]