About Janet Cowell
Treasurer Janet Cowell is North Carolina’s popularly elected 27th Treasurer and is the first woman to win the post.
A Different Kind of Leader
The daughter of a Methodist minister and public school teacher, Cowell was raised with a profound belief in the importance of service to others.
Known for her independence and commitment to doing what is right regardless of politics, Cowell has transformed the Department of State Treasurer, bringing in experts from outside government and instituting reforms critical to North Carolina’s long-term fiscal health.
And all while doing the job.
Results North Carolina Can Count On
Under her executive leadership as Treasurer, North Carolina has maintained a triple-A Bond rating for strong financial and debt management practices, and is recognized as one of only seven states to earn the rating by Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s Investment Services, and Fitch Ratings.
Despite the tough economic climate, North Carolina is ranked as the 5th-best funded pension in the country (Pensions & Investments.)
Cowell oversees more than 70 billion dollars in pension fund investments for the 850,000 teachers, firefighters, and public employees of North Carolina.
As of January 1, 2012, Cowell has 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.
Background
Cowell grew up in the Southeast until attending college at the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated with Honors and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School of Business, as well as a Master’s degree in International Studies from the Lauder Institute.
Cowell worked as a financial analyst with organizations including HSBC Bank and Lehman Brothers in New York and international offices before making her home in North Carolina in 1997. Living in Raleigh, North Carolina, she 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.
A Focus on Financial Education for a Bright Future
A newly appointed member of the Wharton School of Business Global Executive Education Board, Cowell places a high value on education for North Carolina citizens of all ages, whether in elementary school or planning for retirement.
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.
A Career of Ethical Leadership and Solid Financial Management
Cowell’s career encompasses 20 years of ethical leadership and financial management for organizations locally, nationally, and internationally, in both the public and private sectors.
Her policies on economic development, innovation, and making government work for the citizens of North Carolina have earned her two Legislator of the Year awards, including Freshman Legislator of the Year and Environmental State Senator of the Year, and the honor of being named an Aspen Institute Fellow in 2009 while State Treasurer.
Ensuring a Fiscally Strong and Prosperous North Carolina
Now in her 10th year of elected office, and with the nation facing unprecedented economic challenges, Cowell continues the conservative debt practices and solid economic development policies that keep North Carolina in secure financial standing.
She is proud to serve the citizens of North Carolina as State Treasurer and remains committed to working each day to build and maintain a financially strong and prosperous North Carolina.
