Gov. Pat McCrory’s office in recent months has named several local residents to state boards and commissions.

Gwen Baker, president of CDM Federal Programs Corporation, was named to the N.C. State Water Infrastructure Authority, which identifies the state’s water infrastructure needs, develops a plan to meet the needs and monitors the implementation of the plan, according to a news release. Prior to her role at CDM, Baker served for 22 years as a U.S. Army engineer officer and paratrooper.

Julie Wilsey, Wilmington International Airport deputy director, joined the N.C. Environmental Management Commission. The commission “has the power and duty to promulgate rules to be followed in the protection, preservation and enhancement of the water and air resources of the state,” a news release stated. Wilsey helped the airport become the first Green Plus-certified airport in the country and participates in the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, the release stated. Wilsey fills the commission seat requiring special training or scientific expertise in hydrology, water pollution control or the effects of water pollution.

Several area residents were named to the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Commission. They were:

• Wilbur Jones, who has 28 years of active and ready-reserve experience in the US Navy. An author and military historian, Jones will serve as the commission’s vice chairman;
• District Court judge Sandra Ray;
• Rob Cooley, owner of Apple Annie’s Bake Shop;
• Michael Wilkinson, executive vice president and chief information officer at PPD;
• Beck Smith of GriffinEstep Benefit Group Inc.;
• Jordan Davis, business manager for Atlantic Marine;
• David Gross, Gross Law Group founder and criminal defense attorney who also served in both the Air and Army National Guard;
• Gary Winstead, president of LoadMatch Logistics Inc.;
• Deirdre McGlone-Webb, manager of SunTrust’s Wilmington Branch.

“The commission adopts rules and regulations for proper maintenance and operation of the ship as a permanent memorial and exhibit. Members work with the Department of Cultural Resources to manage and maintain exhibits, activities and records pertaining to marine and naval history of North Carolina and the United States,” according to a news release.

Ralph N. Strayhorn, a veteran banking advisor and managing partner of Cape Point Advisory Partners LLC, joined the Golden Leaf Foundation’s board.

“The Golden Leaf Foundation provides grants to help tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and rural areas of North Carolina adapt to changing economic conditions and become more prosperous,” according to a news release.

Strayhorn, who divides his time between Wrightsville Beach and Charlotte, has spent more than 30 years in banking and related financial businesses.

R. Tony McGhee Sr., of New Hanover County, has been appointed to the N.C. Human Relations Commission, according to a release. McGhee is the founder and pastor of the Wilmington Christian Center.

The release stated that the commission advocates for, enforces and promotes equality of opportunity in the areas of housing, employment practices, public accommodations, education, justice and governmental services.

Barbara Walker, an American Osteopathic Association board-certified family physician and teacher at Coastal Family Medicine in Wilmington, has been named to the N.C. Medical Board. The board, according to a news release, "regulates the practice of medicine and surgery for the benefit and protection of the people of the state."