Christina Cress, an energy and utilities attorney, joined Ward and Smith's Wilmington office.

Cress assumes a leadership role as the head of the firm's Energy + Utilities Practice, according to a news release.

"With invaluable experience as a staff attorney at the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Cress brings exceptional expertise in energy policies and regulations," the release stated. "Her practice encompasses regulatory compliance, energy policies, and complex utility matters, including electric and natural gas rate cases and resource planning dockets."

Cress previously served as in-house counsel to the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service, where she also served as interim executive director.

During her tenure, she prosecuted licensing violations, advised on regulatory compliance and acted as the board's ethics liaison, rulemaking coordinator, records custodian and legislative liaison.

Cress earned her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She holds a master's and bachelor's degree from the University of Florida.