Her duties involve traveling across the state to engage writers and readers of all ages in schools and communities, communicating with the press, and writing commemorative poems for historical or culturally important occasions.

 

The Fuquay-Varina resident is a graduate of Adelphi Business School and Meredith College.

 

Her first book of poetry, Shelf Life, portrays the joys and the sorrows of life. It was nominated for a Pushcart Prize, as was her second book, Sleeping Rough. 

 

“North Carolina’s poet laureates have had a passion for bringing poetry and literature to our citizens, and we look forward to witnessing Valerie Macon’s contributions to this long tradition,” said N.C. Arts Council Executive Director Wayne Martin in a statement.

 

Macon received the appointment from Gov. Pat McCrory.