RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Nick Tennyson, who has served as chief deputy of the state Department of Transportation, has moved into the top job. He replaces Tony Tata, who resigned his job to pursue his writing career.

“Nick Tennyson is the perfect choice to continue the momentum we have made in North Carolina’s transportation strategy,” said Governor McCrory  in a statement announcing Tennyson's appointment. “He has been involved in planning all of our key transportation strategies over the last two and half years, and is equipped to hit the ground running to continue our progress.”

Tennyson served two terms as mayor of Durham from 1997 to 2001. He was Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties from 1995 until 2013, when he was appointed Deputy Secretary.