RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Dale Folwell is leaving the Division of Employment Security effective Dec. 1. He has held the job since March 2013.

Folwell has overseen the state's payback of $2.5 billion owed to the federal government for money borrowed to pay unemployment benefits during the previous administration.

The system now has a $1 billion surplus and growing.

“Dale’s leadership of one of Commerce’s largest and most important divisions resulted in improved customer service, the adoption of new technologies, streamlined operations and an estimated collective savings for North Carolina employers of more than $600 million in federal and state taxes over the next year,” said Commerce Secretary John Skvarla in a statement.

Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary Ted Brinn will serve as interim assistant secretary.

Folwell is a former state legislator who represented Forsyth County. There is speculation that he will run for State Treasurer. Democrat Janet Cowell has announced she will not seek re-election.