RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - State Treasurer Janet Cowell says this will be her last term in the Council of State position that manages North Carolina's investments and oversees the state's finances.

Writing to supporters this week, Cowell said:

"This has been one of the more difficult decisions in my life. I’ve prayed about it and discussed it with friends and family. I intend to serve out my term through 2016."

Cowell is 47 and a graduate of the Wharton School of Business.

She gave no indication of her future plans, other than to write that public service of some sort will be part of her life.