Emily Roach is the Director of Policy and Strategic Planning for the NC Department of Commerce.  

Prior to joining the Commerce team, Emily was the Policy Analyst and Strategy Officer for the NC Department of Administration. She was responsible for DOA’s Strategic Plan and Executive Order implementation. Additionally, she staffed the Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force, and served as DOA’s interim Legislative Liaison.

Previously, Emily was the Deputy Director of DOA’s Council for Women and Youth Involvement. As Deputy Director, she managed the Council’s Youth Involvement division, providing development and training opportunities for high school or college aged young adults state-wide. She also managed the Council’s four regional offices, which are responsible for domestic violence and sexual assault grant oversight for over 100 agencies. 

Emily was instrumental in the creation of DOA’s Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program. The Lady Cardinal program provides high school aged females with mentorship and internship opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math fields often lacking female participation but offering higher wages. 

Prior to joining state government, Emily devoted six years to educational reform, targeting failing public schools in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her role included teaching, strategic planning, personnel recruitment, and the planning and facilitation of professional development. She was a member of the founding team that started PAVE Southeast Raleigh Charter School and has experience in corporate communications and marketing, locally and in the Danish Foreign Commercial Services Department.

Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University and is a proud Deacon fan!