Governor Stein Appoints David Hayden Chair of N.C. Military Affairs Commission

Smith Anderson attorney and retired U.S. Army Colonel David L. Hayden has been appointed by Governor Josh Stein to serve a two-year term as Chair of the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission (NCMAC). First appointed in 2017 as a public member, he is now serving his fifth term and has held the role of Vice Chair since 2022.

The NCMAC provides advice, counsel and recommendations to the Governor, the N.C. General Assembly, the Secretary of Commerce and other state agencies on initiatives, programs and legislation affecting the military’s role in America’s defense strategy and the state’s economy. The commission also works to protect North Carolina’s existing military infrastructure, maintain a high quality of life for military members and their families and promote new military missions and economic opportunities for North Carolina and its citizens.

"David has been a tireless advocate for North Carolina’s military installations and communities," said Smith Anderson Managing Partner Byron Kirkland. "His leadership reflects Smith Anderson’s deep and ongoing commitment to supporting the military, veterans and their families, including service on committees and organizations that advance veteran and military causes. We are proud of David’s work and confident his leadership will bring lasting value to the Commission."

David joined Smith Anderson in 2011, after serving as the general counsel and board secretary for USfalcon, Inc. He has extensive experience in government contracting, corporate investigations (internal and government) and employment law, and advises companies and their directors and officers on corporate governance matters and other general corporate matters. He previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, investigating and prosecuting federal crimes as well as supervising all military attorneys authorized to practice in federal court in eastern North Carolina.

David served for 29 years on active duty in both the Engineer and Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. His career highlights include:

• 12 years in airborne assignments at Fort Bragg, including command of an engineer company.
• Service as a criminal law professor and department head at the U.S. Army JAG School.
• Senior litigation attorney and branch chief for the U.S. Army Litigation Division.
• Senior legal advisor to the 82^nd Airborne Division
• Senior legal advisor to XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg
• Deployment to Afghanistan in 2002–2003 as the senior legal advisor to the theater commander
• Senior legal advisor to NORAD and U.S. Northern Command.
• Assignment to the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, participating in federal interagency panels and working groups.

In addition to his professional and military service, David remains deeply engaged in supporting North Carolina veterans through leadership roles with nonprofit organizations such as the Veterans Life Center of North Carolina and the North Carolina Heroes Fund.