Wife of McCrory's chief of staff to head long-term care group

Throughout the first year of McCrory's administration, Yolanda Stith has been a registered lobbyist for several nonprofits, including the long-term facilities association as well as The North Carolina Association of Community Development Corporations and the North Carolina Minority Women Business Enterprise Coordinators' Network.

She makes the move as the governor's office is pushing to revamp the state's Medicaid system, which cares for the poor and disabled. Many residents of long-term care facilities are on Medicaid, and funding problems in the program have hurt the homes in recent years. 

"We are very excited to have someone of Yolanda’s character and ability serve as our association’s executive director. She is a strong advocate for our industry and an invaluable asset for our association," said Hugh Campbell, the association's president.

Asked whether Yolanda Stith's new role and her husband's high-profile position could lead to a conflict of interest, Campbell said she had "always conducted herself very professionally, and I know she will continue to do so as our executive director. We do not anticipate any conflicts of interest."

McCrory spokeswoman Kim Genardo said that Yolanda Stith's new position has not raised concerns. 

"The governor and legal counsel are aware of the situation and have taken steps to avoid any possible conflicts," Genardo said.