Perdue names Speas general counsel

RALEIGH -- A former high-ranking lawyer in the state Attorney General's Office will serve as general counsel to Governor-elect Beverly Perdue, her office announced this week.

Eddie Speas is currently a partner in the Poyner Spruill law firm, which he joined in 2004.

Speas started working in the Attorney General's Office in 1971, ending his career there as chief deputy attorney general in 2003. He earlier served as a special deputy attorney general and head of the office's Education Section.

"It's an honor to be part of Governor-elect Perdue's administration," Speas said in a statement. "I believe in Bev Perdue's vision for North Carolina, and I'm excited about helping her make it a reality."