New NC parole board chief named; Rand to stay on

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republican Gov. Pat McCrory has named a new chairman of North Carolina's parole board to replace longtime Democratic political powerhouse Tony Rand, who remains a member.

McCrory said Wednesday that Paul Butler Jr. of Bladen County will lead the North Caroilna Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission. Butler is a former director of a regional economic development panel.

McCrory's announcement says Rand will remain on the three-member parole commission.

The 73-year-old Rand was a longtime state senator from Fayetteville who served as majority leader and rules committee chairman for several years. He was known as the top lieutenant to Sen. Marc Basnight, who was chamber leader a record 18 years.

Parole board members serve at the pleasure of the governor.