In honor of Veterans Day, Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, a third-generation veteran and head of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, joins the podcast to discuss her journey from the Air Force Academy to public service, her current mission to make North Carolina truly the "most veteran-friendly state," and why she accepted the role. She outlines her priorities — sector collaboration, transition support, and economic opportunity — explains the department’s services (veteran service centers, state veterans homes, and cemeteries), and describes a statewide roadshow to help employers hire and retain veterans and military spouses ahead of Veterans Day.

In this episode of The SEANC View, our team speaks with Thomas Friedman, executive administrator of the North Carolina State Health Plan, about the recently launched Lantern program. Lantern offers state employees and teachers access to free elective surgeries (orthopedics and bariatrics) with high-quality providers across the state, including travel and lodging coverage when needed. They discuss how Lantern aims to reduce overall health costs through price transparency and bundled care, upcoming expansions (including maternity care), and efforts to manage pharmaceutical expenses. The conversation also touches on rural access, provider incentives, and open enrollment.

This episode covers a fast legislative week in North Carolina: the controversial mid-cycle congressional map changes, a stalled budget fight over tax cuts and pay raises, and how the impasse affects state employees and retirees. We discuss DMV and efficiency committee hearings, the upcoming retirement system valuation, and encourage members to share short videos about how the budget delay impacts their lives.

Host Samantha Cline, Executive Director Ardis Watkins and Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley break down recent health care developments: the public Duke–Aetna negotiation and its resolution, the new voluntary Lantern network, and the UNC–Humana dispute. The episode also covers retiree system updates and transparency concerns around investments and contracts, a federal appellate ruling on gender-affirming care coverage, the potential impacts of the federal shutdown and state budget uncertainty, and lighter segments on the State Fair and Gen Z attitudes toward government.

This week, State Treasurer Brad Briner visited The SEANC View Podcast for an extensive interview covering everything from the status of the State Health Plan to the prospect of cost-of-living adjustments for retirees. In the last few weeks, Briner’s office has been on quite a roll. On Tuesday, he announced a significant agreement with CVS Caremark that has ended a long-standing dispute and is expected to bring savings to Plan members. It may also enable the plan to cover GLP-1 drug treatment for weight loss once again. Last week, his office brokered a deal between Duke and Aetna that will allow State Health Plan members to continue to see Duke doctors in-network. We discussed the state retirement system and the need for true COLAs for retirees at length as well. He elaborated on his comments on NC Newsline this week, stating that changes to the system's investing strategy may allow for a raise in 2027. He also discussed fees, in-house management, and the creation of an Investment Authority to oversee the system.

This week, we headed west for The SEANC View podcast, travelling to Cullowhee to interview Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli Brown and employees. In August, Forbes Magazine named the university the third-best mid-sized workplace in the nation and the best in North Carolina. WCU was also the highest-ranked education employer in the nation. Partnering with market research firm Statista, Forbes surveyed more than 217,000 anonymous employees. Survey respondents were asked to rate their employer based on various factors, including salary, work environment, and other aspects. We wanted to hear from the employees in Cullowhee just what makes working at WCU so special. They attribute the high ranking to the sense of community, the opportunities for career advancement, and the rewards of seeing their students succeed as reasons they love working there.

SEANC's new statewide officers join the podcast this week to talk about their upcoming term, which starts on Oct. 1. Incoming President Wendell Powell, First Vice President Emily Jones, and Second Vice President Stacie Crabtree discuss priorities such as member advocacy, unity, retiree support, and worker safety. We also review the legislature’s dramatic two-day session, which included debates on Iryna’s Law, mental health services in North Carolina, criminal justice, pay raises, and the lack of a state budget. We also discuss the Duke–Aetna dispute and its potential premium impact on all State Health Plan members.

Hosts Jonathan Owens and Ardis Watkins unpack the Duke–Aetna contract dispute, explaining how secret hospital reimbursements affect State Health Plan members and push up premiums, and why members should urge State Treasurer Brad Briner and state lawmakers to demand transparency. The episode also previews the General Assembly’s return and the criminal justice measures under consideration, from magistrate authority to renewed debate over the death penalty, while raising broader concerns about budget priorities and staffing shortages. In a Gen Z Takeover interview, Latoya Satterwhite, a teacher assistant in Granville County, shares her experience working with exceptional children, the challenges of public‑school pay and career advancement, mental‑health stresses, and how membership in SEANC supports state employees and retirees.

This week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast explores several current events, including the stabbing on a light-rail train in Charlotte that made national headlines. Our team discusses calls from state employees for better mental health services at our prisons, more facilities to deal with the growing need for mental health services, and other facets of the debate. We discuss the anniversary of 9/11, the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk, and look back at last week's SEANC Convention. We also answer questions from social media on pay raises and bonus leave, COLAs for retirees, Aetna's feud with Duke, and more.

Coming to you live from the 41st annual SEANC Convention in Greensboro, our team discusses Governor Josh Stein's fiery speech and updates from state leaders on health, employment, and retirement issues. More than 800 delegates are gathering this weekend to conduct the association's business, celebrating the convention's Ohana theme of Strength in Unity.

The SEANC team interview State Auditor Dave Bullock about accountability, the DAVE Act, the DMV audit, technology and contract oversight, and what it all means for state employees We also preview next week's SEANC Convention, check in on Gen Z spending habits, and more.

Following the State Health Plan Board of Trustees' decision last week to increase premiums for most state employees and retirees, SEANC members have reached out with many questions. State Health Plan Executive Administrator Thomas Friedman revisited The SEANC View Podcast this week to answer them.  In an extended interview following up on his appearance last month, Friedman addressed everything from the fairness of the new tiered structure of the premiums based on salary to the new partnership with Lantern Care to cut the cost of some surgeries and procedures to the need to rein in overcharging by hospitals. The increases will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The plan consists of a tiered structure for the increases, with higher-paid employees paying more monthly than lower-paid employees. For some, the increase will be as low as $15 per month, while those making over $90,000 could see their premiums triple. 

This week’s episode of The SEANC View Podcast, recorded before the meeting, focuses on the State Health Plan increases. We also discuss the state budget, Gen Z employees, and more.

Welcome to the SEANC View podcast, where host Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, and Sam Cline discuss the pressing issues facing state employees and public services. Focusing on the recent mini budget, they discuss the fiscal challenges and political dynamics affecting funding for state employees and retirees. The podcast also highlights State Auditor Dave Bullock's recent audit of the DMV. The audit reveals long-standing staffing and salary challenges and suggests potential structural changes for the DMV. The discussion extends to broader issues such as state workforce retention and the impact of political decisions on public service delivery. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted Gen Z segment exploring workplace trends and a nostalgic conversation about the hosts' favorite teachers. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between policy, education, and workforce dynamics, all set against the backdrop of North Carolina's political and social landscape.

In this episode of the SEANC View podcast, Samantha Cline takes the helm as host, joined by Executive Director Ardis Watkins, Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley, and special guest SEANC Public Schools Liaison Brad Langhans. The team dives into the intricacies of school funding and the legislative sessions affecting all state employees. We highlight the absence of across-the-board pay increases for state employees and address the mini-budget's impact. Brad Langhans shares insights on the role of SEANC in public schools, focusing on advocacy and support for teachers and classified staff. The conversation covers various topics, from salary structures and local government pay plans to working in schools and the emotional and community aspects. The team emphasizes the importance of advocacy and having a voice in the legislative process, encouraging school employees to engage with representatives. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the current state of public education funding, employee concerns, and the critical advocacy work being done to support those educating future generations.

In this special Gen Z episode of the SEANC View podcast, Samantha Cline and Jamison Rhodes sit down with Ramona Williams, a dedicated probation and parole officer, who shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to her current role, illustrating the challenges and rewards of public service. Discover the motivations driving Ramona's career choice, the obstacles she faced entering the field, and how her experiences have shaped her perspective on criminal justice. Ramona offers a unique lens on societal issues, highlighting the importance of understanding mental health and substance use in her role. Gain insights into the discretion and compassion required in her daily interactions, and the complexities of balancing public safety with supporting those on a path to redemption. Delve deep into the systemic challenges, including financial constraints and the necessity for legislative awareness of the on-ground realities faced by officers. Ramona shares personal success stories that bring hope, emphasizing the impact of a supportive community and second chances.

Cuts to federal funding in the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill" will likely force the state legislature to make tough choices in this year's state budget. It may also hasten their return to Raleigh sooner than expected to reach a compromise. In this week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast, we discuss what the cuts may mean for state employees and retirees. We also discuss retiree cost-of-living adjustments, given the recent news that the pension system is seeing record gains in 2025, and how state employees are helping the state recover from Tropical Storm Chantal's flooding.

This week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast discusses what the gains mean for state retirees, including the prospects of a cost-of-living adjustment in the future. We also look at what North Carolina's ranking as the "Top State for Business" by CNBC means for state employees and retirees. We also discuss a push to get legislators to settle on a budget, as the loss of federal funding threatens some state services. 

This week, the SEANC team welcomes special guest N.C. Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey for a discussion on the state budget, proposed job cuts at his office, and other topics. Commissioner Causey shares insights into the role of the Department of Insurance and highlights the importance of public safety during the summer, especially concerning fireworks and travel. We also discuss the impact of recent federal legislation on the state budget and the modernization of the hiring practices for prospective state employees.

This week, we are joined by State Health Plan Executive Administrator Thomas Friedman for an in-depth look at the challenges facing the Plan and its 750,000-plus members. We discuss the ongoing negotiations with CVS Caremark and the expected premium increases for next year.  Also, we touch on the pressing issues of high healthcare costs and the need for transparency, and Friedman shares the plan's strategies to make healthcare more affordable for state employees and retirees.