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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s senior adviser during his first five years in the office has retired from the administration.

Ken Eudy’s last day was Dec. 31, Cooper spokesperson Ford Porter said.

A former newspaper reporter, state Democratic Party executive director and founder of the Capstrat public relations firm, Eudy was a leader of Cooper’s transition team that developed after the November 2016 election.

From his office inside the old Capitol building, the Stanly County native pressed for the governor’s policy preferences and initiatives. He also had been heavily involved in energy and economic development matters.

Eudy “brought vast experience in the business world to our office and was instrumental in helping recruit major companies and moving North Carolina in the right direction,” Cooper said in a written statement. “He is a forceful advocate for our state and its people, we are grateful for his work and stronger for his service.”