Veronica Butcher

Background

About Veronica Butcher

With over 25 years of experience in government administration, policy, and advocacy, I have dedicated my career to advancing equitable, impactful policies in environmental protection, clean energy, women’s rights, and public health. My expertise spans coalition building, legislative strategy, leadership development, and public affairs on the state and federal levels. Currently serving as a Team Lead and Principal State Budget Management Analyst II at the NC Office of State Budget & Management, I provide strategic guidance for the Governors recommended budget, performance management for agencies, and lead a team overseeing budget development for 16 state agencies. My contribution's include policies on climate change, resiliency, clean energy, and workforce policies related to child care and the clean energy economy. A recent highlight of my work includes contributing to the NC Hurricane Helene Damage & Needs Assessment, specifically the Utilities and Natural Resources assessment. I developed policy recommendations to address both immediate and long-term recovery efforts. I had the honor of serving in high-level appointed roles, including Governor’s appointee as Chair of the NC Youth Advisory Council and as a member of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences Advisory Board. These appointments reflect my deep commitment to civic engagement and public service. Throughout my career, I’ve specialized in coaching leaders, providing strategic counsel to individuals running for higher office, nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, and public affairs groups. As the founder of Harmonizing Strategies, LLC, I have mentored numerous individuals to secure appointed positions in cabinet level state agencies as well as on local and statewide boards or commissions, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. Earlier in my career, I had the privilege of serving as Policy Advisor to Governor Bev Perdue, where I shaped environmental and energy policies, including her veto of fracking in the state and the framework for NC's energy conservation code. I led her efforts with national stakeholders and the federal government to establish offshore wind energy development maps for the state. I am deeply committed to advancing social equity, addressing climate change, and driving systemic change at the intersection of policy, politics, and community engagement. I excel at navigating complex political landscapes, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring data-driven results that create lasting, positive change.