Dec 4, 2023 - News

Local Limelight with N.C. DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley

Lucille Sherman

Photo illustration of Kody Kinsley in a polaroid frame. — Photo illustration: Axios. Photo: NCDHHS

Since his appointment as secretary of North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services in 2022, Kody Kinsley has been one of the busiest members of the state government.

He's currently running the state's expansion of Medicaid, navigated the state's emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic and led the response to an outbreak of the mpox virus.

Kinsley sat down with Axios to answer questions for our Local Limelight feature. Answers have been edited for Smart Brevity and clarity.

🌮 His favorite place to eat in Raleigh: Gringo A Go Go

🚆 What he thinks the Triangle is missing: More public transit

👀 His first read in the morning: "The text messages that come in after I go to bed at 8:30pm."

📚The last great book he read: "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver

Go-to podcast: "Plain English with Derik Thompson"

⛰ His favorite long weekend spot: Ashe County, North Carolina

His pet: Kopuk, an 8-year-old pup that's a mix of golden retriever and lab, and who Kinsley often takes to work with him

If he could pass any law, it'd be: Making Eastern barbecue the official barbecue

Something he's looking forward to: Seeing the new "Aquaman" movie at Alamo Drafthouse

How he unplugs: Taking Kopuk for an evening walk on the greenway

Go deeper: North Carolina Republicans' Favorite Democrat

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Local Limelight with N.C. DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley

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