Sharon Martin serves as the Deputy Secretary for Public Affairs at DEQ, overseeing the internal and external communications for the Department. As a member of the senior leadership team, she provides strategic counsel for policy initiatives, stakeholder outreach and employee engagement. Since joining DEQ in 2018, she has played a key role in Department efforts to address coal ash, implement the Action Strategy for PFAS, integrate environmental justice into agency processes and increase public access to funding and engagement opportunities.
Prior to public service, Sharon worked in media in various capacities for more than two decades. Her past experience includes writing, producing and on-air appearances for local public radio, local television news, CNN and national documentary television shows.
Sharon graduated from the University of Alabama with a communications degree. After a lifetime of moving with her family around the south, she is proud to call North Carolina home.