Equality NC Applauds John Arrowood's Appointment to N.C. Court of Appeals

"Governor Easley's appointment of John Arrowood to the North Carolina Court of Appeals is another step forward for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in our state," said Ian Palmquist, Executive Director. "Openly LGBT appointed officials are serving at all levels of government, and Equality NC congratulates John on this enormous achievement. We also thank the Governor for appointing a qualified man, who just happens to be gay, to this very important position."

Since he was appointed to fill a mid-term vacancy, Arrowood will face re-election on the 2008 ballot.

Arrowood served as chair of Equality NC PAC and a board member of Equality NC from 2005 until this past March, when he was appointed as a Special Superior Court Judge. Prior to that, he was a partner with the law firm of James, McElroy & Diehl in Charlotte, where he focused on complex commercial and civil litigation in both state and federal courts for more than 17 years. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a senior staff attorney and later staff director for the NC Court of Appeals.

Arrowood previously served on the N.C. Railroad Board of Directors, the N.C. Arts Council and the Mint Museum of Art Board of Trustees. He also served on the state Banking Commission, the N.C. Rules Review Commission, N.C. Election Law Review Commission and the Attorney General Advisory Commission on Statutes.

Arrowood graduated magna cum laude from Catawba College in 1979 and received his degree from the UNC School of Law in 1982.