More pay questions at DHHS

by Kirk Ross, Carolina Mercury, September 6, 2013.

The News and Observer’s Lynn Bonner digs in a little deeper to the ongoing pay and personnel issues at the Department of Health and Human Services, this time looking at the pay for a “senior adviser” on contract with the department.

Joe Hauck has been responsible for some of the hiring for top positions at the department and has been paid $228,000 this year so far for his services. While that’s enough to raise eyebrows, this tidbit in the story really jumps out:

Hauck came to DHHS from New Breed Logistics, where Wos’ husband is CEO. Hauck is vice president of marketing and communications, and is on leave from the company. Wos was a campaign fundraiser for Gov. Pat McCrory, and New Breed employees were prime contributors. Hauck gave $6,500 to McCrory’s campaign in 2011 and 2012.

DHHS spokesperson Ricky Diaz, whose five-figure raise has gotten some attention recently, sent Bonner an email saying Hauck has be an important part of the transition to the new administration.

Diaz wrote that Hauck came up with a plan to save $5 million “without reductions in services rendered,” but did not specify the plan or the services.