Cliffside native presented The Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Ronnie Condrey and John Condrey

Rutherford County native Ronnie Condrey was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award on Sept. 13 by Gov. Roy Cooper at the Governor's Mansion in Raleigh.

In addition to Governor Cooper, speakers were former Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, for whom Condrey worked eight years; the widow of former Insurance Commissioner Jim Long for whom he worked 24 years and state Human Resources Director Barbara Gibson, for whom he worked six and a half years.

"In all I worked for the state for 48.5 years, started in the Forest City office of what was then called Employment Security Commission in 1974," Condrey said.

"I am very humbled by the honor," he said.

For the first time in history the Order of the Long Leaf Pine was signed by four North Carolina governors. Signing were Gov. Cooper, Gov. Mike Easley, Gov. Jim Hunt and Gov. Beverly Perdue.

Condrey was the Human Resource Director for the Department of Insurance. His job was Special Advisor to the Director of the Office of State Human Resources. State Human Resources supports 25 state agencies. State Human Resources has proposed an award in human resources that will become official next month called the Oliver-Condrey award. This would be named after Peggy Oliver (former Policy Administrator at HR) and Ronnie Condrey.

"There has never been a more dedicated public servant, and I am proud to call him a mentor of mine," said Condrey's friend Mark Edwards of Raleigh. "Thank you Ronnie, for all you have done for North Carolina, me and so many others," Edwards said.

Condrey grew up in Cliffside, graduated from Chase High School, studied American History at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and at Appalachian State University.

Among those attending the Sept. 13 ceremony was Condrey's brother, John Condrey, also of Cliffside. He retired in 2019 after serving in local government during his career. Upon retirement, John Condrey, was also awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Ronnie received a BA in history from Appalachian State University and a Master's Degree in history from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Ronnie is married to Lou Newman, a retired attorney. They reside in Raleigh.