Kristina Wilson Joins School’s Law and Finance Faculty

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Faculty member Kristina Wilson photographed here

The School of Government is pleased to welcome Kristina Wilson into its faculty ranks as assistant professor of public law and government. Wilson joined the faculty in September 2021 as the newest newest member of the law and finance division. In this role, she will advise on local government structure and authority, board procedures, and public records and transparency issues.

Possessing an extensive interest in the important yet often complex requirements of public records and open meetings laws, Wilson is excited to leverage her position at the School to strengthen the contract of trust between North Carolina’s public officials and the citizens they serve.

“Transparency is one of the foundations of trust between people and government, and trust is fundamental to making government work well,” Wilson said. “Getting these procedures right is one of the best ways to increase public trust and as a result, strengthen government function."

With a shared dedication to strengthening governance, Wilson said she is optimistic the School will be an ideal host for her efforts—through advising, instructing, and publishing—to improve trust and the overall efficacy of public officials across North Carolina.

“The School is rare. While other institutions may share its mission of promoting good governance, few share its method of doing so through non-partisan, practical scholarship,” she said. “To be a part of something that unique and impactful was an opportunity I could not pass up."

As faculty member, Wilson will advise municipal and county clerks and municipal and county attorneys—public officials who Wilson has great respect for as quiet players in making government work for the people of North Carolina.

“I’m just truly impressed by clerks and by city and county attorneys. Clerks’ jobs cover all aspects of local governance. Often, they are the people making everything work behind the scenes,” she said.

“Similarly, city and county attorneys are frequently tasked with resolving issues they never could have anticipated. They have to become overnight experts on complex matters far outside their normal purview. Both clerks and city and county attorneys deal with a tremendous amount of pressure, and often, not nearly enough recognition for their work.”

Issues of local government structure and authority constantly shift. Where a situation straddles a line of legality, she knows she will be called upon to provide trusted clarity. She looks ahead to being entrusted with this responsibility.

“It is in some ways a challenging time to be starting at the School, but it is also a very exciting time,” she said. “With COVID-19 still very much alive, the legal landscape is rapidly changing and evolving every day. I’m looking forward to helping clerks and attorneys rise to meet these new and continuing challenges.”

Wilson earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2018. She worked as an associate attorney in private practice in the field of state and federal civil litigation prior to joining the School’s faculty.