Britt Cobb took the “interim” off of his title in early December. Gov. Mike Easley named him North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture.

Cobb, who was named interim commissioner in June following Meg Scott Phipps' resignation, will serve the remainder of her term, which ends January 2005. Cobb, who is a career department employee, said he would decide before the end of 2003 whether to run for a full four-year term.

“The job has been much more rewarding than I thought it would be,” Cobb said at a news conference. “I've really grown to really, really love the job.”

In making the announcement, Easley commended Cobb for his work since taking charge of the department. “He got the State Fair back on the right track, re-energized the department and is helping to steer a clear, sound course for agriculture in North Carolina.”