Jane Ammons Gilchrist

Jane Ammons Gilchrist was appointed chief of staff in April 2021 and, as such, will lead the department's strategic planning efforts and oversee day-to-day operations. Gilchrist also continues serving on behalf of the secretary on the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the UNC TV Board of Trustees.

She previously served as the general counsel for NCDPS from 2017 until 2021 overseeing the office that provides legal advice and support to each division within the department. Gilchrist has served as a key advisor and leader on the senior leadership team since her appointment in 2017.

Gilchrist began her public service career in 1991 as an assistant district attorney in Cumberland County. In 1994, she joined the N.C. Department of Justice and for 17 years provided legal representation and advice in the Labor and Law Enforcement Liaison sections to include the State Bureau of Investigation, N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the ABC Commission. From 2011 to 2017, Gilchrist served as the general counsel for the N.C. Department of Labor.

She holds an associate’s degree from Peace College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.