NORTH CAROLINA -- North Carolina has a new Board of Elections chair after the previous chair resigned.

Gov. Roy Cooper named Joshua Malcolm as the new chair. He also appointed former board member Robert Cordle to fill the vacant position left by Malcolm.

Andy Penry resigned as chair Saturday following complaints about comments he's made online criticizing President Donald Trump.

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“North Carolinians deserve to have confidence in our democratic process and as Chair, Joshua Malcolm’s leadership and experience will help ensure fair and honest elections. Robert Cordle has a proven record of service on the State Board of Elections, putting aside party affiliation to hold elected leaders accountable. I appreciate their service to our state,” said Gov. Cooper.

Malcolm serves as Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Board of Trustees at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He holds more than 14 years of legal experience and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Cordle previously served on the State Board of Elections until 2013 and practiced law in Charlotte from 1968 to 2018, before retiring from Mayer Brown LLP in 2005.