RALEIGH, N.C. (October 2, 2025) – Smith Debnam is pleased to announce that firm partner and family law attorney Ned W. Mangum has been appointed as a hearing officer for the North Carolina State Lottery Commission. The appointment was unanimously approved at the Commission’s public meeting on September 24, 2025, and carries a three-year term.
In this role, Mangum will preside over disciplinary hearings regarding potential violations of state gaming regulations, including civil penalties, license suspensions, and revocations, as well as other regulatory matters under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 18C-916. Hearing officers play a critical role in upholding the integrity of sports wagering and gaming practices in North Carolina.
“I’m honored to have been selected to serve as a hearing officer,” said Mangum. “This role provides a meaningful opportunity to help ensure fairness, transparency, and public trust in the administration of our state’s gaming laws. I look forward to contributing to that mission.”
A former Chief District Court Judge in Wake County, Mangum brings more than 25 years of legal experience to the position. Over the course of his career, he has tried more than 100 jury trials and presided over thousands of family law and civil cases. He is a former Wake County District Attorney and Assistant District Attorney and currently serves on the North Carolina Board of Law Examiners.
“We’re proud to see Ned’s leadership and commitment to fairness recognized at the state level,” said Jerry T. Myers, Managing Partner at Smith Debnam. “His depth of experience and reputation for integrity make him an excellent fit for this important regulatory role.”
Mangum is a past president of the Wake County Bar Association and a recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence. In 2024, he was awarded the Old North State Award by the Governor of North Carolina. He also teaches family law and civil litigation at Meredith College as an adjunct professor and has led more than 100 hours of Continuing Legal Education courses across the state.
Mangum earned his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998 and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina State University.
About Smith Debnam
For over five decades, Smith Debnam has been at the forefront of legal excellence, serving as a trusted advisor to institutions and individuals across a wide range of industries. Their team of accomplished legal professionals combines experience, compassion, and a commitment to responsible representation. With headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, and regional offices in Charleston, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina, Smith Debnam is strategically positioned to provide comprehensive legal services throughout the region. Their extensive experience in state and federal courts enables the firm to navigate diverse practice areas, including Litigation, Creditors’ Rights, Transactional and Advisory Services, Divorce and Family Law, and Personal Representation.
