Mary Cole Pike was appointed as deputy secretary for External Affairs in December 2025. In this role, she oversees the Communications Office, Governance and Legislative Affairs.
Pike’s focus is on fostering collaboration across these public-facing units and advancing strategic initiatives that enhance the N.C. Department of Transportation’s mission and visibility.
She has more than 15 years of experience in public affairs, strategic communications and executive leadership.
Most recently, Pike served as executive director of Communications and chief of staff for University Communications and Marketing at N.C. State University, where she helped advance institutional priorities and led university-wide communications strategy. She also served in various roles for the university supporting crisis communications, public relations and strategic communications planning.
Earlier in her career, she served on and led client teams at Capstrat (now Ketchum), supporting both public and private sector clients. She also served as regional director of communications for the YMCA of the Triangle.