Jeff Tarte

June 24. Gov. Josh Stein will induct former Cornelius Mayor and NC Sen. Jeff Tarte into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for a lifelong career in public service.

According to The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society website, the award honors “persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.” It is the state’s highest award for public service.

Tarte will receive the award June 30 at Central Piedmont Community College.

Background

Tarte served in the North Carolina Senate from the 41st district from 2013 to 2019; and as mayor of Cornelius for three terms. He also ran for NC Auditor in 2024.

Tarte’s credo: “Being respectful of people who have different points of view and have other ideologies and then collaborate to solve problems.”