RALEIGH, NC -
Chris Ayers, partner at Poyner Spruill LLP, has been selected for the
Triangle Business Journal’s annual 40 Under 40 Awards. Chris Ayers began his career with Poyner Spruill in 2009, and his practice primarily focuses on the representation of electric, gas, water and wastewater
public utilities. He also practices in the areas of
environmental, land use,
municipal,
renewable energy and
appellate law. Ayers received his J.D. from the University of North Carolina in 2002 and served as a law clerk to Honorable Linda McGee with the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
“The dedication and contributions Chris brings to our firm, as well as the local and global community, truly embody what the 40 Under 40 Leadership Awards represent,” said Bo Dempster, Poyner Spruill’s managing partner. “His active roles in the Triangle and beyond, partnered with his diverse background make Chris a valuable member of our team, and we look forward to being a part of his continued accomplishments.”
Chris serves the local community and beyond as an active member at Hope Community Church, where he helps lead a the small group ministry and acts as secretary for the Board of Directors for Global Hope India, a non-profit mission organization headquartered in Raleigh working to reach, engage and equip the church of India through teaching sustainable development. His dedication to service also led him to spend more than 15 years with the North Carolina 4-H Program, as a member of the Board of Directors for Development Fund as well as serving as President and Chairman of the Board for the N.C. 4-H Honor Club. He was a founding member of the N.C. 4-H Alumni and Friends Association in May 2007, serving as its first President and three years on the Board of Directors.
His professional involvement includes active participation in both the Wake County and North Carolina Bar Associations. Chris previously served as a judge and mentor attorney in the Capital Area Teen Court. At Poyner Spruill, he mentors younger attorneys and paralegals and also spearheaded the
Regulation & Reality Blog detailing current news, legislation and legal decisions relating to utilities and environmental law in North Carolina.
Last June, Chris was appointed to a two-year term to the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, which is responsible for adopting rules for the protection, preservation and enhancement of the state’s air and water resources.
Chris can be reached at (919) 783-1152 or
cayers@poynerspruill.com.