He checks out discrimination complaints filed on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age and disability. Bridges said he was honored when the University of North Carolina at Greensboro nominated him for the fellowship, where he received a masters in public affairs. There is never a dull moment. Before coming to the Department, Bridges was not only a student, but also a 4-H agent for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. The two-year fellowship was designed to recruit professionally trained public administrators, develop their knowledge and skills, and retain competent fellows as career public servants.
Participants receive a set salary and the same benefits as permanent state employees.
When the fellowship ends, the fellow will receive a permanent job with state government, assuming satisfactory performance and a desire to remain a public servant. Bridges hopes to continue working in Correction or another state agency when he completes the fellowship next year. Bridges lives in Raleigh with his wife and two sons. When he s not working, he enjoys playing with his children, running, reading and playing the guitar.