William Hemstridge III

William "Will" Hemstridge III (born March 8, 1938) is an American politician, businessman, retired attorney and military admiral who has served as the 74th governor of North Carolina since January 5, 2013. A member of the Republican Party, Hemstridge was the Chairman and CEO of Hemstridge Construction Co. Hemstridge is a retired U.S. Navy Admiral.

He defeated Democratic incumbent Bev Perdue for the governorship in the 2012 North Carolina gubernatorial election. On December 5, Perdue conceded the election, making Hemstridge the first ever openly gay candidate to be elected governor of a state. Hemstridge win also made him the first republican governor to take office since 1993. Hemstridge took office on January 5, 2013. The start of the 2013-2014 North Carolina General Assembly has allowed the North Carolina State to be controlled by a Republican trifecta.

As of March 2008, he had an estimated net worth of $750 million. Hemstridge is the founder and former chairman of Hemstridge Construction Co. Since 2005, he has served as a trustee to the Ross International Foundation.

## Early life, education, and military career

Hemstridge was born in Sheridan, Wyoming, the son of Stephanie Hemstridge (née Herzberg) and William Hemstridge II. He graduated in 1956 from Sheridan High School where he played for the Brocs, on the football team as a Quarterback. He attended the United States Naval Academy where he continued to play football with the Navy Midshipmen Football team. He received his degree in Business Administration and Political Science in 1961.

Hemstridge is the eldest of four brothers (Dak, Lex, and Rutherford) growing up under the Wyoming State Judge, William Hemstridge II, he was exposed to a unique style of structure and was groomed to be a lethal businessman. But, Hemstridge also had a hard time growing up in a strict household with his conservative father.

"My father, oh no, he was a traditional ole' conservative Wyoming state judge that didn't care nothing for homosexuals. Much less his first born being one. It was hard living with my dad, that is why at 18, as soon as I graduated from High School...I signed up for the military to get away from him."

Hemstridge life of structure did end up benefitting him as he and went on to join the United States Navy, eventually climbing the ranks to become an Rear Admiral: Lower Half (O-7) rank. Hemstridge served in the armed forces from 1955 to 1989, a 34 year career.

## Business career

In 1990, following a loan/investment from his Johnathan Ross IV he was able to create the Hemstridge Construction Company.

Hemstridge would serve as Chairman and CEO from 1990 until he took office as governor of North Carolina in 2013.

Over the years, Hemstridge has been described as a ruthless businessman who secured million dollar contracts and pillaged through the construction industry.

His biggest contract came through a $500 million development deal with the Chinese government. Hemstridge owns a 58% controlling interest of the company, with Ross holding 9%, and Jay Ross-Hemstridge holding 1.2%. The remainder of the company control is occupied by investors and outside invested companies.

The Ross-Hemstridge family owns a combined controlling interest of 68.2%, including boardroom voting power.

Following the 2012 election, Hemstridge has stepped down from day-to-day operations and has turned over control to successor Lonnie MicWalton, who previously served as the Chief Operating Officer. Jay currently serves as an Senior Vice President of Architectural Development following the conclusion of his term as Lieutenant Governor of Michigan.

## Governor of North Carolina (2013 - 2017)

Hemstridge took office on January 5, 2013 and is filled with first. He is the first openly gay candidate to win a state governor election at the time of taking office. Hemstridge is also the first Republican Governor of the state since James G. Martin left office on January 9, 1993. His swearing-in gave the Republicans complete control of state government for the first time since Reconstruction. His partner since 1970, Johnathan Ross IV a prominent figure in his own right, will become the first LGBTQ First Gentleman of the state of North Carolina.

### **Executive Orders**

In January, 2013. Hemstridge signed his first executive order named the "Military Veterans Appreciation Day". The order ruled that the day of November 15th, will be considered "Military Veterans Appreciation Day" in North Carolina and will include celebratory festivities and honor to any men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces between World War I and the War in Afghanistan, thus following through with more protections and recognition of North Carolina Veterans.

In March, 2013. Hemstridge signed an executive order named the "Educational Joint Committee on School Development", which created a committee that is tasked with turning around failing schools and creating new policies, while providing expert advisement to continue the development of schools across the state of North Carolina. The committee was created with a superintendent of each eight NC schools districts, in addition to John Ross IV serving as an ex officio member the committee under the direction of the NC Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Hemstridge created the NC Department of Infectious Diseases with its primary responsibility to respond to infectious diseases in the state of North Carolina. The department is also tasked with constructing plans and policies to effectively eradicate infectious diseases in the state.

### **Legislation**

In January, 2013. Hemstridge signed his first bill into NC law, with the 2013 North Carolina Refugee Act. An law that provides guaranteed state aid to refugees of the state of North Carolina for a six-month period on the condition that the subject works actively to obtain U.S. citizenship. If the subject does not then they forfeit aid.

In June, 2013. Hemstridge signed the NC Veterans Protection Act of 2013. A bill that he pushed heavily through the NC General Assembly. The bill was first introduced in the NC State House, where it failed. Hemstridge was furious, thus calling the GOP majority leaders into his office and discussing the bill and why it had not passed. Following this, the bill was re-introduced, this time in the NC State Senate. The bill this go-around passed both chambers.

## Personal Life

Hemstridge has been in a same-sex relationship with Johnathan Ross IV, a prominent retired American circuit judge and litigator, businessman, media proprietor and philanthropist, since 1970. The pair have five children together, one through adoption and four through surrogacy. The family's residence is an 21,000 square foot mansion in Williamston, North Carolina. In 2008, the total assessed value of US$11 million.

Following a Bloomberg Index in 2008, the Hemstridge reported net worth was $750 million.

In 2010, Hemstridge gifted Ross a twenty carat ring worth $7 million for their 40th anniversary.

Hemstridge has garnered great respect and influence over the last 20 years of his military and corporate career. He is feared and admired in the board room. He and Ross have been influential in politics and have be generous philanthropically.

The pair eldest son, Jay, served as Lieutenant Governor of Michigan from 2006 to 2010. He is now the Senior Vice President of Architectural Development for Hemstridge Construction Co.