Congressman Mike McIntyre stepped out of the political spotlight in 2015 after 18 years serving North Carolina’s 7th District. He announced his retirement from Congress in January 2014.
While deciding not to seek a 10th term in office ended his Congressional career, his “retirement” gave him some family time before beginning a new chapter in his life.
During the first half of 2015, McIntyre said he and his wife, Dee, were able to concentrate on the wedding of their youngest son Stephen, attending his “destination wedding” out of the country in the Bahamas in February 2015.
“We also were able to enjoy more time with our older son Joshua, who lives in the Triangle area,” McIntyre said. “We also enjoy staying at our place at Sunset Beach for several months. Just being able to be at home for evening meals and for weekend family activities was a huge change. Spending time walking, cycling, and playing tennis and golf truly offered a healthy change of pace.”
The newest chapter of his career began when McIntyre joined Raleigh-based law firm Poyner Spruill LLP.
“I joined Poyner Spruill on June 1 last year as senior adviser and director of government relations, concentrating on business and economic development,” he said. “ I am working primarily with coastal, military and rural communities and small towns, all of whom I had a passion for helping when I was in Congress.”
McIntyre attended the Shallotte Board of Aldermen meeting Jan. 5 to present the board with financing options for the town’s riverfront development project.
“I am excited about the opportunities at Poyner Spruill, which will allow me to continue working statewide on agriculture, military, health care, coastal, business and economic development issues and helping communities and citizens build a stronger and more prosperous North Carolina,” he said.
In his seven months working with Poyner Spruill, McIntyre has met with mayors and town managers from several municipalities in Brunswick County.
“(We) have been engaged in discussion with them on several different projects which are at various stages. We are very excited about these new opportunities,” he said.
McIntyre’s retirement from Congress was followed by a lot of speculation he would run for another public office.
But McIntyre said time away from politics was always his intent, although he hasn’t closed the door completely.
“I promised my wife that after over two decades of campaigning and nearly 18 years in public office, we would take a break for at least a couple of years from politics,” he said.
“Beyond that, we will see what the future holds for our family and what opportunities may or may not present themselves. We are always grateful to God and to those who gave us the opportunity to serve the fine people and wonderful communities of southeastern North Carolina.”
UNCW will feature a special exhibit of McIntyre’s campaign and official Congressional archives through Dec. 10. “Mike Works for Me from Southeastern North Carolina to Washington DC: Celebrating Mike McIntyre’s 19 Years in Congress” will be displayed at Randall Library. The exhibit is free to the public. Randal Library opens from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to noon Fridays.
