GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Michael L. “Mike” Newsome, a Goldsboro native, Charles B. Aycock High School graduate, retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major and Director of Driver Services for the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2026, concluding a distinguished career spanning more than four decades of military, private-sector and public service.
Newsome began his journey of service in August 1983 when he enlisted in the United States Army shortly after graduating from Charles B. Aycock High School. Over the next 28 years, he rose through the enlisted ranks from Private to Sergeant Major, serving in leadership roles of increasing responsibility across multiple assignments.
His military education included graduation from the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior University and later achieved Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Throughout his military career, Newsome received numerous honors and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
A unique chapter of the Newsome family legacy lies in the accomplishments of Mike and his brother, Gary Newsome. Raised in the small Wayne County community of Eureka by their parents, the late Jarvis and Mary Newsome, both brothers rose to the highest enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army. Mike retired as a Sergeant Major, while Gary retired as a Command Sergeant Major—an achievement attained by fewer than one percent of enlisted soldiers.
The brothers credit their success to the values of faith, discipline and hard work instilled by their family, church, schools and community.
Following his military retirement, Newsome continued his commitment to leadership and public service. He served as a Program Manager with CACI International Inc. before joining the North Carolina Department of Transportation. In June 2022, he was appointed Director of Driver Services for the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, overseeing one of the state’s largest public-facing operations.
In that role, Newsome provided executive leadership for more than 700 employees responsible for delivering driver licensing and credentialing services to millions of North Carolinians.
Despite his statewide responsibilities, Newsome remained deeply rooted in Wayne County and the Fremont community. He is a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans organization, serves as a trustee of St. James Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ) in Fremont, sits on the board of the Goldsboro Disciple Institute School of Religious Education, and serves as Vice President and Executive Board Member of Norwayne Alumni & Friends, Inc.
Reflecting on his career, Newsome expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has had to serve.
“It has been an honor to serve our nation, our state, and our communities,” Newsome said. “I have been blessed to work alongside dedicated military personnel, public servants, and community leaders throughout my career. I am especially grateful to my family, mentors, colleagues, and friends who supported me along the way. As I enter retirement, I look forward to spending more time with family, continuing my community involvement, and supporting the organizations that have been important parts of my life.”
Newsome and his wife, Desiree, reside in Wayne County and are the proud parents of three children and grandparents to four grandchildren.
His retirement marks the culmination of a career defined by leadership, service, faith and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others while representing Wayne County and North Carolina with distinction.
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