From politics to pucks: Carolina Hurricanes hire Raleigh native Brian Fork as new CEO

The Carolina Hurricanes have named Raleigh native Brian Fork as Chief Executive Officer of Hurricanes Holdings, LLC, it was announced Thursday.

Fork will help supervise all business units of Hurricanes Holdings, LLC, including the Hurricanes, PNC Arena, the mixed-use real estate development, planned sportsbook and other business interests of the company, it was announced.

Fork has served as chief of staff to NC Senate president pro tempore Phil Berger for the last four years, following two years as Senate General Counsel.

Team owner Tom Dundon, in a statement, said: “Brian has a proven track record of negotiating, making deals, and finding solutions. We want to set the standard in sports and entertainment, and Brian has the background to help us reach that goal, through our upcoming arena renovations and property development.”

The announcement on Fork comes a few days after Doug Warf was hired as president of Hurricanes Holdings LLC, the team saying he would oversee business operations of the Hurricanes and PNC Arena.

“As a Raleigh native and Hurricanes fan, the arena and its surroundings have been a special place to me for decades,” Fork said in a statement. “Tom Dundon has a vision to turn this area into the premier sports and entertainment district in the country, and it’s an honor to be a part of the team that will work to bring that vision to life.

“Watching the arena transform into a sellout-every-night building over the last several years has been a thrill. I’m excited to partner with new President Doug Warf and join the team responsible for that growth, as we work to build upon the team’s success and start the next phase of renovation and development.”

As Berger’s chief of staff, Fork had a lead role in negotiations with the NC House of Representatives and Governor’s office over legislation such as the state budget, energy policy, health care reform and the reopening of schools post-COVID. He also participated in negotiations over major economic development projects in the state, coordinating efforts between the General Assembly, Governor’s office, Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of NC and major companies considering a move to the state.

“Brian has been a valuable asset on our team,” Berger said in a statement. “He has incredible instincts, an honest demeanor, and a natural drive that has steered the Pro Tem’s office and the Senate in the right direction from day one. His ability to build trusting relationships with legislators and staff members in the General Assembly is a model for us all to emulate. He led by example and always kept his focus on what is best for the state.”

Fork currently serves on the five-member NC Economic Investment Committee, which evaluates economic development projects and makes approvals on state economic development grants.

A graduate of Davidson College, he was a member of the football team, and later worked as an assistant football coach before attending UNC School of Law.

Before joining the legislature, Fork was a Raleigh-based partner at two law firms – K&L Gates, LLP and Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey and Leonard, LLP. His 13 years of private law practice focused on commercial restructuring and bankruptcy, real estate and business disputes, and commercial litigation.