Albert George Searles

The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 1 of 12 STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 2025 STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST ELECTRONIC FILING This entire form must be completed to fulfill your ethics filing obligation. Filer’s Name (First, Middle, Last) Prefix First Name Middle Name Last Name Suffix Mr. Albert George Searles Current Employer Job Title Retired Retired Nature or Type of Business Retired Reason For Filing (Complete all that apply.) Are you a CANDIDATE for elected office? ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, for what position are you seeking election? (Specify name of office seeking in box below.) Do you currently hold this position? ☐ Yes ☐ No State Government Job or Post-Service Filer (Specify agency and position.) Board/Commission (List complete names of all State boards on which you are serving or are being considered.) James Sprunt Community College Trustees Judicial Officer, Post-Service Filer, or Judicial Officer Appointee (Specify office.) Legislator, Post-Service Filer, or Appointee to Legislative Office (Specify House or Senate.) A. Do any immediate family members reside in your household? ☒ Yes ☐ No On this form, ”immediate family” includes your spouse (unless legally separated) and unemancipated children (minors under 18 years of age). It also includes members of your extended family (your and your spouse’s children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings, and the spouses of each of those persons) who reside in your household. List the full name of all adults and emancipated minors in your household. Minors are children under 18. They are emancipated by marriage, enlistment in the US military, or court order for emancipation. Full names of Adults and Emancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Jan K Searles Spouse Harrell's Christian Accademy Assistant to Head Master Education The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 2 of 12 B. List only the initials of all unemancipated minors in your household below. A minor is a child under 18 years old. List the full name of each minor child on the Confidential Form at the end. Initials of Unemancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Property Interests 1. As of December 31, 2024, did you or any members of your immediate family: A. have an ownership interest in North Carolina real estate (including your residence) with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☒ Yes ☐ No Owner of Real Estate % Ownership Interest Location by City Location by County (Self plus Spouse) 100.00% Warsaw Duplin B. lease or rent real estate or personal property to or from the State of North Carolina with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lessor Name of Lessee (Renter) If Real Estate, Location by City & County If Personal Property, Describe 2. At any time during 2023 or 2024, did you or any members of your immediate family sell or buy personal property worth $10,000 or more to or from the State of North Carolina? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Purchaser Name of Seller Type of Property The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 3 of 12 Financial Interests 3. As of December 31, 2024, did you or any members of your immediate family own any of the following financial interests valued at $10,000 or more? List each company individually. A. Stock in a publicly owned company? ☒ Yes ☐ No ► Include stocks held individually of in a portfolio managed by a financial services company Do not list interests in a widely held investment fund (including mutual funds, regulated investment companies, or pension or deferred compensation plans) if: 1. the fund is publicly traded or its assets are widely diversified; and 2. neither you nor an immediate family member are able to control the underlying assets. Owner of Interest Full Name of Company or ticker symbol Albert George Searles (Self) Amer Express Company Albert George Searles (Self) Apple Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Archer Daniels Midld Albert George Searles (Self) Blackrock Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Bristol Meyers Squibb Co. Albert George Searles (Self) MCDONALDS CORP COM Albert George Searles (Self) SYNCHRONY FINL COM Albert George Searles (Self) TRUIST FINL CORP Albert George Searles (Self) WELLTOWER INC Albert George Searles (Self) SUNOCO LP COM UNIT Albert George Searles (Self) DIGITAL RLTY TR INC Albert George Searles (Self) ELI LILLY & CO Albert George Searles (Self) EMERSON ELEC CO Albert George Searles (Self) GENL DYNAMICS CORP COM Albert George Searles (Self) HP INC Albert George Searles (Self) MAGNA INTL INC CL A VTG Albert George Searles (Self) Comcast Corp, New CL A Albert George Searles (Self) Crown Castle Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) ALLSTATE CORP DEL COM Albert George Searles (Self) CATERPILLAR INC DEL Albert George Searles (Self) CSX CORP Albert George Searles (Self) Duke Energy Corp. New Albert George Searles (Self) Exon Mobile Corp. Com Albert George Searles (Self) HCA Healthcare Inc. The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 4 of 12 Albert George Searles (Self) Broadcom Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Chevron Corp. Albert George Searles (Self) Cisco Systems Inc. Com. Albert George Searles (Self) Intl. Business Machines Corp. IBM Albert George Searles (Self) IShares Edge MSCI Min. Vol. USA ETF Albert George Searles (Self) Johnson and Johnson Com Albert George Searles (Self) JPMorgan Chase & Co. Albert George Searles (Self) DR Horton Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Deere Co. Albert George Searles (Self) Medtronic PLC SHS Albert George Searles (Self) Microsoft Corp. Albert George Searles (Self) Nextera Energy Inc. SHS Albert George Searles (Self) Nutrien LTD. Reg. SHS Albert George Searles (Self) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. Albert George Searles (Self) Home Depot Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Principle Financial Grp. Albert George Searles (Self) Procter & Gamble Co. Albert George Searles (Self) Realty Incm. Crp. MD PV$1 REIT Albert George Searles (Self) Texas Instruments Albert George Searles (Self) Kinder Morgan Inc. DEL Albert George Searles (Self) Kraft (the) Heinz Co, SHS Albert George Searles (Self) United Healthcare Group INC. Albert George Searles (Self) Verizon Communications Com. Albert George Searles (Self) VICI PPTYS Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Williams Companies Del. Albert George Searles (Self) Pepsico Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Pfizer Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) ALPHABET INC SHS CL A Albert George Searles (Self) ASTRAZENEGA PLC SPND ADR Albert George Searles (Self) BLUE OWL CAP INC Albert George Searles (Self) CATERPILLAR INC DEL Albert George Searles (Self) CONSOLIDATED EDISON INC The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 5 of 12 Albert George Searles (Self) EATON CORP PLC Albert George Searles (Self) ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS Albert George Searles (Self) GILEAD SCIENCES INC COM Albert George Searles (Self) HCA HEALTHCARE INC Albert George Searles (Self) NUCOR CORPORATION Albert George Searles (Self) NIVIDIA Albert George Searles (Self) PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GRP Albert George Searles (Self) PROCTER & GAMBLE CO Albert George Searles (Self) PUB SVC ENTERPRISE GRP Albert George Searles (Self) RTX CORP CORP Albert George Searles (Self) SYNCHRONY FINL COM Albert George Searles (Self) VANGUARD INFORMATION TECH ETF Albert George Searles (Self) WALMART INC Albert George Searles (Self) WELLS FARGO & CO Albert George Searles (Self) XCEL ENERGY INC B. Stock options in a company or business? ☐ Yes ☒ No Owner of Stock Option Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) C. Interests in a non-publicly owned company or business entity? These include interests in sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and closely held corporations. ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 4. Owner of Interest Name of Company or Business Entity Albert George Searles (Self) AJS Farms LLC C (1). For each company or business entity identified in question 3.C. (the “Primary Company”), please list the names of any other companies or business entities in which the Primary Company owns securities or equity interests valued at over $10,000, if known. Non-Publicly Owned Company or Business Entity (the Primary Company) Other Companies in which the Primary Company Owns Security or Equity Interests None or Not Known C (2). If you know that any entity listed in 3.C or 3.C(1) above has any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina, or is regulated by the State, briefly describe that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 6 of 12 4. As of December 31, 2024, were you or any members of your immediate family the beneficiaries of a vested trust with a value of $10,000 or more that you created, established, or controlled? Do not list assets held in blind trusts. See 2025 SEI Helpful Tips for the definition of “Vested Trust” and “Blind Trust.” https://ethics.nc.gov/seis ☐ Yes ☒ No Name and Address of Trustee Description of the Trust Your Relationship to the Trust 5. As of December 31, 2024, did you any members of your immediate family have liabilities of $10,000 or more, excluding the mortgage on your primary personal residence? Examples include credit card debts, auto loans, student loans, personal loans and intra-family debt. Do not disclose the amount of the debt. ☒ Yes ☐ No Name of Debtor Type of Creditor (commercial Bank, credit union, individual, etc.) (Self plus Spouse) Cape Fear Farm Credit Albert George Searles (Self) John Deere Financial 6. List each source of income (not specific amounts) of more than $5,000 received by you or any members of your immediate family during 2024. Include salary, wages, state/local government retirement income, professional fees, honoraria, interest, dividends, rental income, business income, and other types required to be reported on State and federal tax returns. You must disclose your receipt of salary or wages from any governmental or private entity, including those already listed in response to other SEI questions. Do not include income received from the following sources: ► Capital gains ► Federal government retirement ► Military retirement ► Social security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits Recipient of Income Name of Person or Entity from Which Income Was Received Type of Business/Industry Type of Income Albert George Searles (Self) Smithfield Hog Production Agriculture / Hog Production Salary Jan K Searles (Spouse) Harrell's Christian Academy Private School Wages The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 7 of 12 Professional and Civic Relationships 7(a). During 2024, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, governing board member, employee, independent contractor, or registered lobbyist of a nonprofit corporation or organization operating in North Carolina primarily for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, public health and safety, or educational purposes? ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 8. ► Do NOT list State boards or entities, or entities created by local governments. ► Do NOT list organizations of which you are a mere member. Name of Person Position Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Nature or Purpose of Organization Albert George Searles (Self) Officer - Chair Eastern NC Workforce Development Board WIOA / Workforce funds administration and oversight 7(b). If the nonprofit corporations or organizations listed above do business with the State of North Carolina or receive State funds, briefly describe the nature of that business, if known or with due diligence could reasonably be known. Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Describe State Business Eastern NC Workforce Development Board Oversight for distribution of federal / state funding for various workforce development grants and projects. Including WIOA funds 8. During 2024, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, or governing board member of any society, organization, or advocacy group with an interest in matters over which your agency or board may have jurisdiction? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer -You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. ►Do not list organizations of which you are only a member and do not serve in a leadership role. Name of Person Name of Society, Organization, or Advocacy Group Leadership Position (Director, Officer, Board Member) The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 8 of 12 9(a). List the name of each for profit business with which you or a member of your immediate family was an employee, director, officer, partner, proprietor, or member or manager as of December 31, 2024. Name of Person Relationship to Filer Name of Company Role of Person Albert George Searles Self AJSFarms LLC Manager 9(b). If you know that any entity listed in 9(a) above had any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina or was regulated by the State as of December 31, 2024, briefly describe that activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 10. Are you a practicing attorney? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer/State Attorney/In House/Employee Attorney If “Yes”, check each category of legal representation in which you or the law firm with which you are affiliated has earned legal fees of more than $10,000 during 2024. ☐ Administrative ☐ Admiralty ☐ Corporate ☐ Criminal ☐ Decedent’s Estates ☐ Environmental ☐ Insurance ☐ Labor ☐ Local Government ☐ Real Property ☐ Securities ☐ Tax ☐ Tort litigation (including negligence) ☐ Utilities Regulation ☐ Other category not listed 11. During 2024, were you a licensed professional (other than an attorney) or did you provide consulting services individually or as a member of a professional association for which you charged or were paid over $10,000? ☐ Yes ☒ No Type of Business Nature of Services Rendered The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 9 of 12 12. Are you or your employer, or any members of your immediate family, or their employers currently:  licensed by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  regulated by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  in a business relationship with the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. Name of Person Name of Employer (if applicable) Type of Relationship (Licensing, Regulatory, Business) 13. Have you or a member of your immediate family been registered as a lobbyist or lobbyist principal within the 12 months preceding your filing of this form? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lobbyist Lobbyist’s Principal Date of Registration Registration Expiration Other Disclosures 14. During 2024, after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  receive any “gift(s)” exceeding $200 per quarter from a person or group of persons acting together,  when both you and those person(s) were outside North Carolina,  under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to conclude the gifts were given for lobbying? To answer Yes, all three conditions must apply ☐ Yes ☒ No ► Do not report gifts given by members of your extended family. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” Date Item Received Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Item Received Estimated Market Value The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 10 of 12 15. During 2024, after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  accept a “scholarship” exceeding $200 related to your public position from a person or group of persons acting together,  when those person(s) were outside North Carolina? To answer Yes, both conditions must apply A “scholarship” is a grant-in-aid, either direct or indirect, to attend a conference, meeting, or similar event, including tuition, travel, lodging, meals, and other similar expenses. ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” ► Legislators are not required to report scholarships paid by a nonpartisan legislative organization of which the legislator or the General Assembly is a member, participant, or affiliate. Date of Scholarship Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Event Estimated Market Value 16. Have you been appointed or considered for appointment to a covered board by the Governor or another Council of State member? Council of State members are: ► Governor ► Lt. Governor ► Secretary of State ► State Auditor ► State Treasurer ► Superintendent of Public Instruction ► Attorney General ► Commissioner of Agriculture ► Commissioner of Labor ► Commissioner of Insurance ☐ Yes ☒ No If “Yes,” list all contributions you made in 2024 with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 to the Council of State member who appointed you. Do not include contributions from immediate family members. ► Contributions are defined broadly in N.C.G.S. 163-278.6(6) and include “any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, payment, gift, pledge or subscription of money or anything of value whatsoever.” Date Amount Contributed to The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 11 of 12 17. Are you an appointee or prospective appointee as: a. the head of a principal state department (e.g., cabinet secretary) appointed by the Governor; or b. a North Carolina Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals, Superior or District Court Judge; or c. a member of any of the following boards:  ABC Commission  Coastal Resources Commission  State Board of Education  State Board of Elections  Division of Employment Security  Environmental Management Commission  Industrial Commission  Human Resources Commission  Rules Review Commission  Board of Transportation  Utilities Commission  Wildlife Resources Commission ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. d. If yes, were you appointed or are you being considered for appointment to that position by a Council of State member? ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. e. If yes, you must indicate whether during 2024 you engaged in any of the following activities with respect to or on behalf of the candidate or campaign committee of the Council of State member who appointed you: i. Collected contributions from multiple contributors, took possession of such multiple contributions, and transferred or delivered those collected contributions to the candidate or committee? ☐ Yes ☐ No ii. Hosted a fundraiser at your residence or place of business? ☐ Yes ☐ No iii. Volunteered for campaign-related activities, including phone banks, event assistance, mailings, canvassing, surveying, or any other activity that advances the campaign of a candidate? ☐ Yes ☐ No 18. Have you ever been convicted of a felony for which you have not received either: (i) a pardon; or (ii) an order of expungement? ☐ Yes ☒ No Offense Date of Conviction County of Conviction State of Conviction 19. Are you aware of any other information that you believe may assist the Ethics Commission in advising you concerning your compliance with the State Government Ethics Act? ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, please provide that information below. The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 12 of 12 Affirmation The information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have not transferred, and will not transfer, any asset, interest, or property for the purpose of concealing it from disclosure while retaining an equitable interest. I understand that my Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments except for the Confidential Form regarding Unemancipated Children are public records. I have read and understand the following statutes: N.C.G.S. § 138A-26. Concealing or failing to disclose material information. A filing person who knowingly conceals or knowingly fails to disclose information that is required to be disclosed on a statement of economic interest . . . shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. N.C.G.S. § 138A-27. Penalty for false information. A filing person who provides false information on a statement of economic interest . . . knowing that the information is false is guilty of a Class H felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. I affirm under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Filed Electronically 02/18/2025 Signature Date Albert George Searles Printed Name

The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 1 of 12 STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 2024 STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST ELECTRONIC FILING This entire form must be completed to fulfill your ethics filing obligation. Filer’s Name (First, Middle, Last) Prefix First Name Middle Name Last Name Suffix Mr. Albert George Searles Current Employer Job Title Retired Retired Nature or Type of Business Retired Reason For Filing (Complete all that apply.) Are you a CANDIDATE for elected office? ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, for what position are you seeking election? (Specify name of office seeking in box below.) Do you currently hold this position? ☐ Yes ☐ No State Government Job (Specify agency and position.) Board/Commission (List complete names of all State boards on which you are serving or are being considered.) James Sprunt Community College Trustees Judicial Officer or Judicial Officer Appointee(Specify office.) Legislator or Appointee to Legislative Office(Specify House or Senate.) A. Do any immediate family members reside in your household? ☒ Yes ☐ No On this form, ”immediate family” includes your spouse (unless legally separated) and unemancipated children (minors under 18 years of age). It also includes members of your extended family (your and your spouse’s children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings, and the spouses of each of those persons) who reside in your household. List the full name of all adults and emancipated minors in your household. Minors are children under 18. They are emancipated by marriage, enlistment in the US military, or court order for emancipation. Full names of Adults and Emancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Jan K Searles Spouse Harrell's Christian Accademy Assistant to Head Master Education The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 2 of 12 B. List only the initials of all unemancipated minors in your household below. A minor is a child under 18 years old. List the full name of each minor child on the Confidential Form at the end. Initials of Unemancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Property Interests 1. As of December 31, 2023, did you or any members of your immediate family: A. have an ownership interest in North Carolina real estate (including your residence) with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☒ Yes ☐ No Owner of Real Estate % Ownership Interest Location by City Location by County (Self plus Spouse) 100.00% Warsaw Duplin B. lease or rent real estate or personal property to or from the State of North Carolina with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lessor Name of Lessee (Renter) If Real Estate, Location by City & County If Personal Property, Describe 2. At any time during 2022 or 2023, did you or any members of your immediate family sell or buy personal property worth $10,000 or more to or from the State of North Carolina? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Purchaser Name of Seller Type of Property The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 3 of 12 Financial Interests 3. As of December 31, 2023, did you or any members of your immediate family own any of the following financial interests valued at $10,000 or more? List each company individually. A. Stock in a publicly owned company? ☒ Yes ☐ No ► Include stocks held individually of in a portfolio managed by a financial services company Do not list interests in a widely held investment fund (including mutual funds, regulated investment companies, or pension or deferred compensation plans) if: 1. the fund is publicly traded or its assets are widely diversified; and 2. neither you nor an immediate family member are able to control the underlying assets. Owner of Interest Full Name of Company or ticker symbol Albert George Searles (Self) Amer Express Company Albert George Searles (Self) Apple Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Archer Daniels Midld Albert George Searles (Self) Blackrock Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Bristol Meyers Squibb Co. Albert George Searles (Self) United Healthcare Group INC. Albert George Searles (Self) Verizon Communications Com. Albert George Searles (Self) VICI PPTYS Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Williams Companies Del. Albert George Searles (Self) Pepsico Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Pfizer Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Principle Financial Grp. Albert George Searles (Self) Procter & Gamble Co. Albert George Searles (Self) Realty Incm. Crp. MD PV$1 REIT Albert George Searles (Self) Texas Instruments Albert George Searles (Self) Kinder Morgan Inc. DEL Albert George Searles (Self) Kraft (the) Heinz Co, SHS Albert George Searles (Self) Medtronic PLC SHS Albert George Searles (Self) Microsoft Corp. Albert George Searles (Self) Nextera Energy Inc. SHS Albert George Searles (Self) Nutrien LTD. Reg. SHS Albert George Searles (Self) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. Albert George Searles (Self) Home Depot Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Intl. Business Machines Corp. IBM The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 4 of 12 Albert George Searles (Self) IShares Edge MSCI Min. Vol. USA ETF Albert George Searles (Self) Johnson and Johnson Com Albert George Searles (Self) JPMorgan Chase & Co. Albert George Searles (Self) DR Horton Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Deere Co. Albert George Searles (Self) Duke Energy Corp. New Albert George Searles (Self) Exon Mobile Corp. Com Albert George Searles (Self) HCA Healthcare Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Broadcom Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Chevron Corp. Albert George Searles (Self) Cisco Systems Inc. Com. Albert George Searles (Self) Comcast Corp, New CL A Albert George Searles (Self) Crown Castle Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) CSX Corp. Albert George Searles (Self) ALLSTATE CORP DEL COM Albert George Searles (Self) CATERPILLAR INC DEL Albert George Searles (Self) CSX CORP Albert George Searles (Self) DIGITAL RLTY TR INC Albert George Searles (Self) ELI LILLY & CO Albert George Searles (Self) EMERSON ELEC CO Albert George Searles (Self) GENL DYNAMICS CORP COM Albert George Searles (Self) HP INC Albert George Searles (Self) MAGNA INTL INC CL A VTG Albert George Searles (Self) MCDONALDS CORP COM Albert George Searles (Self) SYNCHRONY FINL COM Albert George Searles (Self) TRUIST FINL CORP Albert George Searles (Self) WELLTOWER INC Albert George Searles (Self) SUNOCO LP COM UNIT B. Stock options in a company or business? ☐ Yes ☒ No Owner of Stock Option Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 5 of 12 C. Interests in a non-publicly owned company or business entity? These include interests in sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and closely held corporations. ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 4. Owner of Interest Name of Company or Business Entity Albert George Searles (Self) AJS Farms LLC C (1). For each company or business entity identified in question 3.C. (the “Primary Company”), please list the names of any other companies or business entities in which the Primary Company owns securities or equity interests valued at over $10,000, if known. Non-Publicly Owned Company or Business Entity (the Primary Company) Other Companies in which the Primary Company Owns Security or Equity Interests None or Not Known C (2). If you know that any entity listed in 3.C or 3.C(1) above has any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina, or is regulated by the State, briefly describe that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 4. As of December 31, 2023, were you or any members of your immediate family the beneficiaries of a vested trust with a value of $10,000 or more that you created, established, or controlled? Do not list assets held in blind trusts. See 2024 SEI Helpful Tips for the definition of “Vested Trust” and “Blind Trust.” https://ethics.nc.gov/seis ☐ Yes ☒ No Name and Address of Trustee Description of the Trust Your Relationship to the Trust 5. As of December 31, 2023, did you any members of your immediate family have liabilities of $10,000 or more, excluding the mortgage on your primary personal residence? Examples include credit card debts, auto loans, student loans, personal loans and intra-family debt. Do not disclose the amount of the debt. ☒ Yes ☐ No Name of Debtor Type of Creditor (commercial Bank, credit union, individual, etc.) (Self plus Spouse) Cape Fear Farm Credit Albert George Searles (Self) John Deere Financial 6. List each source of income (not specific amounts) of more than $5,000 received by you or any members of your immediate family during 2023. Include salary, wages, state/local government retirement income, professional fees, honoraria, interest, dividends, rental income, business income, and other types required to be reported on State and federal tax returns. You must disclose your receipt of salary or wages from any governmental or private entity, including those already listed in response to other SEI questions. Do not include income received from the following sources: ► Capital gains ► Federal government retirement ► Military retirement ► Social security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits Recipient of Income Name of Person or Entity from Which Income Was Received Type of Business/Industry Type of Income Albert George Searles (Self) Smithfield Hog Production Agriculture / Hog Production Salary The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 6 of 12 Jan K Searles (Spouse) Harrell's Christian Academy Private School Wages The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 7 of 12 Professional and Civic Relationships 7(a). During 2023, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, governing board member, employee, independent contractor, or registered lobbyist of a nonprofit corporation or organization operating in North Carolina primarily for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, public health and safety, or educational purposes? ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 8. ► Do NOT list State boards or entities, or entities created by local governments. ► Do NOT list organizations of which you are a mere member. Name of Person Position Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Nature or Purpose of Organization Albert George Searles (Self) Officer - Chair Eastern NC Workforce Development Board WIOA / Workforce funds administration and oversight 7(b). If the nonprofit corporations or organizations listed above do business with the State of North Carolina or receive State funds, briefly describe the nature of that business, if known or with due diligence could reasonably be known. Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Describe State Business Eastern NC Workforce Development Board Oversight for distribution of federal / state funding for various workforce development grants and projects. Including WIOA funds 8. During 2023, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, or governing board member of any society, organization, or advocacy group with an interest in matters over which your agency or board may have jurisdiction? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer -You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. ►Do not list organizations of which you are only a member and do not serve in a leadership role. Name of Person Name of Society, Organization, or Advocacy Group Leadership Position (Director, Officer, Board Member) The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 8 of 12 9(a). List the name of each for profit business with which you or a member of your immediate family was an employee, director, officer, partner, proprietor, or member or manager as of December 31, 2023. Name of Person Relationship to Filer Name of Company Role of Person Albert George Searles Self AJSFarms LLC Manager 9(b). If you know that any entity listed in 9(a) above had any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina or was regulated by the State as of December 31, 2023, briefly describe that activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 10. Are you a practicing attorney? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer/State Attorney/In House/Employee Attorney If “Yes”, check each category of legal representation in which you or the law firm with which you are affiliated has earned legal fees of more than $10,000 during 2023. ☐ Administrative ☐ Admiralty ☐ Corporate ☐ Criminal ☐ Decedent’s Estates ☐ Environmental ☐ Insurance ☐ Labor ☐ Local Government ☐ Real Property ☐ Securities ☐ Tax ☐ Tort litigation (including negligence) ☐ Utilities Regulation ☐ Other category not listed 11. During 2023, were you a licensed professional (other than an attorney) or did you provide consulting services individually or as a member of a professional association for which you charged or were paid over $10,000? ☐ Yes ☒ No Type of Business Nature of Services Rendered The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 9 of 12 12. Are you or your employer, or any members of your immediate family, or their employers currently:  licensed by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  regulated by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  in a business relationship with the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. Name of Person Name of Employer (if applicable) Type of Relationship (Licensing, Regulatory, Business) 13. Have you or a member of your immediate family been registered as a lobbyist or lobbyist principal within the 12 months preceding your filing of this form? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lobbyist Lobbyist’s Principal Date of Registration Registration Expiration Other Disclosures 14. During 2023, after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  receive any “gift(s)” exceeding $200 per quarter from a person or group of persons acting together,  when both you and those person(s) were outside North Carolina,  under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to conclude the gifts were given for lobbying? To answer Yes, all three conditions must apply ☐ Yes ☒ No ► Do not report gifts given by members of your extended family. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” Date Item Received Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Item Received Estimated Market Value The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 10 of 12 15. During 2023, after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  accept a “scholarship” exceeding $200 related to your public position from a person or group of persons acting together,  when those person(s) were outside North Carolina? To answer Yes, both conditions must apply A “scholarship” is a grant-in-aid, either direct or indirect, to attend a conference, meeting, or similar event, including tuition, travel, lodging, meals, and other similar expenses. ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” ► Legislators are not required to report scholarships paid by a nonpartisan legislative organization of which the legislator or the General Assembly is a member, participant, or affiliate. Date of Scholarship Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Event Estimated Market Value 16. Have you been appointed or considered for appointment to a covered board by the Governor or another Council of State member? Council of State members are: ► Governor ► Lt. Governor ► Secretary of State ► State Auditor ► State Treasurer ► Superintendent of Public Instruction ► Attorney General ► Commissioner of Agriculture ► Commissioner of Labor ► Commissioner of Insurance ☐ Yes ☒ No If “Yes,” list all contributions you made in 2023 with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 to the Council of State member who appointed you. Do not include contributions from immediate family members. ► Contributions are defined broadly in N.C.G.S. 163-278.6(6) and include “any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, payment, gift, pledge or subscription of money or anything of value whatsoever.” Date Amount Contributed to The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 11 of 12 17. Are you an appointee or prospective appointee as: a. the head of a principal state department (e.g., cabinet secretary) appointed by the Governor; or b. a North Carolina Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals, Superior or District Court Judge; or c. a member of any of the following boards:  ABC Commission  Coastal Resources Commission  State Board of Education  State Board of Elections  Division of Employment Security  Environmental Management Commission  Industrial Commission  Human Resources Commission  Rules Review Commission  Board of Transportation  Utilities Commission  Wildlife Resources Commission ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. d. If yes, were you appointed or are you being considered for appointment to that position by a Council of State member? ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. e. If yes, you must indicate whether during 2023 you engaged in any of the following activities with respect to or on behalf of the candidate or campaign committee of the Council of State member who appointed you: i. Collected contributions from multiple contributors, took possession of such multiple contributions, and transferred or delivered those collected contributions to the candidate or committee? ☐ Yes ☐ No ii. Hosted a fundraiser at your residence or place of business? ☐ Yes ☐ No iii. Volunteered for campaign-related activities, including phone banks, event assistance, mailings, canvassing, surveying, or any other activity that advances the campaign of a candidate? ☐ Yes ☐ No 18. Have you ever been convicted of a felony for which you have not received either: (i) a pardon; or (ii) an order of expungement? ☐ Yes ☒ No Offense Date of Conviction County of Conviction State of Conviction 19. Are you aware of any other information that you believe may assist the Ethics Commission in advising you concerning your compliance with the State Government Ethics Act? ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, please provide that information below. The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 12 of 12 Affirmation The information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have not transferred, and will not transfer, any asset, interest, or property for the purpose of concealing it from disclosure while retaining an equitable interest. I understand that my Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments except for the Confidential Form regarding Unemancipated Children are public records. I have read and understand the following statutes: N.C.G.S. § 138A-26. Concealing or failing to disclose material information. A filing person who knowingly conceals or knowingly fails to disclose information that is required to be disclosed on a statement of economic interest . . . shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. N.C.G.S. § 138A-27. Penalty for false information. A filing person who provides false information on a statement of economic interest . . . knowing that the information is false is guilty of a Class H felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. I affirm under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Filed Electronically 03/17/2024 Signature Date Albert George Searles Printed Name

The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 1 of 11 STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 2023 STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST ELECTRONIC FILING This entire form must be completed to fulfill your ethics filing obligation. Filer’s Name (First, Middle, Last) Prefix First Name Middle Name Last Name Suffix Mr. Albert George Searles Current Employer Job Title Smithfield Hog Production Sr. Dir. Transportation & Logistics Nature or Type of Business Agriculture Reason For Filing (Complete all that apply.) Are you a CANDIDATE for elected office? ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, for what position are you seeking election? (Specify name of office seeking in box below.) Do you currently hold this position? ☐ Yes ☐ No State Government Job (Specify agency and position.) Board/Commission (List complete names of all State boards on which you are serving or are being considered.) James Sprunt Community College Trustees Judicial Officer or Filing Post-Service (Specify office.) Legislator or Filing Post-Service(Specify House or Senate.) A. Do any immediate family members reside in your household? ☒ Yes ☐ No On this form, ”immediate family” includes your spouse (unless legally separated) and unemancipated children (minors under 18 years of age). It also includes members of your extended family (your and your spouse’s children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings, and the spouses of each of those persons) who reside in your household. List the full name of all adults and emancipated minors in your household. Minors are children under 18. They are emancipated by marriage, enlistment in the US military, or court order for emancipation. Full names of Adults and Emancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Jan K Searles Spouse Harrell's Christian Accademy Assistant to Head Master Education The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 2 of 11 B. List only the initials of all unemancipated minors in your household below. A minor is a child under 18 years old. List the full name of each minor child on the Confidential Form at the end. Initials of Unemancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Property Interests 1. As of December 31, 2022, did you or any members of your immediate family: A. have an ownership interest in North Carolina real estate (including your residence) with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☒ Yes ☐ No Owner of Real Estate % Ownership Interest Location by City Location by County (Self plus Spouse) 100.00% Warsaw Duplin B. lease or rent real estate or personal property to or from the State of North Carolina with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lessor Name of Lessee (Renter) If Real Estate, Location by City & County If Personal Property, Describe 2. At any time during 2021 or 2022, did you or any members of your immediate family sell or buy personal property worth $10,000 or more to or from the State of North Carolina? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Purchaser Name of Seller Type of Property The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 3 of 11 Financial Interests 3. As of December 31, 2022, did you or any members of your immediate family own any of the following financial interests valued at $10,000 or more? List each company individually. A. Stock in a publicly owned company? ☒ Yes ☐ No ►Do not list interests in a widely held investment fund (including mutual funds, regulated investment companies, or pension or deferred compensation plans) if: 1. the fund is publicly traded or its assets are widely diversified; and 2. neither you nor an immediate family member are able to control the underlying assets. Owner of Interest Full Name of Company or ticker symbol Albert George Searles (Self) Amer Express Company Albert George Searles (Self) Apple Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Archer Daniels Midld Albert George Searles (Self) Blackrock Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Bristol Meyers Squibb Co. Albert George Searles (Self) Broadcom Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Chevron Corp. Albert George Searles (Self) Cisco Systems Inc. Com. Albert George Searles (Self) Comcast Corp, New CL A Albert George Searles (Self) Crown Castle Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) CSX Corp. Albert George Searles (Self) DR Horton Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Deere Co. Albert George Searles (Self) Duke Energy Corp. New Albert George Searles (Self) Entergy Corp. New Albert George Searles (Self) Exon Mobile Corp. Com Albert George Searles (Self) HCA Healthcare Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. Albert George Searles (Self) Home Depot Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Intl. Business Machines Corp. IBM Albert George Searles (Self) IShares Edge MSCI Min. Vol. USA ETF Albert George Searles (Self) Johnson and Johnson Com Albert George Searles (Self) JPMorgan Chase & Co. Albert George Searles (Self) Kinder Morgan Inc. DEL Albert George Searles (Self) Kraft (the) Heinz Co, SHS The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 4 of 11 Albert George Searles (Self) Medtronic PLC SHS Albert George Searles (Self) Microsoft Corp. Albert George Searles (Self) Nextera Energy Inc. SHS Albert George Searles (Self) Nutrien LTD. Reg. SHS Albert George Searles (Self) Pepsico Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Pfizer Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Principle Financial Grp. Albert George Searles (Self) Procter & Gamble Co. Albert George Searles (Self) Realty Incm. Crp. MD PV$1 REIT Albert George Searles (Self) Texas Instruments Albert George Searles (Self) Toronto Dominion Bank Albert George Searles (Self) United Healthcare Group INC. Albert George Searles (Self) Verizon Communications Com. Albert George Searles (Self) VICI PPTYS Inc. Albert George Searles (Self) Williams Companies Del. B. Stock options in a company or business? ☐ Yes ☒ No Owner of Stock Option Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) C. Interests in a non-publicly owned company or business entity? These include interests in sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and closely held corporations. ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 4. Owner of Interest Name of Company or Business Entity Albert George Searles (Self) AJS Farms LLC C (1). For each company or business entity identified in question 3.C. (the “Primary Company”), please list the names of any other companies or business entities in which the Primary Company owns securities or equity interests valued at over $10,000, if known. Non-Publicly Owned Company or Business Entity (the Primary Company) Other Companies in which the Primary Company Owns Security or Equity Interests None or Not Known C (2). If you know that any entity listed in 3.C or 3.C(1) above has any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina, or is regulated by the State, briefly describe that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 5 of 11 4. As of December 31, 2022, were you or any members of your immediate family the beneficiaries of a vested trust with a value of $10,000 or more that you created, established, or controlled? Do not list assets held in blind trusts. See 2023 SEI Helpful Tips for the definition of “Vested Trust” and “Blind Trust.” https://ethics.nc.gov/seis ☐ Yes ☒ No Name and Address of Trustee Description of the Trust Your Relationship to the Trust 5. As of December 31, 2022, did you any members of your immediate family have liabilities of $10,000 or more, excluding the mortgage on your primary personal residence? Examples include credit card debts, auto loans, student loans, personal loans and intra-family debt. Do not disclose the amount of the debt. ☒ Yes ☐ No Name of Debtor Type of Creditor (commercial Bank, credit union, individual, etc.) (Self plus Spouse) Cape Fear Farm Credit Albert George Searles (Self) John Deere Financial 6. List each source of income (not specific amounts) of more than $5,000 received by you or any members of your immediate family during 2022. Include salary, wages, state/local government retirement income, professional fees, honoraria, interest, dividends, rental income, business income, and other types required to be reported on State and federal tax returns. You must disclose your receipt of salary or wages from any governmental or private entity, including those already listed in response to other SEI questions. Do not include income received from the following sources: ► Capital gains ► Federal government retirement ► Military retirement ► Social security retirement, suvivors, or disability benefits Recipient of Income Name of Source Type of Business/Industry Type of Income Albert George Searles (Self) Smithfield Hog Production Agriculture / Hog Production Salary Jan K Searles (Spouse) Harrell's Christian Academy Private School Wages The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 6 of 11 Professional and Civic Relationships 7(a). During 2022, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, governing board member, employee, independent contractor, or registered lobbyist of a nonprofit corporation or organization operating in North Carolina primarily for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, public health and safety, or educational purposes? ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 8. ► Do NOT list State boards or entities, or entities created by local governments. ► Do NOT list organizations of which you are a mere member. Name of Person Position Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Nature or Purpose of Organization Albert George Searles (Self) Officer - Chair Eastern NC Workforce Development Board WIOA / Workforce funds administration and oversight 7(b). If the nonprofit corporations or organizations listed above do business with the State of North Carolina or receive State funds, briefly describe the nature of that business, if known or with due diligence could reasonably be known. Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Describe State Business Eastern NC Workforce Development Board Oversight for distribution of federal / state funding for various workforce development grants and projects. Including WIOA funds 8. During 2022, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, or governing board member of any society, organization, or advocacy group with an interest in matters over which your agency or board may have jurisdiction? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer -You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. ►Do not list organizations of which you are only a member and do not serve in a leadership role. Name of Person Name of Society, Organization, or Advocacy Group Leadership Position (Director, Officer, Board Member) The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 7 of 11 9(a). List the name of each for profit business with which you or a member of your immediate family was an employee, director, officer, partner, proprietor, or member or manager as of December 31, 2022. Name of Person Relationship to Filer Name of Company Role of Person Albert George Searles Self AJSFarms LLC Manager 9(b). If you know that any entity listed in 9(a) above had any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina or was regulated by the State as of December 31, 2022, briefly describe that activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 10. Are you a practicing attorney? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer/State Attorney/In House/Employee Attorney If “Yes”, check each category of legal representation in which you or the law firm with which you are affiliated has earned legal fees of more than $10,000 during 2022. ☐ Administrative ☐ Admiralty ☐ Corporate ☐ Criminal ☐ Decedent’s Estates ☐ Environmental ☐ Insurance ☐ Labor ☐ Local Government ☐ Real Property ☐ Securities ☐ Tax ☐ Tort litigation (including negligence) ☐ Utilities Regulation ☐ Other category not listed 11. During 2022, were you a licensed professional (other than an attorney) or did you provide consulting services individually or as a member of a professional association for which you charged or were paid over $10,000? ☐ Yes ☒ No Type of Business Nature of Services Rendered The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 8 of 11 12. Are you or your employer, or any members of your immediate family, or their employers currently:  licensed by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  regulated by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  in a business relationship with the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. Name of Person Name of Employer (if applicable) Type of Relationship (Licensing, Regulatory, Business) 13. Have you or a member of your immediate family been registered as a lobbyist or lobbyist principal within the 12 months preceding your filing of this form? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lobbyist Lobbyist’s Principal Date of Registration Registration Expiration Other Disclosures 14. During 2022, after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  receive any “gift(s)” exceeding $200 per quarter from a person or group of persons acting together,  when both you and those person(s) were outside North Carolina,  under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to conclude the gifts were given for lobbying? To answer Yes, all three conditions must apply ☐ Yes ☒ No ► Do not report gifts given by members of your extended family. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” Date Item Received Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Item Received Estimated Market Value The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 9 of 11 15. During 2022, after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  accept a “scholarship” exceeding $200 related to your public position from a person or group of persons acting together,  when those person(s) were outside North Carolina? To answer Yes, both conditions must apply A “scholarship” is a grant-in-aid, either direct or indirect, to attend a conference, meeting, or similar event, including tuition, travel, lodging, meals, and other similar expenses. ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” ► Legislators are not required to report scholarships paid by a nonpartisan legislative organization of which the legislator or the General Assembly is a member, participant, or affiliate. Date of Scholarship Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Event Estimated Market Value 16. Have you been appointed or considered for appointment to a covered board by the Governor or another Council of State member? Council of State members are: ► Governor ► Lt. Governor ► Secretary of State ► State Auditor ► State Treasurer ► Superintendent of Public Instruction ► Attorney General ► Commissioner of Agriculture ► Commissioner of Labor ► Commissioner of Insurance ☐ Yes ☒ No If “Yes,” list all contributions you made in 2022 with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 to the Council of State member who appointed you. Do not include contributions from immediate family members. ► Contributions are defined broadly in N.C.G.S. 163-278.6(6) and include “any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, payment, gift, pledge or subscription of money or anything of value whatsoever.” Date Amount Contributed to The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 10 of 11 17. Are you an appointee or prospective appointee as: a. the head of a principal state department (e.g., cabinet secretary) appointed by the Governor; or b. a North Carolina Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals, Superior or District Court Judge; or c. a member of any of the following boards:  ABC Commission  Coastal Resources Commission  State Board of Education  State Board of Elections  Division of Employment Security  Environmental Management Commission  Industrial Commission  Human Resources Commission  Rules Review Commission  Board of Transportation  Utilities Commission  Wildlife Resources Commission ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. d. If so, were you appointed or are you being considered for appointment to that position by a Council of State member? ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. e. If so, you must indicate whether during 2022 you engaged in any of the following activities with respect to or on behalf of the candidate or campaign committee of the Council of State member who appointed you: i. Collected contributions from multiple contributors, took possession of such multiple contributions, and transferred or delivered those collected contributions to the candidate or committee? ☐ Yes ☐ No ii. Hosted a fundraiser at your residence or place of business? ☐ Yes ☐ No iii. Volunteered for campaign-related activities, including phone banks, event assistance, mailings, canvassing, surveying, or any other activity that advances the campaign of a candidate? ☐ Yes ☐ No 18. Have you ever been convicted of a felony for which you have not received either: (i) a pardon; or (ii) an order of expungement? ☐ Yes ☒ No Offense Date of Conviction County of Conviction State of Conviction 19. Are you aware of any other information that you believe may assist the Ethics Commission in advising you concerning your compliance with the State Government Ethics Act? ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, please provide that information below. The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 11 of 11 Affirmation The information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have not transferred, and will not transfer, any asset, interest, or property for the purpose of concealing it from disclosure while retaining an equitable interest. I understand that my Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments except for the Confidential Form regarding Unemancipated Children are public records. I have read and understand the following statutes: N.C.G.S. § 138A-26. Concealing or failing to disclose material information. A filing person who knowingly conceals or knowingly fails to disclose information that is required to be disclosed on a statement of economic interest . . . shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. N.C.G.S. § 138A-27. Penalty for false information. A filing person who provides false information on a statement of economic interest . . . knowing that the information is false is guilty of a Class H felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. I affirm under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Filed Electronically 04/08/2023 Signature Date Albert George Searles Printed Name

The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 1 of 10 STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 2022 STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST ELECTRONIC FILING This entire form must be completed to fulfill your ethics filing obligation. Filer’s Name (First, Middle, Last) Prefix First Name Middle Name Last Name Suffix Mr. Albert George Searles Current Employer Job Title Smithfield Hog Production Sr. Dir. Transportation & Logistics Nature or Type of Business Agriculture Reason For Filing (Complete all that apply.) Are you a CANDIDATE for elected office? ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, for what position are you seeking election? (Specify name of office seeking in box below.) Do you currently hold this position? ☐ Yes ☐ No State Government Job (Specify agency and position.) Board/Commission (List complete names of all State boards on which you are serving or are being considered.) James Sprunt Community College Trustees Judicial Officer (Specify office.) Legislator (Specify House or Senate.) A. Do other immediate family members reside in your household? ☒ Yes ☐ No On this form, ”immediate family” includes your spouse (unless legally separated). It also includes members of your extended family (your and your spouse’s children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings, and the spouses of each of those persons) who reside in your household. List the full name of all adults and emancipated minors in your household. Minors are children under 18. They are emancipated by marriage, enlistment in the US military, or court order for emancipation. Full names of Adults and Emancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Jan K Searles Spouse Harrell's Christian Accademy Assistant to Head Master Education The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 2 of 10 B. List only the initials of all unemancipated minors in your household below. A minor is a child under 18 years old. List the full name of each minor child on the Confidential Form at the end. Initials of Unemancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Property Interests 1. As of December 31, 2021, did you or any members of your immediate family: A. have an ownership interest in North Carolina real estate (including your residence) with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☒ Yes ☐ No Owner of Real Estate % Ownership Interest Location by City Location by County (Self plus Spouse) 100.00% Warsaw Duplin B. lease or rent real estate or personal property to or from the State of North Carolina with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lessor Name of Lessee (Renter) If Real Estate, Location by City & County If Personal Property, Describe 2. At any time during 2020 or 2021, did you or any members of your immediate family sell to or buy from the State of North Carolina personal property worth $10,000 or more? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Purchaser Name of Seller Type of Property The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 3 of 10 Financial Interests 3. As of December 31, 2021, did you or any members of your immediate family own any of the following financial interests valued at $10,000 or more? List each company individually. A. Stock in a publicly owned company? ☐ Yes ☒ No ►Do not list interests in a widely held investment fund (including mutual funds, regulated investment companies, or pension or deferred compensation plans) if: 1. the fund is publicly traded or its assets are widely diversified; and 2. neither you nor an immediate family member are able to control the underlying assets. Owner of Interest Full Name of Company or ticker symbol B. Stock options in a company or business? ☐ Yes ☒ No Owner of Stock Option Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) C. Interests in a non-publicly owned company or business entity? These include interests in sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and closely held corporations. ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 4. Owner of Interest Name of Company or Business Entity Albert George Searles (Self) AJS Farms LLC C (1). For each company or business entity identified in question 3.C. (the “Primary Company”), please list the names of any other companies or business entities in which the Primary Company owns securities or equity interests valued at over $10,000, if known. Non-Publicly Owned Company or Business Entity (the Primary Company) Other Companies in which the Primary Company Owns Security or Equity Interests None or Not Known C (2). If you know that any entity listed in 3.C or 3.C(1) above has any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina, or is regulated by the State, briefly describe that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 4. As of December 31, 2021, were you or any members of your immediate family the beneficiaries of a vested trust with a value of $10,000 or more that you created, established, or controlled? Do not list assets held in blind trusts. See 2022 SEI Helpful Tips for the definition of “Vested Trust” and “Blind Trust.” https://ethics.nc.gov ☐ Yes ☒ No Name and Address of Trustee Description of the Trust Your Relationship to the Trust The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 4 of 10 5. As of December 31, 2021, did you any members of your immediate family have liabilities of $10,000 or more, excluding the mortgage on your primary personal residence? Examples include credit card debts, auto loans, student loans, personal loans and intra-family debt. ☒ Yes ☐ No Name of Debtor Type of Creditor (commercial Bank, credit union, individual, etc.) (Self plus Spouse) Cape Fear Farm Credit 6. List each source of income (not specific amounts) of more than $5,000 received by you or any members of your immediate family during 2021. Include salary, wages, state/local government retirement income, professional fees, honoraria, interest, dividends, rental income, business income, and other types required to be reported on State and federal tax returns. Please remember to disclose your receipt of salary or wages from any governmental or private entity. Do not include income received from the following sources: ► Capital gains ► Federal government retirement ► Military retirement ► Social security income/SSDI Recipient of Income Name of Source Type of Business/Industry Type of Income Albert George Searles (Self) Smithfield Hog Production Agriculture / Hog Production Salary Jan K Searles (Spouse) Harrell's Christian Academy Private School Wages The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 5 of 10 Professional and Civic Relationships 7(a). During 2021, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, governing board member, employee, independent contractor, or registered lobbyist of a nonprofit corporation or organization operating in North Carolina primarily for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, public health and safety, or educational purposes? ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 8. ► Do not list State boards or entities. ► Do not list organizations of which you are a mere member. Name of Person Position Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Nature or Purpose of Organization Albert George Searles (Self) Board Member Warsaw Chamber of Commerce Business / town support Albert George Searles (Self) Officer - Chair Eastern NC Workforce Development Board WIOA / Workforce funds administration and oversight 7(b). If the nonprofit corporations or organizations listed above do business with the State of North Carolina or receive State funds, briefly describe the nature of that business, if known or with due diligence could reasonably be known. Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Describe State Business Eastern NC Workforce Development Board Oversight for distribution of federal / state funding for various workforce development grants and projects. Including WIOA funds Warsaw Chamber of Commerce None or Not Known 8. During 2021, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, or governing board member of any society, organization, or advocacy group with an interest in matters over which your agency or board may have jurisdiction? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer -You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. ►Do not list organizations of which you are only a member and do not serve in a leadership role. Name of Person Name of Society, Organization, or Advocacy Group Leadership Position (Director, Officer, Board Member) The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 6 of 10 9(a). List the name of each business with which you were associated where you or a member of your immediate family was an employee, director, officer, partner, proprietor, or member or manager as of December 31, 2021. Name of Person Relationship to Filer Name of Company Role of Person No Business Associations 9(b). If you know that any entity listed in 9(a) above had any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina or was regulated by the State as of December 31, 2021, briefly describe that activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 10. Are you a practicing attorney? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer/State Attorney If “Yes”, check each category of legal representation in which you or the law firm with which you are affiliated has earned legal fees of more than $10,000 during 2021. ☐ Administrative ☐ Admiralty ☐ Corporate ☐ Criminal ☐ Decedent’s Estates ☐ Environmental ☐ Insurance ☐ Labor ☐ Local Government ☐ Real Property ☐ Securities ☐ Tax ☐ Tort litigation (including negligence) ☐ Utilities Regulation ☐ Other category not listed 11. During 2021, were you a licensed professional (other than an attorney) or did you provide consulting services individually or as a member of a professional association for which you charged or were paid over $10,000? ☐ Yes ☒ No Type of Business Nature of Services Rendered The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 7 of 10 12. Are you or your employer, or any members of your immediate family, or their employers currently:  licensed by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  regulated by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  in a business relationship with the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. Name of Person Name of Employer (if applicable) Type of Relationship (Licensing, Regulatory, Business) 13. Have you or a member of your immediate family been registered as a lobbyist or lobbyist principal within the 12 months preceding your filing of this form? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lobbyist Lobbyist’s Principal Date of Registration Registration Expiration Other Disclosures 14. During 2021, after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  receive any “gift(s)” exceeding $200 per quarter from a person or group of persons acting together,  when both you and those person(s) were outside North Carolina,  under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to conclude the gifts were given for lobbying? To answer Yes, all three conditions must apply ☐ Yes ☒ No ► Do not report gifts given by members of your extended family. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” Date Item Received Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Item Received Estimated Market Value The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 8 of 10 15. During 2021, after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  accept a “scholarship” exceeding $200 related to your public position from a person or group of persons acting together,  when those person(s) were outside North Carolina? To answer Yes, both conditions must apply A “scholarship” is a grant-in-aid, either direct or indirect, to attend a conference, meeting, or similar event, including tuition, travel, lodging, meals, and other similar expenses. ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing solely because you are a legislator or judicial officer or as a candidate or appointee to those offices. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” ► Legislators are not required to report scholarships paid by a nonpartisan legislative organization of which the legislator or the General Assembly is a member, participant, or affiliate. Date of Scholarship Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Event Estimated Market Value 16. Have you been appointed or considered for appointment to a covered board by the Governor or another Council of State member? Council of State members are: ► Governor ► Lt. Governor ► Secretary of State ► State Auditor ► State Treasurer ► Superintendent of Public Instruction ► Attorney General ► Commissioner of Agriculture ► Commissioner of Labor ► Commissioner of Insurance ☐ Yes ☒ No If “Yes,” list all contributions you made in 2021 with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 to the Council of State member who appointed you. Do not include contributions from immediate family members. ► Contributions are defined broadly in N.C.G.S. 163-278.6(6) and include “any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, payment, gift, pledge or subscription of money or anything of value whatsoever.” Date Amount Contributed to The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 9 of 10 17. Are you an appointee or prospective appointee as: a. the head of a principal state department (e.g., cabinet secretary) appointed by the Governor; or b. a North Carolina Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals, Superior or District Court Judge; or c. a member of any of the following boards:  ABC Commission  Coastal Resources Commission  State Board of Education  State Board of Elections  Division of Employment Security  Environmental Management Commission  Industrial Commission  Human Resources Commission  Rules Review Commission  Board of Transportation  Utilities Commission  Wildlife Resources Commission ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. d. If so, were you appointed or are you being considered for appointment to that position by a Council of State member? ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. e. If so, you must indicate whether during 2021 you engaged in any of the following activities with respect to or on behalf of the candidate or campaign committee of the Council of State member who appointed you: i. Collected contributions from multiple contributors, took possession of such multiple contributions, and transferred or delivered those collected contributions to the candidate or committee? ☐ Yes ☐ No ii. Hosted a fundraiser at your residence or place of business? ☐ Yes ☐ No iii. Volunteered for campaign-related activities, including phone banks, event assistance, mailings, canvassing, surveying, or any other activity that advances the campaign of a candidate? ☐ Yes ☐ No 18. Have you ever been convicted of a felony for which you have not received either: (i) a pardon; or (ii) an order of expungement? ☐ Yes ☒ No Offense Date of Conviction County of Conviction State of Conviction 19. Are you aware of any other information that you believe may assist the Ethics Commission in advising you concerning your compliance with the State Government Ethics Act? ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, please provide that information below. The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 10 of 10 Affirmation The information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have not transferred, and will not transfer, any asset, interest, or property for the purpose of concealing it from disclosure while retaining an equitable interest. I understand that my Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments except for the Confidential Form regarding Unemancipated Children are public records. I have read and understand the following statutes: N.C.G.S. § 138A-26. Concealing or failing to disclose material information. A filing person who knowingly conceals or knowingly fails to disclose information that is required to be disclosed on a statement of economic interest . . . shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. N.C.G.S. § 138A-27. Penalty for false information. A filing person who provides false information on a statement of economic interest . . . knowing that the information is false is guilty of a Class H felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. I affirm under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Filed Electronically 04/10/2022 Signature Date Albert George Searles Printed Name

This entire document is a public record. STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 2021 STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST NO-CHANGE FORM ELECTRONIC FILING This entire form must be completed to fulfill your ethics filing obligation. Filer’s Name (First, Middle, Last) Prefix First Name Middle Name Last Name Suffix Mr. Albert George Searles Reason for Filing (Complete all that apply.) State Government Job (Specify agency and position.) Board/Commission (List the complete names of all State boards on which you are serving or are being considered.) James Sprunt Community College Trustees Judicial Officer (Specify office.) Legislator (Specify House or Senate.) AFFIRMATION The information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have not transferred, and will not transfer, any asset, interest, or property for the purpose of concealing it from disclosure while retaining an equitable interest. I understand that my Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments except for the Confidential Form Regarding Unemancipated Children public records. I have read and understand the following statutes: N.C.G.S. § 138A-26. Concealing or failing to disclose material information. A filing person who knowingly conceals or knowingly fails to disclose information that is required to be disclosed on a statement of economic interest . . . shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and . . . subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. N.C.G.S. § 138A-27. Penalty for false information. A filing person who provides false information on a statement of economic interest . . . knowing that the information is false is guilty of a Class H felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. I affirm that I have reviewed my most recently filed 2020 Statement of Economic Interest and that as of December 31, 2020, my responses continue to be true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I affirm under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Filed Electronically 04/30/2021 Signature Date Albert George Searles Printed Name

The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 1 of 10 STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 2020 STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST This entire form must be completed to fulfill your ethics filing obligation. ____ Checked for completion ____Scanned ______Date Incomplete Qs ____ ____ ____ ____ Supp. sent date _______ by _____ Supp. received date _________ Entered in database ______ by ______ Filer’s Name (First, Middle, Last) Prefix First Name Middle Name Last Name Suffix Mr. Albert George Searles Current Employer Job Title Smithfield Hog Production VP Transportation Nature or Type of Business Agriculture Reason For Filing (Complete all that apply.) State Government Job (Specify agency and position.) Board/Commission (List complete names of all State boards on which you are serving or are being considered.) James Sprunt Community College Trustees Judicial Officer (Specify office.) Legislator (Specify House or Senate.) A. Do other immediate family members reside in your household? ☒ Yes ☐ No On this form, ”immediate family” includes your spouse (unless legally separated). It also includes members of your extended family (your and your spouse’s children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings, and the spouses of each of those persons) who reside in your household. List the full name of all adults and emancipated minors in your household. Minors are children under 18. They are emancipated by marriage, enlistment in the US military, or court order for emancipation. Full names of Adults and Emancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Jan K Searles Spouse Harrell's Christian Accademy Assistant to Head Master Education For Staff Use Only Date Received: The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 2 of 10 B. List only the initials of all unemancipated minors in your household below. A minor is a child under 18 years old. List the full name of each minor child on the Confidential Form at the end. Initials of Unemancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Property Interests 1. As of December 31, 2019, did you or any members of your immediate family: A. have an ownership interest in North Carolina real estate (including your residence) with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☒ Yes ☐ No Owner of Real Estate % Ownership Interest Location by City Location by County (Self plus Spouse) 100.00% Warsaw Duplin B. lease or rent real estate or personal property to or from the State of North Carolina with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lessor Name of Lessee (Renter) If Real Estate, Location by City & County If Personal Property, Describe 2. At any time during 2018 or 2019, did you or any members of your immediate family sell to or buy from the State of North Carolina personal property worth $10,000 or more? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Purchaser Name of Seller Type of Property The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 3 of 10 Financial Interests 3. As of December 31, 2019, did you or any members of your immediate family own any of the following financial interests valued at $10,000 or more? List each company individually. A. Stock in a publicly owned company? ☐ Yes ☒ No ►Do not list interests in a widely held investment fund (including mutual funds, regulated investment companies, or pension or deferred compensation plans) if: 1. the fund is publicly traded or its assets are widely diversified; and 2. neither you nor an immediate family member are able to control the underlying assets. Owner of Interest Full Name of Company or ticker symbol B. Stock options in a company or business? ☐ Yes ☒ No Owner of Stock Option Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) C. Interests in a non-publicly owned company or business entity? These include interests in sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and closely held corporations. ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 4. Owner of Interest Name of Company or Business Entity Albert George Searles (Self) AJS Farms LLC C (1). For each company or business entity identified in question 3.C. (the “Primary Company”), please list the names of any other companies or business entities in which the Primary Company owns securities or equity interests valued at over $10,000, if known. Non-Publicly Owned Company or Business Entity (the Primary Company) Other Companies in which the Primary Company Owns Security or Equity Interests None or Not Known C (2). If you know that any entity listed in 3.C or 3.C(1) above has any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina, or is regulated by the State, briefly describe that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 4. As of December 31, 2019, were you or any members of your immediate family the beneficiaries of a vested trust with a value of $10,000 or more that you created, established, or controlled? Do not list assets held in blind trusts. See 2020 SEI Helpful Tips for the definition of “Vested Trust” and “Blind Trust.” ☐ Yes ☒ No Name and Address of Trustee Description of the Trust Your Relationship to the Trust The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 4 of 10 5. As of December 31, 2019, did you any members of your immediate family have liabilities of $10,000 or more, excluding the mortgage on your primary personal residence? Examples include credit card debts, auto loans, student loans, personal loans and intra-family debt. ☒ Yes ☐ No Name of Debtor Type of Creditor (commercial Bank, credit union, individual, etc.) (Self plus Spouse) Cape Fear Farm Credit 6. List each source of income (not specific amounts) of more than $5,000 received by you or any members of your immediate family during 2019. Include salary, wages, state/local government retirement income, professional fees, honoraria, interest, dividends, rental income, business income, and other types required to be reported on State and federal tax returns. Please remember to disclose your receipt of salary or wages from any governmental or private entity. Do not include income received from the following sources: ► Capital gains ► Federal government retirement ► Military retirement ► Social security income/SSDI Recipient of Income Name of Source Type of Business/Industry Type of Income Albert George Searles (Self) Smithfield Hog Production Agriculture / Hog Production Salary Jan K Searles (Spouse) Harrell's Christian Academy Private School Wages The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 5 of 10 Professional and Civic Relationships 7(a). During 2019, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, governing board member, employee, independent contractor, or registered lobbyist of a nonprofit corporation or organization operating in North Carolina primarily for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, public health and safety, or educational purposes? ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 8. ► Do not list State boards or entities. ► Do not list organizations of which you are a mere member. Name of Person Position Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Nature or Purpose of Organization Albert George Searles (Self) Board Member Warsaw Chamber of Commerce Business / town support Albert George Searles (Self) Officer - Treasurer Eastern NC Workforce Development Board WIOA / Workforce funds administration and oversight 7(b). If the nonprofit corporations or organizations listed above do business with the State of North Carolina or receive State funds, briefly describe the nature of that business, if known or with due diligence could reasonably be known. Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Describe State Business Eastern NC Workforce Development Board Oversight for distribution of state funding for various workforce development grants and projects. Warsaw Chamber of Commerce None or Not Known 8. During 2019, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, or governing board member of any society, organization, or advocacy group with an interest in matters over which your agency or board may have jurisdiction? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing because you are a legislator or judicial officer or you are filing as an appointee to one of those offices. ►Do not list organizations of which you are only a member and do not serve in a leadership role. Name of Person Name of Society, Organization, or Advocacy Group Leadership Position (Director, Officer, Board Member) The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 6 of 10 9(a). List the name of each business with which you were associated where you or a member of your immediate family was an employee, director, officer, partner, proprietor, or member or manager as of December 31, 2019. Name of Person Relationship to Filer Name of Company Role of Person No Business Associations 9(b). If you know that any entity listed in 9(a) above had any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina or was regulated by the State as of December 31, 2019, briefly describe that activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 10. Are you a practicing attorney? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer/State Attorney If “Yes”, check each category of legal representation in which you or the law firm with which you are affiliated has earned legal fees of more than $10,000 during 2019. ☐ Administrative ☐ Admiralty ☐ Corporate ☐ Criminal ☐ Decedent’s Estates ☐ Environmental ☐ Insurance ☐ Labor ☐ Local Government ☐ Real Property ☐ Securities ☐ Tax ☐ Tort litigation (including negligence) ☐ Utilities Regulation ☐ Other category not listed 11. During 2019, were you a licensed professional (other than an attorney) or did you provide consulting services individually or as a member of a professional association for which you charged or were paid over $10,000? ☐ Yes ☒ No Type of Business Nature of Services Rendered The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 7 of 10 12. Are you or your employer, or any members of your immediate family, or their employers currently:  licensed by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  regulated by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  in a business relationship with the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing because you are a legislator or a judicial officer or you are filing as an appointee to one of those offices. Name of Person Name of Employer (if applicable) Type of Relationship (Licensing, Regulatory, Business) 13. Have you or a member of your immediate family been registered as a lobbyist or lobbyist principal within the 12 months preceding your filing of this form? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lobbyist Lobbyist’s Principal Date of Registration Registration Expiration Other Disclosures 14. During 2019, after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  receive any “gift(s)” exceeding $200 per quarter from a person or group of persons acting together,  when both you and those person(s) were outside North Carolina,  under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to conclude the gifts were given for lobbying? To answer Yes, all three conditions must apply ☐ Yes ☒ No ► Do not report gifts given by members of your extended family. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” Date Item Received Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Item Received Estimated Market Value The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 8 of 10 15. During 2019, after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  accept a “scholarship” exceeding $200 related to your public position from a person or group of persons acting together,  when those person(s) were outside North Carolina? To answer Yes, both conditions must apply A “scholarship” is a grant-in-aid, either direct or indirect, to attend a conference, meeting, or similar event, including tuition, travel, lodging, meals, and other similar expenses. ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are a judicial officer or you are filing as a judicial officer appointee. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” ► Legislators are not required to report scholarships paid by a nonpartisan legislative organization of which the legislator or the General Assembly is a member, participant, or affiliate. Date of Scholarship Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Event Estimated Market Value 16. Have you been appointed or considered for appointment to a covered board by the Governor or another Council of State member? Council of State members are: ► Governor ► Lt. Governor ► Secretary of State ► State Auditor ► State Treasurer ► Superintendent of Public Instruction ► Attorney General ► Commissioner of Agriculture ► Commissioner of Labor ► Commissioner of Insurance ☐ Yes ☒ No If “Yes,” list all contributions you made in 2019 with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 to the Council of State member who appointed you. Do not include contributions from immediate family members. ► Contributions are defined broadly in N.C.G.S. 163-278.6(6) and include “any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, payment, gift, pledge or subscription of money or anything of value whatsoever.” Date Amount Contributed to The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 9 of 10 17. Are you an appointee or prospective appointee as: a. the head of a principal state department (e.g., cabinet secretary) appointed by the Governor; or b. a North Carolina Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals, Superior or District Court Judge; or c. a member of any of the following boards:  ABC Commission  Coastal Resources Commission  State Board of Education  State Board of Elections  Division of Employment Security  Environmental Management Commission  Industrial Commission  Human Resources Commission  Rules Review Commission  Board of Transportation  Utilities Commission  Wildlife Resources Commission ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. d. If so, were you appointed or are you being considered for appointment to that position by a Council of State member? ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. e. If so, you must indicate whether during 2019 you engaged in any of the following activities with respect to or on behalf of the candidate or campaign committee of the Council of State member who appointed you: i. Collected contributions from multiple contributors, took possession of such multiple contributions, and transferred or delivered those collected contributions to the candidate or committee? ☐ Yes ☐ No ii. Hosted a fundraiser at your residence or place of business? ☐ Yes ☐ No iii. Volunteered for campaign-related activities, including phone banks, event assistance, mailings, canvassing, surveying, or any other activity that advances the campaign of a candidate? ☐ Yes ☐ No 18. Have you ever been convicted of a felony for which you have not received either: (i) a pardon; or (ii) an order of expungement? ☐ Yes ☒ No Offense Date of Conviction County of Conviction State of Conviction 19. Are you aware of any other information that you believe may assist the Ethics Commission in advising you concerning your compliance with the State Government Ethics Act? ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, please provide that information below. The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 10 of 10 Affirmation The information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have not transferred, and will not transfer, any asset, interest, or property for the purpose of concealing it from disclosure while retaining an equitable interest. I understand that my Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments except for the Confidential Form regarding Unemancipated Children are public records. I have read and understand the following statutes: N.C.G.S. § 138A-26. Concealing or failing to disclose material information. A filing person who knowingly conceals or knowingly fails to disclose information that is required to be disclosed on a statement of economic interest . . . shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. N.C.G.S. § 138A-27. Penalty for false information. A filing person who provides false information on a statement of economic interest . . . knowing that the information is false is guilty of a Class H felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. I affirm under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Filed Electronically 04/14/2020 Signature Date Albert George Searles Printed Name Submit signed, original documents only. Do not fax or e-mail this form.

The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 1 of 10 STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 2019 STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST This entire form must be completed to fulfill your ethics filing obligation. ____ Checked for completion ____Scanned ______Date Incomplete Qs ____ ____ ____ ____ Supp. sent date _______ by _____ Supp. received date _________ Entered in database ______ by ______ Filer’s Name (First, Middle, Last) Prefix First Name Middle Name Last Name Suffix Mr. Albert George Searles Current Employer Job Title Smithfield Hog Production VP Transportation Nature or Type of Business Agriculture Reason For Filing (Complete all that apply.) State Government Job (Specify agency and position.) Board/Commission (List complete names of all State boards on which you are serving or are being considered.) James Sprunt Community College Trustees Judicial Officer (Specify office.) Legislator (Specify House or Senate.) A. Do other immediate family members reside in your household? ☒ Yes ☐ No On this form, ”immediate family” includes your spouse (unless legally separated). It also includes members of your extended family (your and your spouse’s children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings, and the spouses of each of those persons) who reside in your household. List the full name of all adults and emancipated minors in your household. Minors are children under 18. They are emancipated by marriage, enlistment in the US military, or court order for emancipation. Full names of Adults and Emancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Jan K Searles Spouse Harrell's Christian Accademy Assistant to Head Master Education For Staff Use Only Date Received: The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 2 of 10 B. List only the initials of all unemancipated minors in your household below. A minor is a child under 18 years old. List the full name of each minor child on the Confidential Form at the end. Initials of Unemancipated Minors Relationship Employer Job Title Nature of Business Property Interests 1. As of December 31, 2018, did you or any members of your immediate family: A. have an ownership interest in North Carolina real estate (including your residence) with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☒ Yes ☐ No Owner of Real Estate % Ownership Interest Location by City Location by County (Self plus Spouse) 100.00% Warsaw Duplin B. lease or rent real estate or personal property to or from the State of North Carolina with a market value of $10,000 or more? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lessor Name of Lessee (Renter) If Real Estate, Location by City & County If Personal Property, Describe 2. At any time during 2017 or 2018, did you or any members of your immediate family sell to or buy from the State of North Carolina personal property worth $10,000 or more? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Purchaser Name of Seller Type of Property The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 3 of 10 Financial Interests 3. As of December 31, 2018, did you or any members of your immediate family own any of the following financial interests valued at $10,000 or more? List each company individually. A. Stock in a publicly owned company? ☐ Yes ☒ No ►Do not list interests in a widely held investment fund (including mutual funds, regulated investment companies, or pension or deferred compensation plans) if: 1. the fund is publicly traded or its assets are widely diversified; and 2. neither you nor an immediate family member are able to control the underlying assets. Owner of Interest Full Name of Company or ticker symbol B. Stock options in a company or business? ☐ Yes ☒ No Owner of Stock Option Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) C. Interests in a non-publicly owned company or business entity? These include interests in sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and closely held corporations. ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 4. Owner of Interest Name of Company or Business Entity Albert George Searles (Self) AJS Farms LLC C (1). For each company or business entity identified in question 3.C. (the “Primary Company”), please list the names of any other companies or business entities in which the Primary Company owns securities or equity interests valued at over $10,000, if known. Non-Publicly Owned Company or Business Entity (the Primary Company) Other Companies in which the Primary Company Owns Security or Equity Interests None or Not Known C (2). If you know that any entity listed in 3.C or 3.C(1) above has any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina, or is regulated by the State, briefly describe that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 4. As of December 31, 2018, were you or any members of your immediate family the beneficiaries of a vested trust with a value of $10,000 or more that you created, established, or controlled? Do not list assets held in blind trusts. See 2019 SEI Helpful Tips for the definition of “Vested Trust” and “Blind Trust.” ☐ Yes ☒ No Name and Address of Trustee Description of the Trust Your Relationship to the Trust The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 4 of 10 5. As of December 31, 2018, did you any members of your immediate family have liabilities of $10,000 or more, excluding the mortgage on your primary personal residence? Examples include credit card debts, auto loans, student loans, personal loans and intra-family debt. ☒ Yes ☐ No Name of Debtor Type of Creditor (commercial Bank, credit union, individual, etc.) (Self plus Spouse) Personal loan 6. List each source of income (not specific amounts) of more than $5,000 received by you or any members of your immediate family during 2018. Include salary, wages, state/local government retirement income, professional fees, honoraria, interest, dividends, rental income, business income, and other types required to be reported on State and federal tax returns. Do not include income received from the following sources: ► Capital gains ► Federal government retirement ► Military retirement ► Social security income/SSDI Recipient of Income Name of Source Type of Business/Industry Type of Income Albert George Searles (Self) Smithfield Hog Production Agriculture / Hog Production Salary Jan K Searles (Spouse) Harrell's Christian Academy Private School Wages The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 5 of 10 Professional and Civic Relationships 7(a). During 2018, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, governing board member, employee, independent contractor, or registered lobbyist of a nonprofit corporation or organization operating in North Carolina primarily for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, public health and safety, or educational purposes? ☒ Yes ☐ No - If “No,” proceed to question 8. ► Do not list State boards or entities. ► Do not list organizations of which you are a mere member. Name of Person Position Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Nature or Purpose of Organization Albert George Searles (Self) Governing Board Member Warsaw Chamber of Commerce Business / town support Albert George Searles (Self) Officer - Treasurer Eastern NC Workforce Development Board WIOA / Workforce funds administration and oversight 7(b). If the nonprofit corporations or organizations listed above do business with the State of North Carolina or receive State funds, briefly describe the nature of that business, if known or with due diligence could reasonably be known. Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Describe State Business Eastern NC Workforce Development Board Oversight for distribution of state funding for various workforce development grants and projects. Warsaw Chamber of Commerce None or Not Known 8. During 2018, were you or any members of your immediate family a director, officer, or governing board member of any society, organization, or advocacy group with an interest in matters over which your agency or board may have jurisdiction? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing because you are a legislator or judicial officer or you are filing as an appointee to one of those offices. ►Do not list organizations of which you are only a member and do not serve in a leadership role. Name of Person Name of Society, Organization, or Advocacy Group Leadership Position (Director, Officer, Board Member) The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 6 of 10 9(a). List the name of each business with which you were associated where you or a member of your immediate family was an employee, director, officer, partner, proprietor, or member or manager as of December 31, 2018. Name of Person Relationship to Filer Name of Company Role of Person No Business Associations 9(b). If you know that any entity listed in 9(a) above had any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina or was regulated by the State as of December 31, 2018, briefly describe that activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 10. Are you a practicing attorney? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer/State Attorney If “Yes”, check each category of legal representation in which you or the law firm with which you are affiliated has earned legal fees of more than $10,000 during 2018. ☐ Administrative ☐ Admiralty ☐ Corporate ☐ Criminal ☐ Decedent’s Estates ☐ Environmental ☐ Insurance ☐ Labor ☐ Local Government ☐ Real Property ☐ Securities ☐ Tax ☐ Tort litigation (including negligence) ☐ Utilities Regulation ☐ Other category not listed 11. During 2018, were you a licensed professional (other than an attorney) or did you provide consulting services individually or as a member of a professional association for which you charged or were paid over $10,000? ☐ Yes ☒ No Type of Business Nature of Services Rendered The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 7 of 10 12. Are you or your employer, or any members of your immediate family, or their employers currently:  licensed by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  regulated by the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated or  in a business relationship with the State board or agency with which you are or will be associated? ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing because you are a legislator or a judicial officer or you are filing as an appointee to one of those offices. Name of Person Name of Employer (if applicable) Type of Relationship (Licensing, Regulatory, Business) 13. Have you or a member of your immediate family been registered as a lobbyist or lobbyist principal within the 12 months preceding your filing of this form? ☐ Yes ☒ No Name of Lobbyist Lobbyist’s Principal Date of Registration Registration Expiration Other Disclosures 14. During 2018, after you were (1) appointed, (2) employed, or (3) filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  receive any “gift(s)” exceeding $200 per quarter from a person or group of persons acting together,  when both you and those person(s) were outside North Carolina,  under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to conclude the gifts were given for lobbying? ☐ Yes ☒ No ► Do not report gifts given by members of your extended family. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” Date Item Received Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Item Received Estimated Market Value The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 8 of 10 15. During 2018, after you were (1) appointed, (2) employed, or (3) filed or were nominated as a candidate, did you  accept a “scholarship” exceeding $200 related to your public position from a person or group of persons acting together,  when those person(s) were outside North Carolina? A “scholarship” is a grant-in-aid, either direct or indirect, to attend a conference, meeting, or similar event, including tuition, travel, lodging, meals, and other similar expenses. ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are a judicial officer or you are filing as a judicial officer appointee. ► Do not report gifts you have previously reported on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” ► Legislators are not required to report scholarships paid by a nonpartisan legislative organization of which the legislator or the General Assembly is a member, participant, or affiliate. Date of Scholarship Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Event Estimated Market Value 16. Have you been appointed or considered for appointment to a covered board by the Governor or another Council of State member? Council of State members are: ► Governor ► Lt. Governor ► Secretary of State ► State Auditor ► State Treasurer ► Superintendent of Public Instruction ► Attorney General ► Commissioner of Agriculture ► Commissioner of Labor ► Commissioner of Insurance ☐ Yes ☒ No If “Yes,” list all contributions you made in 2018 with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 to the Council of State member who appointed you. Do not include contributions from immediate family members. ► Contributions are defined broadly in N.C.G.S. § 163A-1411(13) and include “any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, payment, gift, pledge or subscription of money or anything of value whatsoever.” Date Amount Contributed to The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 9 of 10 17. Are you an appointee or prospective appointee as: a. the head of a principal state department (e.g., cabinet secretary) appointed by the Governor; or b. a North Carolina Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals, Superior or District Court Judge; or c. a member of any of the following boards:  ABC Commission  Coastal Resources Commission  State Board of Education  State Board of Elections  Division of Employment Security  Environmental Management Commission  Industrial Commission  Human Resources Commission  Rules Review Commission  Board of Transportation  UNC Board of Governors  Utilities Commission  Wildlife Resources Commission ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. d. If so, were you appointed or are you being considered for appointment to that position by a Council of State member? ☐ Yes ☒ No If “No,” proceed to question 18. e. If so, you must indicate whether during 2018 you engaged in any of the following activities with respect to or on behalf of the candidate or campaign committee of the Council of State member who appointed you: i. Collected contributions from multiple contributors, took possession of such multiple contributions, and transferred or delivered those collected contributions to the candidate or committee? ☐ Yes ☐ No ii. Hosted a fundraiser at your residence or place of business? ☐ Yes ☐ No iii. Volunteered for campaign-related activities, including phone banks, event assistance, mailings, canvassing, surveying, or any other activity that advances the campaign of a candidate? ☐ Yes ☐ No 18. Have you ever been convicted of a felony for which you have not received either: (i) a pardon; or (ii) an order of expungement? ☐ Yes ☒ No Offense Date of Conviction County of Conviction State of Conviction 19. Are you aware of any other information that you believe may assist the Ethics Commission in advising you concerning your compliance with the State Government Ethics Act? ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, please provide that information below. The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 10 of 10 Affirmation The information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have not transferred, and will not transfer, any asset, interest, or property for the purpose of concealing it from disclosure while retaining an equitable interest. I understand that my Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments except for the Confidential Form regarding Unemancipated Children are public records. I have read and understand the following statutes: N.C.G.S. § 163A-191. Concealing or failing to disclose material information. A filing person who knowingly conceals or knowingly fails to disclose information that is required to be disclosed on a statement of economic interest . . . shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 163A-415. N.C.G.S. § 163A-192. Penalty for false information. A filing person who provides false information on a statement of economic interest . . . knowing that the information is false is guilty of a Class H felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 163A-415. I affirm that I have reviewed my most recently filed 2018 Statement of Economic Interest and that as of December 31, 2018, my responses continue to be true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I affirm under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Filed Electronically 04/13/2019 Signature Date Albert George Searles Printed Name Submit signed, original documents only. Do not fax or e-mail this form.

COMPLETE THIS FORM AND MAIL SIGNED, ORIGINAL TO STATE ETHICS COMMISSION, 1324 MAIL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH, NC 27699-1324 NORTH CAROLINA STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 2017 STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST 919-814-3600 www.ethicscommission.nc.gov FILER'S NAME (FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST) Prefix First Name Middle Name Last Name Suffix Mr. Albert George Searles CURRENT EMPLOYER JOB TITLE Smithfield Hog Production Division VP Transportation NATURE OR TYPE OF BUSINESS Farming / Hog Production REASON FOR FILING (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) STATE GOVERNMENT JOB (Specify Agency) BOARD/COMMISSION (List complete name of all State boards on which you are serving or are being considered) James Sprunt Community College Trustees; JUDICIAL OFFICER (Specify Office) LEGISLATOR (Specify House or Senate) The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 1 of 11 A. Do other immediate family members reside in your household? Yes No When used throughout this form, the term Immediate family includes your spouse (unless legally separated). It also includes members of your extended family (your and your spouse’s children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings, and the spouses of each of those persons) who reside in your household. List the full name of all adults and emancipated minors in your household. A minor is a child under 18 years old. Minors are emancipated by marriage, enlistment in the US military, or court order for emancipation. FULL NAME OF ADULTS & EMANCIPATED MINORS RELATIONSHIP EMPLOYER JOB TITLE NATURE OF BUSINESS Jan Kever Searles Wife Harrells Christian Academy Assistant to the Head Master Private Education Emily K. Searles Daughter Student NA NA B. List ONLY the initials of all unemancipated minors in your household below. A minor is a child under 18 years old. Note: You must list the full name of each minor child on the Confidential Form available at the end of this document. INITIALS FOR UNEMANCIPATED CHILDREN RELATIONSHIP EMPLOYER JOB TITLE NATURE OF BUSINESS PROPERTY INTERESTS 1. As of December 31, 2016, did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family: A. Have an ownership interest in North Carolina real estate (including your residence) with a market value of $10,000 or more? Yes No Owner of Real Estate % Ownership Interest Location by City Location by County Albert & Jan Searles 100 Warsaw Duplin Albert & Jan Searles 100 Warsaw area Duplin B. Lease or rent real estate or personal property to or from the State of North Carolina with a market value of $10,000 or more? Yes No Name of Lessor Name of Lessee (Renter) If Real Estate, Location by City & County If Personal Property, Describe The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 2 of 11 2. At any time during 2015 or 2016 , did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family sell to or buy from the State of North Carolina personal property with a market value of $10,000 or more? Yes No Name of Purchaser Name of Seller Type of Property FINANCIAL INTERESTS 3. As of December 31, 2016, did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family own any of the following financial interests valued at $10,000 or more? LIST EACH COMPANY INDIVIDUALLY A. Stock in a publicly owned company? Yes No Do not list ownership interests in a widely held investment fund (including mutual funds, regulated investment companies, or pension or deferred compensation plans) if: (i) the fund is publicly traded or its assets are widely diversified; and (ii) neither you nor an immediate family member are able to control the assets held in the mutual fund, investment company, or pension or deferred compensation plan. Owner of Interest Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) B. Stock Options in a company or business? Yes No Owner of Stock Option Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) C. Interests in a non-publicly owned company or business entity (including interests in sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and closely held corporations)? Yes No If "No", proceed to question 4. Owner of Interest Name of Company or Business Entity Albert G. Searles AJS Farms LLC The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 3 of 11 C (1). For each non-publicly owned company or business entity (the “primary company”) identified in question 3.C above, please list the names of any other companies or business entities in which the primary company owns securities or equity interests valued at over $10,000, if known. Non-Publicly Owned Company or Business Entity (the Primary Company) Other Companies in which the Primary Company Owns Security or Equity Interests None or Not Known C (2). If you know that any company or business entity listed in 3.C or 3.C(1) above has any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina, or is regulated by the State, provide a brief description of that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 4. As of December 31, 2016, were you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family the beneficiaries of a vested trust with a value of $10,000 or more that was created, established, or controlled by you? Do not list assets held in blind trusts. See 2017 SEI Helpful Tips for the definition of “Vested Trust” and “Blind Trust.” Yes No Name and Address of Trustee Description of the Trust Your Relationship to the Trust 5. As of December 31, 2016, did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family have liabilities of $10,000 or more, excluding the mortgage on your primary personal residence? Examples include credit card debts, auto loans, student loans, personal loans and intra-family debt. Yes No Name of Debtor (You, Spouse, Immediate Family Member) Type of Creditor (Commercial Bank, Credit Union, Individual, etc.) Cape Fear Farm Credit Bank JohnDeere Financial Lending Company The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 4 of 11 6. List each source of income (not specific amounts) of more than $5,000 received by you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family during 2016. Include salary, wages, state/local government retirement, professional fees, honoraria, interest, dividends, rental income, business income, and other types of income required to be reported on your State and federal tax returns. Do not include income received from the following sources: Capital gains Federal government retirement Military retirement Social security income/SSDI Recipient of Income Name of Source Type of Business/Industry Type of Income I had no reportable income over $5,000 in 2016. Albert G. Searles Murphy Brown LLC Agriculture Wages Jan K. Searles Harrells Christian Academy Private School Wages PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC RELATIONSHIPS 7(a). During 2016, were you, your spouse or members of your immediate family a director, officer, governing board member, employee, independent contractor, or registered lobbyist of a nonprofit corporation or organization operating in the State of North Carolina primarily for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, public health and safety, or educational purposes? Yes No If "No", proceed to question 8. Do not list State boards or entities, or entities created by a political subdivision of the State. Do not list organizations of which you are a mere member. Name of Person His/Her Position Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Nature of Business or Purpose of Organization 7(b). If the nonprofit corporations or organizations listed above do business with the State of North Carolina or receive State funds, please provide a brief description of the nature of that business, if known or with which due diligence could reasonably be known. Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Describe State Business or State Funding None or Not Known The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 5 of 11 Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 8. During 2016, were you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family a director, officer, or governing board member of any society, organization, or advocacy group with an interest in matters over which your agency or board may have jurisdiction? Yes No Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing because you are a legislator or a judicial officer or you are filing as an appointee to those offices. Do not list organizations of which you are only a member (not serving in a leadership role). Name of Person Name of Society, Organization or Advocacy Group Leadership Position (Director, Officer, Board Member) 9(a). List the name of each company or business with which you were associated where you or a member of your immediate family was an employee, director, officer, partner, proprietor, or member or manager as of December 31, 2016. Name of Person Relationship to Filer Name of Company Role of Person No Business Associations Albert G. Searles Self Smithfield Hog Production VP Transportation Jan K. Searles Spouse Harrells Christian Academy Assistant to the Head Master 9(b). If you know that any company or business entity listed in 9(a) above had any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina or was regulated by the State as of December 31, 2016, provide a brief description of that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State Not applicable (No entities listed on #9a) No relationship / Not known Smithfield Hog Production Regulated as a hog producer, and as owners of trucks by the DOT. 10. Are you a practicing attorney? Yes No Judicial Officer/State Attorney If “Yes”, check each category of legal representation in which you or the law firm with which you are affiliated has earned legal fees of more than $10,000 during 2016. Administrative Admiralty Corporate Criminal Decedent’s Estates Environmental Insurance Labor Local Government Real Property Securities Tax Tort litigation (including negligence) Utilities Regulation Other category not listed. The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 6 of 11 11. During 2016, were you a licensed professional (other than an attorney) or did you provide consulting services individually or as a member of a professional association for which you charged or were paid over $10,000? Yes No Type of Business Nature of Services Rendered Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 12. Are you or your employer, your spouse or members of your immediate family, or their employer currently: • Licensed by the State board or employing entity with which you are or will be associated or • Regulated by the State board or employing entity with which you are or will be associated or • Have a business relationship with the State board or employing entity with which you are or will be associated? Yes No Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing because you are a legislator or a judicial officer (“judicial officer” is defined in the SEI Helpful Tips) or you are filing as an appointee to those offices. Name of Person Name of Employer (if applicable) Type of Relationship (Licensing, Regulatory, Business) 13. Are you, your spouse, or a member of your immediate family currently registered as a lobbyist or lobbyist principal or were you registered as such within the 12 months preceding your filing of this form? Yes No Name of Lobbyist Lobbyist’s Principal Date of Registration Registration Expiration OTHER DISCLOSURES The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 7 of 11 14. During any calendar quarter in 2016 (but only the time period after you were appointed, employed or filed or were nominated as a candidate), did you • receive any gift(s) exceeding $200 per quarter from a person or group of persons acting together, and • when both you and those person(s) were outside North Carolina at the time you accepted the gift(s), and • the gift(s) were given under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that they were given for lobbying? Yes No Do not report gifts given by members of your extended family. Do not report gifts that have previously been reported by you to the Department of the Secretary of State on the "Expense Report for Exempted Persons." Date Item Received Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Item Received Estimated Market Value Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 15. During 2016 (but only the time period after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate) did you • accepted a “scholarship” exceeding $200 from a person or group of persons acting together and • those person(s) were outside North Carolina and • the scholarship was related to your public position? A “scholarship” is a grant-in-aid, either direct or indirect, to attend a conference, meeting, or similar event, including tuition, travel, lodging, meals, and other similar expenses. Yes No Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are a judicial officer or you are filing as a judicial officer appointee. Do not report gifts that have previously been reported by you to the Department of the Secretary of State on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” Legislators are not required to report scholarships paid by a nonpartisan legislative organization of which the legislator or the General Assembly is a member or participant or an affiliate of that organization. Date of Scholarship Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Event Estimated Market Value The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 8 of 11 Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 16. Were you appointed or are you being considered for an appointment to a covered board by the Governor or another Council of State member? Council of State members are: • Governor • Lt. Governor • Secretary of State • State Auditor • State Treasurer • Superintendent of Public Instruction • Attorney General • Commissioner of Agriculture • Commissioner of Labor • Commissioner of Insurance Yes No If “Yes”, list all contributions you (NOT immediate family members) made during 2016 with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 to the Governor or other Council of State member who appointed you. Contributions are defined in N.C.G.S. 163-278.6(6) and include, but are not limited to, “any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, payment, gift, pledge or subscription of money or anything of value whatsoever.” Date Amount Contributed to No contribution(s) with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 9 of 11 Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 17. Are you an appointee or prospective appointee to: a. the head of a principal state department (e.g. cabinet secretary) appointed by the Governor; or b. a North Carolina Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals, Superior or District Court Judge; or c. a member of any of the following boards: • ABC Commission • Coastal Resources Commission • State Board of Education • State Board of Elections • Division of Employment Security • Environmental Management Commission • Industrial Commission • Human Resources Commission • Rules Review Commission • Board of Transportation • UNC Board of Governors • Utilities Commission • Wildlife Resources Commission Yes No If "No", proceed to question 18. d. If so, were you appointed or are you being considered for appointment to that public position by a Council of State member? Council of State members are listed in question 16. Yes No If "No", proceed to question 18. e. If so, you must indicate whether during 2016 you (not immediate family members) engaged in any of the following activities with respect to or on behalf of the candidate or campaign committee of the Council of State member who appointed you to your public position: i. Collected contributions from multiple contributors, took possession of such multiple contributions, and transferred or delivered those collected contributions to the candidate or committee? Contributions are defined in question 16. Yes No ii. Hosted a fundraiser at your residence or place of business? Yes No iii. Volunteered for campaign-related activities, which include, but are not limited to, phone banks, event assistance, mailings, canvassing, surveying, or any other activity that advances the campaign of a candidate? Yes No 18. Have you ever been convicted of a felony for which you have not received either: (i) a pardon of innocence; or (ii) an order of expungement regarding that conviction? Yes No Offense Date of Conviction County of Conviction State of Conviction The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 10 of 11 19. Are you aware of any other information that you believe may assist the State Ethics Commission in advising you concerning your compliance with the State Government Ethics Act? Yes No If yes, please provide such information below. AFFIRMATION I affirm that the information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments hereto are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I also certify that I have not transferred, and will not transfer, any asset, interest, or property for the purpose of concealing it from disclosure while retaining an equitable interest. I understand that my Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments or supplements thereto (with the exception of the Confidential Form regarding Unemancipated Children) are public record. I acknowledge that I have read and understand N.C.G.S. 138A-26 regarding concealing or failing to disclose material information and N.C.G.S. 138A-27 regarding providing false information: § 138A-26. Concealing or failing to disclose material information. A filing person who knowingly conceals or knowingly fails to disclose information that is required to be disclosed on a statement of economic interest under this Article shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. § 138A-27. Penalty for false information. A filing person who provides false information on a statement of economic interest as required under this Article knowing that the information is false is guilty of a Class H felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. I Agree. It is my intention that this check box constitutes my electronic signature. By checking this box I certify that the information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments hereto are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. Filed Electronically 4/2/2017 Signature Date Albert George Searles Printed Name The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 11 of 11

COMPLETE THIS FORM AND MAIL SIGNED, ORIGINAL TO STATE ETHICS COMMISSION, 1324 MAIL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH, NC 27699-1324 NORTH CAROLINA STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 2016 STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST 919-814-3600 www.ethicscommission.nc.gov FILER'S NAME (FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST) Prefix First Name Middle Name Last Name Suffix Mr. Albert George Searles CURRENT EMPLOYER JOB TITLE Smithfield Hog Production VP Transporation NATURE OR TYPE OF BUSINESS Agriculture REASON FOR FILING (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) STATE GOVERNMENT JOB (Please specify the agency for which you work or are being considered) BOARD/COMMISSION (Please list complete name of all State boards on which you are serving or are being considered) James Sprunt Community College Trustees; JUDICIAL OFFICER (Please specify the office you hold) LEGISLATOR (Please specify House or Senate) The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 1 of 11 A. Do other immediate family members reside in your household? Yes No When used throughout this form, the term Immediate family includes your spouse (unless legally separated). It also includes members of your extended family (your and your spouse’s children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings, and the spouses of each of those persons) who reside in your household. List the full name of all adults and emancipated minors in your household. A minor is a child under 18 years old. Minors are emancipated by marriage, enlistment in the US military or court order for emancipation. FULL NAME OF ADULTS & EMANCIPATED MINORS RELATIONSHIP EMPLOYER JOB TITLE NATURE OF BUSINESS Jan Kever Searles Wife Harrells Christian Academy Assistant to the Head Master Private Education Emily K. Searles Daughter Student NA NA B. List ONLY the initials of all emancipated minors in your household below. A minor is a child under 18 years old. Minors are emancipated by marriage, enlistment in the US military or court order for emancipation. Note: You must list the full name of each minor child on the Confidential Form available at the end of this document. INITIALS FOR UNEMANCIPATED CHILDREN RELATIONSHIP EMPLOYER JOB TITLE NATURE OF BUSINESS PROPERTY INTERESTS 1. As of December 31, 2015, did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family: A. Have an ownership interest in North Carolina real estate (including your residence) with a market value of $10,000 or more? Yes No Owner of Real Estate % Ownership Interest Location by City Location by County Albert & Jan Searles 100 Warsaw Duplin Albert & Jan Searles 100 Warsaw area Duplin B. Lease or rent real estate or personal property to or from the State of North Carolina with a market value of $10,000 or more? Yes No Name of Lessor Name of Lessee (Renter) If Real Estate, Location by City & County If Personal Property, Describe The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 2 of 11 2. At any time during 2014 or 2015 , did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family sell to or buy from the State of North Carolina personal property with a market value of $10,000 or more? Yes No Name of Purchaser Name of Seller Type of Property FINANCIAL INTERESTS 3. As of December 31, 2015, did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family own any of the following financial interests valued at $10,000 or more? A. Stock in a publicly owned company? Yes No Do not list ownership interests in a widely held investment fund (including mutual funds, regulated investment companies, or pension or deferred compensation plans) if: (i) the fund is publicly traded or its assets are widely diversified; and (ii) neither you nor an immediate family member are able to control the assets held in the mutual fund, investment company, or pension or deferred compensation plan. Owner of Interest Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) B. Stock Options in a company or business? Yes No Owner of Stock Option Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) C. Interests in a non-publicly owned company or business entity (including interests in sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and closely held corporations)? Yes No If "No", proceed to question 4. Owner of Interest Name of Company or Business Entity Albert G. Searles AJS Farms LLC The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 3 of 11 C (1). For each non-publicly owned company or business entity (the “primary company”) identified in question 3.C above, please list the names of any other companies or business entities in which the primary company owns securities or equity interests valued at over $10,000, if known. Non-Publicly Owned Company or Business Entity (the Primary Company) Other Companies in which the Primary Company Owns Security or Equity Interests None or Not Known C (2). If you know that any company or business entity listed in 3.C or 3.C(1) above has any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina, or is regulated by the State, provide a brief description of that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 4. As of December 31, 2015, were you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family the beneficiaries of a vested trust with a value of $10,000 or more that was created, established, or controlled by you? Do not list assets held in blind trusts. See 2016 SEI Helpful Tips for the definition of “Vested Trust” and “Blind Trust.” Yes No Name and Address of Trustee Description of the Trust Your Relationship to the Trust 5. As of December 31, 2015, did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family have liabilities of $10,000 or more, excluding the mortgage on your primary personal residence? Examples include credit card debts, auto loans, student loans, personal loans and intra-family debt. Yes No Name of Debtor (You, Spouse, Immediate Family Member) Type of Creditor (Commercial Bank, Credit Union, Individual, etc.) Cape Fear Farm Credit Bank JohnDeere Financial Lending Company The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 4 of 11 6. List each source of income (not specific amounts) of more than $5,000 received by you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family during 2015. Include salary, wages, state/local government retirement, professional fees, honoraria, interest, dividends, rental income, business income, and other types of income required to be reported on your State and federal tax returns. Do not include income received from the following sources: Capital gains Federal government retirement Military retirement Social security income/SSDI Recipient of Income Name of Source Type of Business/Industry Type of Income I had no reportable income over $5,000 in 2015. Albert G. Searles Murphy Brown LLC Agriculture Wages Jan K. Searles Harrells Christian Academy Private School Wages PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC RELATIONSHIPS 7(a). During 2015, were you, your spouse or members of your immediate family a director, officer, governing board member, employee, independent contractor, or registered lobbyist of a nonprofit corporation or organization operating in the State of North Carolina primarily for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, public health and safety, or educational purposes? Yes No If "No", proceed to question 8. Do not list State boards or entities, or entities created by a political subdivision of the State. Do not list organizations of which you are a mere member. Name of Person His/Her Position Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Nature of Business or Purpose of Organization Albert G. Searles President Warsaw Chamber of Commerce Promote town of Warsaw Albert G. Searles Vice Chair Easter Carolina Work Force Development Board Administer funding for Work Force development 7(b). If the nonprofit corporations or organizations listed above do business with the State of North Carolina or receive State funds, please provide a brief description of the nature of that business, if known or with which due diligence could reasonably be known. Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Describe State Business or State Funding None or Not Known The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 5 of 11 Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 8. During 2015, were you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family a director, officer, or governing board member of any society, organization, or advocacy group with an interest in matters over which your agency or board may have jurisdiction? Yes No Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing because you are a legislator or a judicial officer or you are filing as an appointee to those offices. Do not list organizations of which you are only a member (not serving in a leadership role). Name of Person Name of Society, Organization or Advocacy Group Leadership Position (Director, Officer, Board Member) 9(a). List the name of each company or business with which you were associated where you or a member of your immediate family was an employee, director, officer, partner, proprietor, or member or manager as of December 31, 2015. Name of Person Relationship to Filer Name of Company Role of Person No Business Associations Albert G. Searles Self Smithfield Hog Production VP Transportation Jan K. Searles Spouse Harrells Christian Academy Assistant to the Head Master 9(b). If you know that any company or business entity listed in 9(a) above had any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina or was regulated by the State as of December 31, 2015, provide a brief description of that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State Not applicable (No entities listed on #9a) No relationship / Not known Smithfield Hog Production Regulated as a hog producer, and as owners of trucks by the DOT. 10. Are you a practicing attorney? Yes No Judicial Officer/State Attorney If “Yes”, check each category of legal representation in which you or the law firm with which you are affiliated has earned legal fees of more than $10,000 during 2015. Administrative Admiralty Corporate Criminal Decedent’s Estates Environmental Insurance Labor Local Government Real Property Securities Tax Tort litigation (including negligence) Utilities Regulation Other category not listed. The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 6 of 11 11. During 2015, were you a licensed professional (other than an attorney) or did you provide consulting services individually or as a member of a professional association for which you charged or were paid over $10,000? Yes No Type of Business Nature of Services Rendered Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 12. Are you or your employer, your spouse or members of your immediate family, or their employer currently: • Licensed by the State board or employing entity with which you are or will be associated or • Regulated by the State board or employing entity with which you are or will be associated or • Have a business relationship with the State board or employing entity with which you are or will be associated? Yes No Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing because you are a legislator or a judicial officer (“judicial officer” is defined in the SEI Helpful Tips) or you are filing as an appointee to those offices. Name of Person Name of Employer (if applicable) Type of Relationship (Licensing, Regulatory, Business) 13. Are you, your spouse, or a member of your immediate family currently registered as a lobbyist or lobbyist principal or were you registered as such within the 12 months preceding your filing of this form? Yes No Name of Lobbyist Lobbyist’s Principal Date of Registration Registration Expiration OTHER DISCLOSURES The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 7 of 11 14. During any calendar quarter in 2015 (but only the time period after you were appointed, employed or filed or were nominated as a candidate), did you • receive any gift(s) exceeding $200 per quarter from a person or group of persons acting together, and • when both you and those person(s) were outside North Carolina at the time you accepted the gift(s), and • the gift(s) were given under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that they were given for lobbying? Yes No Do not report gifts given by members of your extended family. Do not report gifts that have previously been reported by you to the Department of the Secretary of State on the "Expense Report for Exempted Persons." Date Item Received Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Item Received Estimated Market Value Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 15. During 2015 (but only the time period after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate) did you • accepted a “scholarship” exceeding $200 from a person or group of persons acting together and • those person(s) were outside North Carolina and • the scholarship was related to your public position? A “scholarship” is a grant-in-aid, either direct or indirect, to attend a conference, meeting, or similar event, including tuition, travel, lodging, meals, and other similar expenses. Yes No Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are a judicial officer or you are filing as a judicial officer appointee. Do not report gifts that have previously been reported by you to the Department of the Secretary of State on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” Legislators are not required to report scholarships paid by a nonpartisan legislative organization of which the legislator or the General Assembly is a member or participant or an affiliate of that organization. Date of Scholarship Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Event Estimated Market Value The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 8 of 11 Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 16. Were you appointed or are you being considered for an appointment to a covered board by the Governor or another Council of State member? Council of State members are: • Governor • Lt. Governor • Secretary of State • State Auditor • State Treasurer • Superintendent of Public Instruction • Attorney General • Commissioner of Agriculture • Commissioner of Labor • Commissioner of Insurance Yes No If “Yes”, list all contributions you (NOT immediate family members) made during 2015 with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 to the Governor or other Council of State member who appointed you. Contributions are defined in N.C.G.S. 163-278.6(6) and include, but are not limited to, “any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, payment, gift, pledge or subscription of money or anything of value whatsoever.” Date Amount Contributed to No contribution(s) with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 9 of 11 Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 17. Are you an appointee or prospective appointee to: a. the head of a principal state department (e.g. cabinet secretary) appointed by the Governor; or b. a North Carolina Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals, Superior or District Court Judge; or c. a member of any of the following boards: • ABC Commission • Coastal Resources Commission • State Board of Education • State Board of Elections • Division of Employment Security • Environmental Management Commission • Industrial Commission • Human Resources Commission • Rules Review Commission • Board of Transportation • UNC Board of Governors • Utilities Commission • Wildlife Resources Commission Yes No If "No", proceed to question 18. d. If so, were you appointed or are you being considered for appointment to that public position by a Council of State member? Council of State members are listed in question 16. Yes No If "No", proceed to question 18. e. If so, you must indicate whether during 2015 you (not immediate family members) engaged in any of the following activities with respect to or on behalf of the candidate or campaign committee of the Council of State member who appointed you to your public position: i. Collected contributions from multiple contributors, took possession of such multiple contributions, and transferred or delivered those collected contributions to the candidate or committee? Contributions are defined in question 16. Yes No ii. Hosted a fundraiser at your residence or place of business? Yes No iii. Volunteered for campaign-related activities, which include, but are not limited to, phone banks, event assistance, mailings, canvassing, surveying, or any other activity that advances the campaign of a candidate? Yes No 18. Have you ever been convicted of a felony for which you have not received either: (i) a pardon of innocence; or (ii) an order of expungement regarding that conviction? Yes No Offense Date of Conviction County of Conviction State of Conviction The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 10 of 11 19. Are you aware of any other information that you believe may assist the State Ethics Commission in advising you concerning your compliance with the State Government Ethics Act? Yes No If yes, please provide such information below. AFFIRMATION I affirm that the information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments hereto are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I also certify that I have not transferred, and will not transfer, any asset, interest, or property for the purpose of concealing it from disclosure while retaining an equitable interest. I understand that my Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments or supplements thereto (with the exception of the Confidential Form regarding Unemancipated Children) are public record. I acknowledge that I have read and understand N.C.G.S. 138A-26 regarding concealing or failing to disclose material information and N.C.G.S. 138A-27 regarding providing false information: § 138A-26. Concealing or failing to disclose material information. A filing person who knowingly conceals or knowingly fails to disclose information that is required to be disclosed on a statement of economic interest under this Article shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. § 138A-27. Penalty for false information. A filing person who provides false information on a statement of economic interest as required under this Article knowing that the information is false is guilty of a Class H felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. I Agree. It is my intention that this check box constitutes my electronic signature. By checking this box I certify that the information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments hereto are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. Filed Electronically 4/2/2016 Signature Date Albert George Searles Printed Name The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 11 of 11

COMPLETE THIS FORM AND MAIL SIGNED, ORIGINAL TO STATE ETHICS COMMISSION, 1324 MAIL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH, NC 27699-1324 NORTH CAROLINA STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 2015 STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST 919-715-2071 www.ethicscommission.nc.gov FILER'S NAME (FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST) First Name Middle Name Last Name Suffix Albert George Searles CURRENT EMPLOYER JOB TITLE Murphy Brown llc VP Transporation NATURE OR TYPE OF BUSINESS Agriculture REASON FOR FILING (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) STATE GOVERNMENT JOB (Please specify the agency for which you work or are being considered) BOARD/COMMISSION (Please list complete name of all State boards on which you are serving or are being considered) James Sprunt Community College Trustees; JUDICIAL OFFICER (Please specify the office you hold) LEGISLATOR (Please specify House or Senate) The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 1 of 11 Do other immediate family members reside in your household? Yes No When used throughout this form, the term Immediate family includes your spouse (unless legally separated). It also includes members of your extended family (your and your spouse’s children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings, and the spouses of each of those persons) who reside in your household. Minors are emancipated by marriage, enlistment in the US military, or court action for emancipation. FULL NAME OF ADULTS & EMANCIPATED MINORS RELATIONSHIP EMPLOYER JOB TITLE NATURE OF BUSINESS Jan Kever Searles Wife Harrells Christian Academy Assitant to the Head Master Education Private INITIALS FOR UNEMANCIPATED CHILDREN RELATIONSHIP EMPLOYER JOB TITLE NATURE OF BUSINESS EKS Daughter NA NA NA PROPERTY INTERESTS 1. As of December 31, 2014, did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family: A. Have an ownership interest in North Carolina real estate (including your residence) with a market value of $10,000 or more? Yes No Owner of Real Estate % Ownership Interest Location by City Location by County Albert & Jan Searles 100 Warsaw Duplin Albert & Jan Searles 100 Warsaw area Duplin B. Lease or rent real estate or personal property to or from the State of North Carolina with a market value of $10,000 or more? Yes No Name of Lessor Name of Lessee (Renter) If Real Estate, Location by City & County If Personal Property, Describe 2. At any time during 2013 or 2014 , did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family sell to or buy from the State of North Carolina personal property with a market value of $10,000 or more? Yes No Name of Purchaser Name of Seller Type of Property FINANCIAL INTERESTS The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 2 of 11 3. As of December 31, 2014, did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family own any of the following financial interests valued at $10,000 or more? A. Stock in a publicly owned company? Yes No Do not list ownership interests in a widely held investment fund (including mutual funds, regulated investment companies, or pension or deferred compensation plans) if: (i) the fund is publicly traded or its assets are widely diversified; and (ii) neither you nor an immediate family member are able to control the assets held in the mutual fund, investment company, or pension or deferred compensation plan. Owner of Interest Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) B. Stock Options in a company or business? Yes No Owner of Stock Option Full Name of Company (Do not use a ticker symbol) C. Interests in a non-publicly owned company or business entity (including interests in sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and closely held corporations)? Yes No If "No", proceed to question 4. Owner of Interest Name of Company or Business Entity Albert G. Searles AJS Farms, LLC C (1). For each non-publicly owned company or business entity (the “primary company”) identified in question 3.C above, please list the names of any other companies or business entities in which the primary company owns securities or equity interests valued at over $10,000, if known. Non-Publicly Owned Company or Business Entity (the Primary Company) Other Companies in which the Primary Company Owns Security or Equity Interests None or Not Known The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 3 of 11 C (2). If you know that any company or business entity listed in 3.C or 3.C(1) above has any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina, or is regulated by the State, provide a brief description of that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State None or Not Known 4. As of December 31, 2014, were you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family the beneficiaries of a vested trust with a value of $10,000 or more that was created, established, or controlled by you? Do not list assets held in blind trusts. See 2015 SEI Helpful Tips for the definition of “Vested Trust” and “Blind Trust.” Yes No Name and Address of Trustee Description of the Trust Your Relationship to the Trust 5. As of December 31, 2014, did you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family have liabilities of $10,000 or more, excluding the mortgage on your primary personal residence? Examples include credit card debts, auto loans, student loans, personal loans and intra-family debt. Yes No Name of Debtor (You, Spouse, Immediate Family Member) Type of Creditor (Commercial Bank, Credit Union, Individual, etc.) Cape Fear Farm Credit Bank JohnDeere Financial Lending Company 6. List each source of income (not specific amounts) of more than $5,000 received by you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family during 2014. Include salary, wages, state/local government retirement, professional fees, honoraria, interest, dividends, rental income, business income, and other types of income required to be reported on your State and federal tax returns. Do not include income received from the following sources: Capital gains Federal government retirement Military retirement Social security income/SSDI Recipient of Income Name of Source Type of Business/Industry Type of Income I had no reportable income over $5,000 in 2014. Albert G. Searles Murphy Brown LLC Agriculture Wages Jan K. Searles Harrells Christian Academy Private School Wages The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 4 of 11 PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC RELATIONSHIPS 7(a). During 2014, were you, your spouse or members of your immediate family a director, officer, governing board member, employee, independent contractor, or registered lobbyist of a nonprofit corporation or organization operating in the State of North Carolina primarily for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, public health and safety, or educational purposes? Yes No If "No", proceed to question 8. Do not list State boards or entities, or entities created by a political subdivision of the State. Do not list organizations of which you are a mere member. Name of Person His/Her Position Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Nature of Business or Purpose of Organization 7(b). If the nonprofit corporations or organizations listed above do business with the State of North Carolina or receive State funds, please provide a brief description of the nature of that business, if known or with which due diligence could reasonably be known. Name of Nonprofit Corporation or Organization Describe State Business or State Funding None or Not Known Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 8. During 2014, were you, your spouse, or members of your immediate family a director, officer, or governing board member of any society, organization, or advocacy group with an interest in matters over which your agency or board may have jurisdiction? Yes No Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing because you are a legislator or a judicial officer or you are filing as an appointee to those offices. Do not list organizations of which you are only a member (not serving in a leadership role). Name of Person Name of Society, Organization or Advocacy Group Leadership Position (Director, Officer, Board Member) The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 5 of 11 9(a). List the name of each company or business with which you were associated where you or a member of your immediate family was an employee, director, officer, partner, proprietor, or member or manager as of Name of Person Relationship to Filer Name of Company Role of Person No Business Associations Albert G. Searles Self Murphy Brown LLC VP Transportation Jan K. Searles Spouse Harrells Christian Academy Assistant to the Head Master 9(b). If you know that any company or business entity listed in 9(a) above had any material business dealings or business contracts with the State of North Carolina or was regulated by the State as of December 31, 2014, provide a brief description of that business activity. Name of Company or Business Entity Description of Business Activity with the State Not applicable (No entities listed on #9a) No relationship / Not known Murphy Brown LLC Regulated as a hog producer, and as owners of trucks by the DOT. 10. Are you a practicing attorney? Yes No Judicial Officer/State Attorney If “Yes”, check each category of legal representation in which you or the law firm with which you are affiliated has earned legal fees of more than $10,000 during 2014. Administrative Admiralty Corporate Criminal Decedent’s Estates Environmental Insurance Labor Local Government Real Property Securities Tax Tort litigation (including negligence) Utilities Regulation Other category not listed. 11. During 2014, were you a licensed professional (other than an attorney) or did you provide consulting services individually or as a member of a professional association for which you charged or were paid over $10,000? Yes No Type of Business Nature of Services Rendered The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 6 of 11 Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 12. Are you or your employer, your spouse or members of your immediate family, or their employer currently: • Licensed by the State board or employing entity with which you are or will be associated or • Regulated by the State board or employing entity with which you are or will be associated or • Have a business relationship with the State board or employing entity with which you are or will be associated? Yes No Legislator/Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are filing because you are a legislator or a judicial officer (“judicial officer” is defined in the SEI Helpful Tips) or you are filing as an appointee to those offices. Name of Person Name of Employer (if applicable) Type of Relationship (Licensing, Regulatory, Business) 13. Are you, your spouse, or a member of your immediate family currently registered as a lobbyist or lobbyist principal or were you registered as such within the 12 months preceding your filing of this form? Yes No Name of Lobbyist Lobbyist’s Principal Date of Registration Registration Expiration OTHER DISCLOSURES 14. During any calendar quarter in 2014 (but only the time period after you were appointed, employed or filed or were nominated as a candidate), did you • receive any gift(s) exceeding $200 per quarter from a person or group of persons acting together, and • when both you and those person(s) were outside North Carolina at the time you accepted the gift(s), and • the gift(s) were given under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that they were given for lobbying? Yes No Do not report gifts given by members of your extended family. Do not report gifts that have previously been reported by you to the Department of the Secretary of State on the "Expense Report for Exempted Persons." Date Item Received Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Item Received Estimated Market Value The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 7 of 11 Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 15. During 2014 (but only the time period after you were appointed, employed, or filed or were nominated as a candidate) did you • accepted a “scholarship” exceeding $200 from a person or group of persons acting together and • those person(s) were outside North Carolina and • the scholarship was related to your public position? A “scholarship” is a grant-in-aid to attend a conference, meeting, or similar event. Yes No Judicial Officer - You are not required to complete this question if you are a judicial officer or you are filing as a judicial officer appointee. Do not report gifts that have previously been reported by you to the Department of the Secretary of State on the “Expense Report for Exempted Persons.” Legislators are not required to report scholarships paid by a nonpartisan legislative organization of which the legislator or the General Assembly is a member or participant or an affiliate of that organization. Date of Scholarship Name and Address of Donor(s) Describe Event Estimated Market Value Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 16. Were you appointed or are you being considered for an appointment to a covered board by the Governor or another Council of State member? Council of State members are: • Governor • Lt. Governor • Secretary of State • State Auditor • State Treasurer • Superintendent of Public Instruction • Attorney General • Commissioner of Agriculture • Commissioner of Labor • Commissioner of Insurance Yes No If “Yes”, list all contributions you (NOT immediate family members) made during 2014 with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 to the Governor or other Council of State member who appointed you. Contributions are defined in N.C.G.S. 163-278.6(6) and include, but are not limited to, “any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, payment, gift, pledge or subscription of money or anything of value whatsoever.” Date Amount Contributed to No contribution(s) with a cumulative total of more than $1,000 The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 8 of 11 Please answer the following question as it pertains to the following board/agency: James Sprunt Community College Trustees 17. Are you an appointee or prospective appointee to: a. the head of a principal state department (e.g. cabinet secretary) appointed by the Governor; or b. a North Carolina Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals, Superior or District Court Judge; or c. a member of any of the following boards: • ABC Commission • Coastal Resources Commission • State Board of Education • State Board of Elections • Division of Employment Security • Environmental Management Commission • Industrial Commission • Human Resources Commission • Rules Review Commission • Board of Transportation • UNC Board of Governors • Utilities Commission • Wildlife Resources Commission Yes No If "No", proceed to question 18. d. If so, were you appointed or are you being considered for appointment to that public position by a Council of State member? Council of State members are listed in question 16. Yes No If "No", proceed to question 18. e. If so, you must indicate whether during 2014 you (not immediate family members) engaged in any of the following activities with respect to or on behalf of the candidate or campaign committee of the Council of State member who appointed you to your public position: i. Collected contributions from multiple contributors, took possession of such multiple contributions, and transferred or delivered those collected contributions to the candidate or committee? Contributions are defined in question 16. Yes No ii. Hosted a fundraiser at your residence or place of business? Yes No iii. Volunteered for campaign-related activities, which include, but are not limited to, phone banks, event assistance, mailings, canvassing, surveying, or any other activity that advances the campaign of a candidate? Yes No 18. Have you ever been convicted of a felony for which you have not received either: (i) a pardon of innocence; or (ii) an order of expungement regarding that conviction? Yes No Offense Date of Conviction County of Conviction State of Conviction The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 9 of 11 19. Are you aware of any other information that you believe may assist the State Ethics Commission in advising you concerning your compliance with the State Government Ethics Act? Yes No If yes, please provide such information below. AFFIRMATION I affirm that the information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments hereto are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I also certify that I have not transferred, and will not transfer, any asset, interest, or property for the purpose of concealing it from disclosure while retaining an equitable interest. I understand that my Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments or supplements thereto (with the exception of the Confidential Form regarding Unemancipated Children) are public record. I acknowledge that I have read and understand N.C.G.S. 138A-26 regarding concealing or failing to disclose material information and N.C.G.S. 138A-27 regarding providing false information: § 138A-26. Concealing or failing to disclose material information. A filing person who knowingly conceals or knowingly fails to disclose information that is required to be disclosed on a statement of economic interest under this Article shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. § 138A-27. Penalty for false information. A filing person who provides false information on a statement of economic interest as required under this Article knowing that the information is false is guilty of a Class H felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action under G.S. 138A-45. I Agree. It is my intention that this check box constitutes my electronic signature. By checking this box I certify that the information provided in this Statement of Economic Interest and any attachments hereto are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. Albert George Searles **Notarization is no longer required** Printed Name Filed Electronically 4/14/2015 Signature Date The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 10 of 11 The SEI and any attachments, excluding the Confidential Form, are public records. Page 11 of 11