Johnston County District Attorney Announces Retirement

SMITHFIELD – Johnston County District Attorney Susan I. Doyle announced today (Monday) that she will retire in July. “After long consideration, much prayer, and consultation with my family, I am excited to announce that I will be retiring effective July 1, 2025. I have loved serving the people of this District for the past 18 years as the Elected District Attorney and for 13 years prior to that as an Assistant District Attorney. This has been a very difficult decision because of my love and passion for serving victims of crime and the citizens of Johnston County. I have invested my entire career in public service, and I am very grateful that I have been able to serve others in this role. It is now time for me to start a new chapter in my life.”

Doyle attributed her longevity to having the support of so many colleagues, employees, and law enforcement officers who fought hard to achieve justice for victims of crime. “It has been a tremendous honor to serve this district and state for the past 31 years. I have appreciated, more than I can express, the sacrifice of the prosecutors and legal assistants who have served, are serving, and will continue to serve our community with unmatched professionalism; our more than 400 law enforcement partners in twelve different police agencies who tirelessly serve and protect; and the almost 250,000 residents who call Johnston County home and have entrusted me with this position. God has blessed my life beyond measure, and I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve as District Attorney. It has truly been one of the most wonderful experiences of my entire life.”

Doyle also credited her late mother for giving her the confidence and inspiration to be anything she wanted to be. “My mother was always my biggest supporter, and with her recent passing, it seems like the time is right to pass the baton. We have accomplished such great things here in Johnston County and effected change in so many positive ways. It is time to allow someone else to continue to fight for justice for victims of crime and to keep our community safe. While I am announcing my retirement today, I will continue to work diligently until my last day in office. I am confident that the men and women of the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office will continue to persevere in their dedication and commitment to the quest for justice.”

A native of Weaverville in Buncombe County, Doyle graduated in 1990 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She graduated from Campbell University School of Law in 1993 and began her position as an Assistant District Attorney in January 1994 for what was then Prosecutorial District 11 (Johnston, Harnett, & Lee Counties).

In 2006, Doyle was elected as the first female District Attorney for District 11. In 2010, Doyle won reelection, and the district split shortly thereafter, creating a separate district for Johnston County. Doyle successfully won election for four-year terms in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Doyle was named Mothers Against Drunk Driving Prosecutor of the Year in 2009. She served as President of the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys in 2011-2012. In 2024, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, who now serves as Governor, named Doyle as a North Carolina Dogwood Award recipient. The North Carolina Bar Association recently presented Doyle with the Peter S. Gilchrist III Award for exemplifying the highest ideals and professionalism throughout her career.