A National Beacon of Excellence: North Carolina’s Ozie Stallworth Honored with Prestigious March Fong Eu Achievement Award

 




Commissioned Notaries in North Carolina have a powerful reason to take pride in their profession this year. Ozie Stallworth, the Director of Electronic Notarization and Notary Enforcement for the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, has been named the recipient of the 2026 March Fong Eu Achievement Award by the National Notary Association (NNA).

This award, the highest honor bestowed by the NNA, recognizes individuals who have revolutionized the standards, professionalism, and public image of the Notary Public office. For North Carolina Notaries, Stallworth’s recognition is more than a personal milestone—it is a testament to the state's position as a national leader in Notary innovation.
Leading the Nation from the Tar Heel State

Ozie Stallworth’s career is a masterclass in forward-thinking leadership. While many states were just beginning to consider the digital frontier, Stallworth was already building the foundation for North Carolina’s electronic notarization (eNotarization) infrastructure. His work has directly benefited every commissioned Notary in the state by providing the tools and legal frameworks necessary to thrive in a modern economy.

North Carolina Notaries can feel particularly proud of these landmark achievements led by Stallworth:

The Gold Standard for eMortgages: Stallworth directed the nation’s first state-sponsored electronic mortgage closing pilot program. His model for electronic mortgage closings is now used as a benchmark for the entire country.


Expanding Accessibility: Under his leadership, electronic recording services were expanded to reach nearly 90% of North Carolina’s residents, streamlining processes for Notaries and citizens alike.


A Global Influence: Stallworth didn't just stop at state borders; he helped organize the first international conference on electronic notarization and electronic apostilles, collaborating with global organizations like the Hague Conference on Private International Law.


Commitment to Education and Enforcement


Beyond technology, Stallworth has ensured that North Carolina Notaries are among the best-trained in the country. He oversees the statewide Notary education program, develops the curricula, and authors the training manuals that serve as the "bible" for the state's Notaries.

He also leads one of the nation's most sophisticated enforcement divisions. By rigorously investigating misconduct and collaborating with law enforcement to prevent fraud, Stallworth has bolstered the integrity of the North Carolina Notary commission. This ensures that when a North Carolina Notary stamps a document, that seal carries a level of trust and authority that is respected nationwide.

A Legacy of Service

Stallworth’s journey began at the NNA, where he helped launch the Notary Signing Agent program, but his move to the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State was described by NNA Vice President Bill Anderson as a "huge win for North Carolina Notaries and the North Carolina general public."

As a commissioned North Carolina Notary and registered eNotary himself, Ozie Stallworth is one of our own. His recognition as the 2026 March Fong Eu Achievement Award recipient reminds us all that the work of a Notary is a vital pillar of society—protecting property, business agreements, and the very fabric of legal trust.

North Carolina Notaries can stand tall knowing that their state is led by a visionary who has not only shaped the future of the profession but has done so with a relentless commitment to excellence.



Congratulations to Ozie Stallworth on this well-deserved honor!

Thank you NNA for all the love shown to a wonderful leader. Original article can be accessed here. 


To improve, gain more practice, and or build up confidence in notarizing documents, I joined one or all of our notary continuing education training for North Carolina notaries throughout the year. Get more information at, www.ncNotaryTraining.education.

 

        

Legal Disclaimer:

NC Notary Signing Services strives to provide precise and current information through our newsletters. However, the contents are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. We do not present ourselves as attorneys and cannot assure the information's accuracy, completeness, or reliability. It is recommended to consult a licensed attorney for legal matters. NC Notary Signing Services, its employees, or contractors will not be liable for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses arising from or related to the use of information in our newsletters.

Notaries should seek guidance from their state’s notary authorities or legal advisors for legal queries. If any part of this disclaimer is found to be invalid by a competent authority, the remaining sections will continue to be effective.

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