Final answer:
The elected head of the North Carolina Department of Insurance is the Insurance Commissioner. This official is part of the executive branch, which includes various other elected officials, while the secretary of state is an appointed position.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elected head of the North Carolina Department of Insurance is known as the Insurance Commissioner. This official is responsible for overseeing the insurance industry in the state, including the regulation of insurance companies and ensuring that consumers are treated fairly. Along with other state officials such as the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and the three commissioners of the Railroad Commission, the Insurance Commissioner is part of the executive branch. The Governor leads the executive branch, which also includes the lieutenant governor, comptroller of public accounts, commissioner of the General Land Office, attorney general, and the secretary of state, although the secretary of state is appointed rather than elected.