Dept. Gets Workforce Coordinator, New DSS Director

Secretary Carmen Hooker Odom announced that DSS Director Pheon Beal will become a special advisor on workforce issues and that DSS Deputy Director Sherry Bradsher will move into the director’s role.

“Much of what we do across this department is designed to improve North Carolina’s workforce so that it is better able to meet the demands of the 21st century” said Hooker Odom. “Whether it is helping laid off workers get assistance, training people with special needs to become a vital part of the work force or working with our partners to “improve the workforce in areas like healthcare, DHHS is very involved.

Hooker Odom said she had asked Beal “to devote her attention to workforce issues across DHHS and its divisions.

“No one is more qualified to lead this effort. Pheon was instrumental to the creation of our Work First program,” Hooker Odom said. “Today, thousands of families have achieved economic independence thanks to her efforts. In her new position, she will be able to continue that fine work.”

Hooker Odom praised Beal’s work as DSS director, a position she has held for almost four years.

“I hate to see Pheon leave DSS because the division has consistently had a high rate of success under leadership,” she said. “But, I know that quality will continue with Sherry at the helm. Sherry has a long history with DSS at the state and local level. She began her career 20 years ago as a social worker with the Greene County Department of Social Services. Since that time she has held a number of positions at both the county and state level. Sherry knows what DSS is like at all levels. She knows what it is like to be a social worker on the front line, but she also knows how to manage and supervise complex organizations and budgets.”

Both changes are effective April 1.

Next story

Last Modified: April 3, 2006