Experiential Learning and Opportunity Internship Program Leadership and Support
Dr. Bryle Henderson Hatch, Deputy HR Director for ER/EEO/WE
Dr. Bryle Henderson Hatch serves as the Deputy HR Director for Employee Relations, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Workforce Engagement (ER/EEO/WE) within the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Human Resources. He is an accomplished engagement professional with extensive experience in workforce development and educational programming. In his role, Dr. Hatch facilitates strategic efforts to build and sustain a strong, inclusive workforce at NCDHHS – one that can effectively intervene to achieve health and program equity outcomes.
Dr. Hatch’s professional experience includes serving as Vice President and Chief of Staff at West Virginia State University and as Executive Director for Community Engagement at North Carolina A&T State University. He recently served as the Executive Director of Thrive High Point, a multi-million-dollar initiative to support diversity and inclusion in local entrepreneurship.
Dr. Hatch also served as Diversity Manager for Duke University’s School of Medicine, where he oversaw underrepresented minority recruitment, faculty education, community building, and external diversity initiatives. Additionally, Dr. Hatch also held key roles, including Senior Director of Workforce Engagement at NCDHHS, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for the Office of State Human Resources (OSHR), and Director of Workforce Development within the North Carolina Community College System.
Dr. Hatch earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication, a master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education, and a doctorate in Leadership Studies – all from North Carolina A&T State University. He also completed post-baccalaureate studies in Public Communication at American University in Washington, D.C.
LaDonna Huffaker, Workforce Engagement Manager
LaDonna Huffaker serves as Workforce Engagement Manager for the NCDHHS Division of Human Resources, where she has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to public service. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health and a bachelor’s degree from Brevard College.
Ms. Huffaker’s dedication extends beyond her professional role. She has supported her community through foster parenting, working with mental health organizations in western North Carolina, participating in the COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, and contributing to Hurricane Helene response, for which she was a recipient of the Kerri Eaker Mountain Mover Award in 2025.
Previously, as Program Manager for the Division of Public Health, she advanced workforce development initiatives by supporting the Public Health Workforce Development team, piloting the first NCDHHS Experiential Learning & Opportunity Internship Program, and launching the Division of Public Health Fellowship Program to recruit and develop public health professionals for state government.
Donyea Daniels, Internship Program Manager
Donyea L. Daniels joins the Health Equity Portfolio as the Internship Program Manager. Mr. Daniels has 31 years of professional experience in the education sector, working at local and state levels. He served as a school administrator, content specialist, and classroom teacher.
Donyea is passionate about advancing the professional and instructional growth of adult learners across diverse communities. Donyea is also passionate about living mentally and physically healthy.
A native of North Carolina, Donyea Daniels received his undergraduate degree in Education from East Carolina University and a graduate degree in School Administration from North Carolina Central University.
Donyea Daniels dedicated more than 30 years of service as an educator, consultant and school administrator.