News

County names new public health director

By Bill Moss, Published: April 2, 2014

The Henderson County Board of Health has named Transylvania County public health director Steve Smith as the new public health director in Henderson County beginning May 5.

Smith has over 27 years experience working with county health departments, working through the ranks from Pool Inspections Technician to County Health Director. He has previously served as the Health Director in Stokes County and has been public health director inTransylvania County since 2004.

 "I am honored to have been selected to serve as the Health Director for Henderson County," Smith said in a statement. "The Board of Public Health and the Department of Public Health have a strong legacy of health achievement in the community and North Carolina. It will be my privilege to support and advance the services, programs, and objectives that meet the community health needs of Henderson County."

Terry Hicks, chairman of the Henderson County Board of Public Health, added: "I believe Steve is the strong leader the Health Department needs to direct us through the new challenges we will encounter over the next few years. We are excited for him to begin his new position in Henderson County."

Smith received a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and a master of public administration from North Carolina State University. He takes an active role in his community, currently serving in Transylvania County as a member of The Free Clinic Board of Directors, chairman of the Child Fatality Prevention Team, chairman of the Land of Waterfalls Partnership for Health, facilitator with the Transylvania County Dental Society and a member of the School Health Advisory Council.