Department of Public Health: Meet Henderson County's new health director

Staff reports
·2 min read

The Henderson County Board of Health has named David Jenkins as the new Henderson County Health Director, with his role beginning May 6, according to a news release.

David Jenkins is the new health director for Henderson County.
David Jenkins is the new health director for Henderson County.

Jenkins currently serves as director of Stanly County Health and Human Services, a position he has heldsince 2018. According to the release, Jenkins has over 23 years of public health experience, working through the ranks as an environmental health specialist and supervisor in New Hanover County. He also served as health directorof Carteret and Scotland counties before assuming the role in Stanly.

"My family and I are genuinely excited for the opportunity to work, live and be part of a community wehave spent time in and grown to love over the years," Jenkins said in the release. "It has been a long-standing career plan of mine to work with a larger and very well-respected organization such as the Henderson CountyDepartment of Public Health. I am looking forward to building a long-term career with Henderson County, and will do all I can to help build on the excellent reputation of the Department of Public Health."

More: Henderson County health director announces plans to retire in 2024

During his tenure in 2023, Jenkin’s health department earned reaccreditation with honors status. In 2022,he was the recipient of the Ronald H. Levine Public Health Award, which recognizes exemplary contributions to public health in North Carolina. He has also served as president of the North Carolina Public Health Association and the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors as an executive member.

“David is a personable and strong leader,” said Board of Health Chairperson Dr. Maggie Hayes in the release. “He has the experience, enthusiasm and knowledge base necessary to continue the important work of the HendersonCounty Department of Public Health. The Board of Health is delighted to welcome him as our new health director, and we look forward to working with him in the years to come.”

Jenkins received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Masterof Public Administration from Walden University. He takes over the role previously held by Steve Smith, who retired this year after 32 years in the public health service industry. Smith had held the position in Henderson County since 2014.

This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: A new health director is named for Henderson County