Robbinsville – A Graham County department head will be moving on later this month, after serving nearly two years at the head of an agency.
Department of Social Services Director Cris Weatherford will step down from his role on Tuesday, June 22 to take the helm of the Jackson County Department of Social Services.
At the Graham County DSS meeting Tuesday night, Weatherford thanked the board for taking him on and working with him over his tenure leading the agency. He also lauded his departmental supervisors and staff for their efforts.
He said his greatest accomplishment was getting the agency stabilized and finding good workers.
“Just being part of that team and being supportive of those folks doing that hard work has just been the greatest thing, just good people doing good work over there,” Weatherford said.
Weatherford – who lives in Jackson County and commutes to work – said the move would put him closer to home.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to work in Jackson County where I live and have lived for the past 20 years,” Weatherford said.
He thanked the citizens of Graham County and its Board of Commissioners for their support over his tenure.
“I’m grateful to have been able to work here and work for the people here,” Weatherford said. “It’s a great community, and I’ll miss the beauty that’s out here for sure, and the drive coming in every day.”
Weatherford’s first official day with the Jackson County DSS will be Monday, June 28. Prior to leading the Graham County agency, he worked for the Mainspring Conservation Trust in the areas of fundraising and development. He is a native of Belmont.
According to Smoky Mountain News, Weatherford was announced as the new Jackson County DSS director on Tuesday, June 1 after being unanimously approved by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. The Jackson County position came open with the retirement of Jennifer Abshire, after five years leading the agency and a 29-year career with the agency.
Graham County Clerk Kim Crisp said the search for a new director had already begun, with three applications received since the position had been posted. The applicants will soon be interviewed by the Board of Commissioners. However, all applicants must be approved by the state of North Carolina before they can proceed.
The position will remain open until filled.