Angela Pittman-Vanderweide
Robbinsville – A capable hand will remain on the wheel, as Graham County continues the process of finding a new director for its department of social services.
Consultant Angela Pittman-Vanderweide will serve as interim director of the department until a permanent leader is hired, the department’s board decreed at its July 13 meeting. Pittman-Vanderweide has approximately 30 years experience as a social worker and in other social services positions, currently serving as CEO of the Allies4Outcomes consulting firm. She resides in Haywood County.
Pittman-Vanderweide has been in her position in Graham County for two weeks, following the departure of former Department of Social Services Director Cris Weatherford in June to lead the Jackson County Department of Social Services.
The appointment of an interim director was authorized at the June 15 Graham County Board of Commissioners meeting.
“It’s been a very positive experience thus far,” Pittman-Vanderweide said. “I just want to say that I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside as y’all are searching for a DSS director.”
She said that she had found the department in good condition.
“The culture and climate of the DSS organization is one of the more positive ones I’ve seen anywhere,” Pittman-Vanderweide said. “I think that has to do not only with the type of support that folks get, but you know, just with the closeness of the community that works together and the people that live here.”
Pittman-Vanderweide was in the running against Weatherford the last time the Graham County Department of Social Services Director position was open, but decided to take a position with the state of North Carolina.
She also said she would remind the state of North Carolina to approve the three qualified candidates who have applied for the open Graham County position.
Those in the running must have the state’s approval before the county can make its decision.
“I appreciate this opportunity, and it’s always better for an organization to have someone as quickly as possible, and y’all know that, so I’m happy to do whatever I can,” Pittman-Vanderweide said.
Graham County Manager Jason Marino oversaw the department immediately following Weatherford’s departure, before Pittman-Vanderweide started in her position.