New Hanover County has announced several leadership changes.

Kathy Stoute was named assistant county manager in charge of the county’s health and human services departments. Her role began July 1, according to a news release.

She had been the director of the county’s community justice services for seven years, stated the release.

In her role, Stoute serves as the consolidated agency director for the county's public health and social services and oversees the county’s senior resource center, community justice services and veterans services, according to the release. 

Stoute will also help lead the county’s partnership with Trillium Health Resources to construct the Healing Place of New Hanover County, a 100-bed treatment center, officials said.

Tim Burgess (right) was also promoted to deputy county manager.

In his role, Burgess oversees several county departments including its building safety, planning and land use, and engineering departments, as well as emergency management, 911 communications and fire rescue.

“We took a strategic look at our organizational plan and made important leadership changes that will help ensure we are serving our community in the best way possible,” New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet said in the release.

Jessica Loeper has taken on the role of chief communications officer (CCO) with the county.

She had served as interim CCO since January, and had been with the county for more than three years, officials said.

In her role, Loeper (left) manages external relations including media relations, social media, web services, branding and marketing, digital productions and the county’s television station, NHCTV, stated the release.

Ashley “Hope” Lindsey began her position as the county’s 911 communications director this month.

She previously served as the 911 director for Southern Idaho Regional Communications Center and before that, served as 911 director for Baker County Consolidated Dispatch in Oregon.

Lindsey (right) also held other public safety roles in Alabama and Georgia, officials said.

And Paige Owens started her role as New Hanover County Public Library’s new director this month. Owens previously served as the library’s assistant director.

Owens (left) replaced Harry Tuchmayer, who retired after 38 years with the county at the end of June, officials said.

She started working with the county full time in 2000 and became the assistant director of the library system in 2001, according to the release.