New Hanover County has hired Tonya Jackson as its new social services director, according to a news release. 

Jackson was hired after a national search and will start her role on Dec. 1, officials said. Social services is within the county's Health and Human Services agency.
 

She is currently the county’s social services assistant director for economic and family services, a role she has served in for three years, stated the release.

“Tonya is a dedicated public servant, having worked in the health and human services field for 20 years in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Guilford counties,” said New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet, in the release.

“She has a successful track record of developing innovative processes that have been recognized as best practices throughout the state," he said. "And she most recently led the county’s initiative to provide $1.3 million in COVID-19 child care and housing assistance to those who need it most, a program that has now been replicated in other counties across the state. I am so pleased that she has been able to grow within our organization and take on an even greater leadership role as the director."

Jackson previously served as a manager for Brunswick County Social Services and managed the Brunswick County Public Housing Agency, before joining New Hanover County. 

She has also worked for Guildford County Social Services for 15 years.

Jackson earned a bachelor's degree from Guilford College and an MBA from Strayer University.

“I am honored to be selected for this role as director, and to have the opportunity to lead the social services work as part of our consolidated Health and Human Services agency,” Jackson said in the release. “I have worked at all levels of the social services industry, and I understand and appreciate our staff’s incredible commitment to the community we serve. I am proud of the work our agency does, and I look forward to even more collaboration internally and with our community partners to ensure we serve the needs of our diverse community in the best ways possible.”