A public health veteran with a statewide profile has been named the new Henderson County Health Director, effective May 6.
David Jenkins, a 23-year public health veteran, currently serves as director of Stanly County Health and Human Services. His past experience includes work in New Hanover, Carteret and Scotland Counties.
He has served as president of the North Carolina Public Health Association and as an executive member of the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors.
In 2022, he and 84 other local health directors from across the state were recipients of the Ronald H. Levine Public Health Award in recognition of their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Henderson County Board of Health chairperson Dr. Maggie Hayes called Jenkins “a personable and strong leader.”
“He has the experience, enthusiasm and knowledge base necessary to continue the important work of the Henderson County Department of Public Health,” Hayes said in a release. “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 has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Master of Public Administration from Walden University.
“It has been a longstanding career plan of mine to work with a larger and very well-respected organization such as Henderson County Department of Public Health,” Jenkins said. “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.”