The Board of Social Services provides general guidance and consultation for the Department of Social Services (DSS). The Board also advises the county and municipal leaders on policies and plans to improve social conditions of the community. It also appoints and works closely with the Director of Social Services to support the Department’s efforts to: protect vulnerable children and adults; strengthen and preserve families; provide access to health care and better nutrition; and promote economic stability while encouraging personal responsibility. 

Chatham County Board of Social Services

Notice of Special Meeting

March 19, 2026

Let this serve as Notice of Special Meeting that on February 18, 2026 the Chatham County Board of Social Services approved a vote to move future session meetings from the 3^rd Wednesday to the 4^th Wednesday of every month. The only exceptions will be the November and December meetings due to the dates falling the day before a holiday. These meetings will revert back to the 3^rd Wednesday of the month. Meetings will continue to take place in the Ground Conference Room of Chatham County Department of Social Services located at 102 Camp Drive in Pittsboro, NC at 4:00pm.  

Meetings

Board of Social Services meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm in person in the Ground Conference Room at the Department of Social Services- 102 Camp Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312. The November and December 2026 meetings will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month due to the holiday schedule. A Notice of Special Meeting will be issued for these two meetings 

Meeting agendas will be posted seven days prior to the board meeting. Please call DSS with any questions at 919-542-2759.

Agendas and Minutes

Public Input

During each meeting, there is time allowed for public input in order for residents to have an opportunity to speak. Speakers are required to sign up in advance. 

The pubic input session is no more than 30 minutes and speakers are limited to three minutes each and may not give their time to another speaker. Individuals who wish to speak but cannot because of time constraints will be carried into the next meeting and given priority. The Board apologize for the time restrictions but they are necessary to ensure that the board can complete the agenda business. Speakers are welcome to provide their comments in writing. 

Board Members

Two board members are appointed by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners and two are appointed by the State Social Services Commission. Those four members appoint the fifth member. 

Current Board Members:

• Sara Welch, Chair- Appointed by the County Board of Commissioners (term expires 06/30/28)

• Memory Dossenbach, Vice Chair- Appointed by the NC Social Services Commission (term expires 09/30/28)

• Cecil Wilson, Member- Appointed by the Department of Social Services Board of Directors (term expires 06/30/27)

• Peter Varney, Member-Appointed by the County Board of Commissioners (term expires 06/30/26)

• Maria Soto, Member-Appointed by the NC Social Services Commission (term expires 12/13/26)

CONTACT:

Email the Board Members at DSSBoard@chathamcountync.gov

Jennie Kristiansen, Social Services Director, 919-542-2759