Overview

The Chatham County Board of Social Services provides general guidance and consultation for the Department of Social Services. 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 mission, “To support individuals, families, and our community. We provide caring and reliable social services that help people stay safe, stable, and healthy. Our goal is to help everyone build a stronger future.”

Roles and Responsibilities

The foundational state agency for public welfare was created starting with the Board of Public Charities in 1869, later evolving into the State Board of Public Welfare and transitioning to Social Services in 1969.

The UNC School of Government book Local Social Services Boards in North Carolina (2023) by Kristi A. Nickodem is used as a guide for board member roles, legal duties, and meeting procedures.

Membership and Terms

The following are members of the Department of Social Services Board. Two of the 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.

• Sara Welch, Chair- Appointed by the County Board of Commissioners
  • Original appointment 08/24/22; second term expiring 06/30/28
• Memory Dossenbach, Vice Chair- Appointed by the NC Social Services Commission
  • Original appointment 09/15/22; second term expiring 09/30/28
• Cecil Wilson, Member- Appointed by the Department of Social Services Board of Directors
  • Original appointment 07/01/21; second term expiring 06/30/27
• Peter Varney, Member- Appointed by the County Board of Commissioners
  • Original appointment 10/18/23; first term expiring 06/30/26
• Maria Soto, Member- Appointed by the NC Social Services Commission
  • Original appointment 12/20/23; first term expiring 12/13/26

Chatham County welcomes residents who wish to contribute to their community by serving on one of our volunteer boards or committees. Learn more about applying.

Get Information

Visit the Meeting page for details about upcoming and past meetings.  

To receive email notices about meetings and work of this board/committee, sign up for e-notifications. 

Staff Liaison

Franklin Gomez Flores
Chatham County Board of Commissioners, Vice Chair
Franklin.gomez@chathamcountync.gov
919-799-3695

Email the Board Members at DSSBoard@chathamcountync.gov.

Contact the Department of Social Services or Jennie Kristiansen, Director at 919-542-2759.