Cumberland County Social Services Director Brenda Reid Jackson is retiring at the end of the year. The Social Services Board of Directors has hired Heather L. Skeens to succeed Jackson beginning on Dec. 6.

“Brenda Jackson has worked tirelessly for our county’s most vulnerable citizens over the last 13 years, and we are grateful for the impact her service has had across the county,” said County Manager Amy Cannon.

Skeens is currently Guilford County’s Health and Human Services Director but previously served in Cumberland County as DSS Deputy Director. She will oversee the administration of one of the largest social services agencies in North Carolina. Cumberland County DSS has more than 700 employees and a fiduciary budget of over $600 million.