News

County honors retiring DSS director

Jerrie McFalls

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 17, 2024

Jerrie McFalls, who started working at the Henderson County Department of Social Services as a social work trainee in 1980 and has led the department since 2016, was honored Wednesday upon her retirement.

She received two lengthy ovations from the audience as the Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution expressing gratitude for her dedication. She failed in previous attempts to retire; she was persuaded to stay on twice before.

“There are thousands of children who have been positively impacted and saved by your good work,” County Manager John Mitchell said. “They’re your legacy.”

“I’ve had the honor of working with Jerrie for almost 40 years and she’s just been amazing for this county in a job where you can’t win,” said Commissioner Michael Edney, an attorney. “You’re either too tough or not tough enough.”

Clients never come to DSS “because something has gone right,” Commissioner Daniel Andreotta said. “You worked in this world only for 44 years. That is monumental. They don’t make ‘em like that lady anymore.”

Here is the resolution honoring McFalls:

WHEREAS, Jerrie McFalls was hired as Social Work Trainee for Henderson County on January 14, 1980.

WHEREAS, In July 1980, Jerrie McFalls was promoted to Social Worker; and

WHEREAS, In June 1986, Jerrie McFalls was promoted to Social Work Supervisor; and

WHEREAS, In March 2008, Jerrie McFalls was promoted to Social Work Program Administrator; and

WHEREAS, In December 2015, Jerrie McFalls was promoted to Interim Social Services Director; and

WHEREAS, In July 2016, Jerrie McFalls was promoted to Henderson County Social Services Director; and

WHEREAS, Jerrie McFalls earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Carolina University with a concentration in Social Work; and

WHEREAS, Jerrie McFalls has served in various community and civic organizations, including Community Child Protection Team, Child Fatality Prevention Team, Domestic Violence Task Force/Supported Task Force, Partnership for Health, and the Henderson County Substance Abuse Task Force; and

WHEREAS, Jerrie McFalls has participated in professional memberships, including the Academy of Certified Baccalaureate Social Works and the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services (NCACDSS); and

WHEREAS, Jerrie McFalls will retire from service with Henderson County and its citizens on July 31, 2024, currently as the longest tenured Henderson County employee with more than 44 years of dedicated full-time continuous service; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Henderson County Board of Commissioners expresses their deep admiration for the experience and wisdom that Jerrie McFalls has brought to her service with Henderson County. On behalf of the citizens and staff of Henderson County, we appreciate and commend you on a job well done, Jerrie McFalls. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the County of Henderson to be affixed.

Adopted this the 17th day of July 2024.