On Nov.  21, 2016, Ms. Karen Powell accepted the Rutherford-Polk-McDowell District Board of Health’s offer to be appointed the Rutherford-Polk-McDowell District health director. Ms. Powell will work with Mr. Hines to transition her current duties and she will assume her new duties as district health director on or before Mr. Hines’ retirement date of Dec. 31, 2016.

Ms. Powell has been with the Rutherford-Polk-McDowell District Health department for nine years and has worked in many areas throughout the district. Ms. Powell currently serves as the emergency preparedness coordinator for the health district. Before that she was employed by Isothermal Community College. Ms. Powell currently lives in Forest City and is married with four children.

Ms. Powell stated, “Over the past nine years I have had the honor of working for the Rutherford Polk McDowell Health District. During that time, I have worked alongside the most dedicated and committed co-workers who have taught me so much about compassion, teamwork and hard work. I have learned about public health and the extreme importance it plays in our lives and our communities. Public health is vital to all of us. Mr. Hines has shown that through his example and leadership. I plan to continue that example, work hard and lead our staff and the communities that we serve into the future.”

– article submitted by Sharon Parker