Lindsey Shewmaker, who has served as a Department of Social Services Human Services Manager since 2010, will succeed Nancy Coston as Orange County Social Services Director upon her retirement after 45 years of service at the end of October, Board of Social Services Chair Jane Garrett announced Tuesday, October 2, 2024.
“The Board is excited to appoint Lindsey Shewmaker as the next Social Services Director,” Garrett said. “Lindsey brings 20 years of Social Services experience in Orange County, which will make for a seamless transition.”
As Human Services Manager, Ms. Shewmaker is currently responsible for managing multiple programs and staff at the Orange County Department of Social Services. During her tenure, she has built strong relationships with staff at the Department of Health and Human Services, with community partners working on issues impacting low-income Orange County residents, and with other Orange County Departments collaborating on solutions to challenging social services issues.
“We are lucky to be able to hire Lindsey into this crucial role,” said Orange County Vice Chair Sally Greene who serves as the Commissioner representative on the Board of Social Services. “Lindsey’s deep experience is matched by her dedication to the people we serve. Orange County is in good hands with her leadership."
Ms. Shewmaker earned her bachelor’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University and earned a master’s in public administration from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her tenure with Social Services, she has served on County and State committees pertinent to Human Services functions. Ms. Shewmaker will begin serving as the Orange County Social Services Director on November 1, 2024.
“I have spent most of my life in Orange County and understand the challenges and opportunities of our community,” said Shewmaker. “I care about this county and the people we serve, and I believe strongly that the work we do not only improves the lives of our clients but also enhances the lives of our entire population by creating a more diverse and vibrant Orange County.”
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Contact: Kristin Prelipp, kprelipp@orangecountync.gov, 919-245-2322