Union County's stalwart in the realm of public health, Dennis Joyner, is setting his sights on retirement after a commendable 38-year tenure serving North Carolina communities; his departure is slotted for the close of December. Joining the ranks of Union County in 2017, Joyner took on the responsibility of Public Health Director within the Human Services Agency, a capstone on a diverse career in public health that spanned over decades and was marked by significant roles across the state, as reported by Union County officials.

"I’ve been very fortunate and honored to spend 38 years of my working life in the public health field - a profession that I truly love and will certainly miss," Joyner said, highlighting his passion for the vocation, this sentiment was echoed in the public announcement. During his long-standing career, he not only fostered numerous community health initiatives, but also embarked on a journey that took him from being a solitary community health educator in a rural county to an authoritative county health director, his last seven years with Union County were spent nurturing a dedicated public health staff and overseeing initiatives aimed at safeguarding the health of the community.

The vacancy for the Public Health Director position is expected to be advertised soon, initiating the search to fill the impending void created by Joyner's exit and ensuring a seamless and measured transition. Drawing from his well-rounded experience, which includes a 12-year leadership role as Stanly County Health Director and a distinguished term as President of the N.C. Association of Local Health Directors back in 2018, Joyner is praised for his pivotal influence and steadfast guidance through times that have tested the county's resolve, but especially during the challenging times that we've all been through, with Deputy County Manager Patrick Niland affirming, "Dennis has been an instrumental leader, guiding our organization through some challenging times with unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership," as mentioned by the Union County announcement.

Among his crowning achievements, Joyner is credited with assembling a robust public health team, poised to persevere in delivering exemplary services to Union County residents Janet Payne, Executive Director of the Human Services Agency, noted on the public announcement, "Dennis has done an excellent job of building a well-equipped team, and while he will be missed greatly, the foundation he has worked to establish is strong, and the team members who work across all our health-related programs are well-equipped and prepared to continue providing excellent service to our residents." As he looks onward to a chapter filled with family and leisure, Union County gears up to embrace a future sculpted by Joyner's enduring legacy and dedication.