Chatham County Board of Social Services

The Board of Social Services provides general guidance and consultation for the Department of Social Services. The Board also advises the county and municipal leaders on policies and plans to improve social conditions of the community. The board appoints and works closely with the Director of Social Services to support the Department’s efforts to: protect vulnerable children and adults; strengthen and preserve families; provide access to health care and better nutrition; and promote economic stability while encouraging personal responsibility. 

DSS Board Meetings are held in person in the DSS Ground Conference Room.  Agendas will be posted seven days prior to the board meeting.  Please call the Department of Social Services with any questions at 919-542-2759.

MEETINGS: The board meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 4:00pm in the Ground Conference Room at the Department of Social Services, 102 Camp Dr., Pittsboro, NC  27312. 

PUBLIC INPUT: During each meeting there is time allowed for public input in order for citizens to have an opportunity to speak. The session is no more than thirty minutes and speakers are limited to no more than three minutes each and may not give their time to another speaker. Speakers are required to sign up in advance. Individuals who wish to speak but cannot because of time constraints will be carried to the next meeting and given priority. We apologize for the tight time restrictions. They are necessary to ensure that we complete our business. If you have insufficient time to finish your presentation, we welcome your comments in writing.

MEMBERS: Two of the board members are appointed by the County Board of Commissioners and two are appointed by the State Social Services Commission. These four appoint the fifth member.  Current members are:

• Sara Welch, Chair-Appointed by the County Board of Commissioners
• Memory Dossenbach, Vice Chair-Appointed by the NC Social Services Commission
• Cecil Wilson, Member- Appointed by the Department of Social Services Board of Directors
• Peter Varney, Member-Appointed by the County Board of Commissioners
• Maria Soto, Member-Appointed by the NC Social Services Commission

Board Member contact email:  ChathamCountyDSSBoard@gmail.com

Board Member contact phone:  919-355-8371

Agendas & Minutes

NOTE: County Commissioner Liaison is Franklin Gomez Flores.

CONTACT: Jennie Kristiansen, Social Services Director, 919-542-2759.