Forsyth County has a new director of social services. Christine Dowdell was chosen after a nationwide search.
She has almost 30 years of experience in social services and has directed family services in Chowan County since 2018.
In Forsyth County, she'll manage more than 500 people. The county's social services department assists or administers a variety of programs for vulnerable populations, including food and nutrition programs, child support, and protective services for children and adults.
She also has ties to two of the area's HBCUs. Dowdell has taught classes at Bennett College in Greensboro and has two children who graduated from Winston-Salem State University.
Dowdell will take over the Forsyth County position on February 28. She replaces former director Victor Isler, who left to take a job as an assistant county manager in Guilford County in November.