GATESVILLE – The Gates County Department of Social Services Board of Directors didn’t have to look very far to find a person capable of operating a multi-million-dollar department.

Late last week, the DSS Board announced that Antoinette Holley has been appointed the Interim Director of the Gates County Department of Social Services beginning on July 21. She will step into a job currently held by Geoffrey Marett who submitted his resignation effective July 25. Marett has accepted a position with the Beaufort County Department of Social Services.

Holley will serve as Interim Director for a period of 120 days from the date of July 21, 2014, until a permanent selection can be made by the Gates County Department of Social Services Board.

She is no stranger to Gates County citizens as Holley has been an employee of the Gates County Department of Social Services for 20 years with approximately 15 of those years in a supervisory role. Holley, as a supervisor, has overseen numerous programs, including but not limited to the protection of children and elderly and or disabled adults from abuse, neglect, dependency and/or exploitation during and after normal business hours; special assistance provided in the home of adults; the care and coordination of services to adults and children in the care of the Gates County Department of Social Services; the supervision of the Work First program in which families are assisted in achieving self-sufficiency through education and employment assistance; and energy programs designed to assist those eligible in crisis with their heating and cooling needs.

Prior to her supervisory role, Holley was employed as the Work First Coordinator/Employment Services Social Worker in which her responsibilities included the development, administration, and implementation of the Work First program in Gates County. Under Holley’s leadership, the Gates County Work First program was recognized by the state for program compliance and enrollment reductions of families who achieved self-sufficiency and were no longer dependent on the assistance of the Work First program.

Holley was awarded her Masters of Science Degree in Health and Human Services from Capella University in September of 2013. Prior to receiving her Master’s degree, Holley obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Elizabeth City State University.

In her new role as Interim Director Holley will be responsible for the supervision, management, and oversight of the Gates County Department of Social Services programs and its 21 employees. Holley will ensure that compliance to federal, state, and county regulations are maintained in the programs delivered by the Gates County Department of Social Services to the citizens of Gates County who are in need of them in a courteous and professional manner.