New DHHS Secretary

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Governor McCrory Appoints Brajer

Secretary of DHHS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           919-814-2100

Wednesday, August 5, 2015                                                              govpress@nc.gov

Raleigh, N.C. — Governor Pat McCrory today announced the appointment of Rick Brajer as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  Brajer succeeds Aldona Wos, MD, who has served as secretary since January 2013.

“I want to thank Secretary Wos for her dedication and service over the last two and half years,” said Governor McCrory. “Under her leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services has undergone a dramatic transformation of efficiency and improvement. I am grateful for her role in making that happen.”

Under Secretary Wos’ leadership, North Carolina’s Medicaid program has finished with a cash surplus over the past two years. She has also championed improvements in mental health and substance use disorder services and was instrumental in helping complete the agreement with the City of Raleigh on the sale of the Dix campus.

Brajer comes to DHHS after decades of senior leadership roles in the healthcare and medical industry. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Pronerve, Inc. Before that, he served as the President, CEO and Director of Liposcience, Inc. from 2003 to 2013. Other previous leadership roles including president of BD Diagnostics and president of BD Preanalytical Systems.

“I am honored to be asked by Governor McCrory to serve North Carolina in this role,” said Brajer. “I look forward to continuing building upon the progress that Secretary Wos has made at DHHS during her tenure.”

“Rick Brajer brings a unique set of experience and skills to DHHS,” said Governor McCrory. “His background in healthcare and in business is the perfect fit for the department and the work that lies ahead.”

Brajer earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and his MBS from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He and his wife have three sons. An avid long distance runner since high school, Brajer has been active in the community as chairman of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, member of the Ravenscroft Board of Trustees, and board of directors of Communities in Schools of Wake County.

Brajer will begin his role as secretary on August 17.

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City of Henderson Committees

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Volunteers Needed –The City of Henderson has Committee openings that need to be filled. You can help. These openings are for City Committees that usually meet once a month to (1) Hear citizens’ concerns and complaints (2) Review pending changes and make recommendations to the City Council (3) Make plans for upcoming events/organize subcommittees or group events.

Interested?  Openings are available for the following Committees for City residents.

  • Board of Adjustments (Zoning)
  • Henderson Community Appearance Committee
  • Planning Board (matters involving Land Use)
  • Henderson-Vance Recreation And Parks Commission

Applications are available on the City’s web site or from the City Clerk or by clicking here ci.henderson.nc.us. Applications are available for any of the Committees as openings are often available.

Below is a complete list of Boards, Commissions and Committees for the City of Henderson.  You can apply for any of these and the City will keep your application on file.

  • Airport Authority
  • E-911 Advisory Board
  • Henderson Community Appearance Commission
  • Henderson Planning Board
  • Henderson Redevelopment Commission
  • Henderson-Vance Human Relations Commission
  • Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Commission
  • Perry Memorial Library Board of Trustees
  • Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission
  • Henderson Board of Adjustment

Vance Board of Commissioners Meeting

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The next regular meeting of the Vance County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, August 3 at 6:00pm.  The Commissioners meet the first Monday of each month in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

On the agenda:

  • County-wide water planning committee reports including wrap up of Phase 1, information about five crews working in Phase 2, with discussion about road work, USDA grant applications and refunds of early sign up fees.  The Water Board previously (April 2014) approved issuing refunds in Phase 1A and also approved allowing residents within any phase who receive refunds to “reserve” the initial signup fee of $125 if county water service is made available to them in the future. With construction wrapping up in Phase 2, it is necessary to take action authorizing the refunds along those roads that will not be included within the current project. VANCECOUNTYThe committee recommended proceeding with the issuance of refunds along the roads indicated in the attachments. Anticipated Recommendation: Authorize staff to issue refunds in Phases 2A and 2B for those roads as presented where water will not be available for the foreseeable future.
  • The properties committee will report to the full board concerning numerous properties jointly owned by the City and the County.  Some properties have been foreclosed, others have pending sales while still more are dilapidated and in need of demolition.