After the results of a comprehensive study on senior services in Cherokee County, performed by an outside consultant, the county has hired a new senior services director, but is retaining the former director, in a program management capacity.
County Manager Jerry Cooper announced March 12 that Nathan Brandon has been appointed director of senior services.
Brandon brings more than seven years of experience working with seniors to the position. He most recently was the administrator of the Cameron Hall Assisted Living Center, located in Canton, where he managed the oversight and daily operations of a staff of 54 people, as well as ensuring compliance with state regulations and offering primary services such as caregiving, food service, center activities and property management.
Brandon became director of the center effective March 15.
“I am excited to serve the seniors and thrilled to give back to my community in a field that is important to me,” Brandon said. “I look forward to working with the leadership of Cherokee County and thank them for the opportunity to continue my service to the residents of Cherokee County.”
Brandon also said his first step was to analyze senior services and make sure services match the senior population of the county.
The former director of senior services, Barbara Dobyne, will remain with the county as program manager, reporting to Brandon.
County Commission Chairman Buzz Ahrens said Dobyne’s “passion for working with seniors and her soft-spoken manner, kindness and intelligence” are strengths she will continue to bring to the department, while Brandon will bring breadth of experience and be a point person to guide the county as it revamps senior
services.
“It’s a fresh new start,” Ahrens said. “The report is comprehensive, and detailed in opportunities, too many for us to address all at once.”
Ahrens said that overall, the county needs to set priorities and to begin looking at programs that reach a broader range of seniors and of interests.
Cooper said additional changes to the senior services organization are forthcoming. Hiring
decisions were made by Cooper,
in consultation with the
commissioners.
“Mr. Brandon, and Dr. (Jackie) McMorris (director of community services) and I will be discussing the organization later this week, and changes to strengthen the organization” he said.
Cooper said that the assessment shows that services provided to seniors in the county have deteriorated, and it will be necessary to address areas of weaknesses to ensure services improve.
According to the report, areas of weakness identified by consultant Albie Landwher were a lack of vision and leadership, poor communication with and between seniors and staff, no performance measurements in place, a lack of understanding of financials and budgeting, and poor standard operating procedures.
“While funding provided for senior services has increased over the years, the level of service has deteriorated. We have addressed the leadership and vision issue by appointing Mr. Brandon as director, and assigned an existing employee with senior services, Lindsay Gimblett, to serve in the role as compliance fiscal manager to strengthen budgeting and finances,” Cooper said.
Brandon is active in the community, as the immediate past chairman of the board of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.
He served for nine years as vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Reinhardt College.
“With the renovation of the City Club and the planned expansion of the Univeter Senior Center to better serve our senior population, the county is excited with the leadership that Mr. Brandon brings to Senior Services,” Cooper said.
Ahrens noted that the over-55 population will quadruple in the next 20 years, with major implications for the community related to services, mobility, education and facilities.
Post 3 Commissioner Karen Bosch said she has known Brandon for more than 10 years and looks forward to working with him.
“His experience and attitude toward his clients make him an excellent choice for this position,” she said. Post 1 Commissioner Harry Johnston said he expects Brandon to put the senior services program on track as “one of the best in the state,” and Post 2 Commissioner Jim Hubbard said the county was “lucky” to obtain Brandon’s services.
“I don’t think we could have a more qualified person,” said Post 4 Commissioner Derek Good. “He has a great track record.”
