NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Holly Royals will be starting a new role in New Hanover County after working in its department of social services since 2004.
Royals has been named as the director after Tonya Jackson was appointed chief health and human services officer. She formerly served as assistant director of social work services since March 2024.
“Over the last two decades, Holly has worked tirelessly to build the programs and mold the staff that make our social services operation so effective,” County Manager Chris Coudriet said in a press release. “She has proven that she knows our families, our community partners, and our team. This promotion reflects her ongoing and steadfast commitment to the people we serve.”
Royals started with New Hanover County as a children’s services social worker and worked up through the fold, becoming a LINKS coordinator, social work supervisor, and child protective services (CPS) program manager, before becoming assistant director.
According to the county, Royals time working in CPS helped guide operations through eight supervisors and 45 social workers, while also utilizing state metrics and data analysis to ensure quality service and staffing was met within budget needs.
Royals led 135 staff in child welfare and adult services in that role and at her time with CPS helped guide operations through eight supervisors and 45 social workers, also utilizing state metrics and data analysis to ensure quality service and staffing was met within budget needs. This includes overseeing multi-million-dollar program budgets
“I am honored to be selected for this role and excited to lead our amazing social services team as we continue to meet the needs of our community,” Royals said in a release. “This work can be difficult, but it is also gratifying. Seeing the positive impact on the lives of individuals and families is truly rewarding and I’m grateful for the trust that is being placed in me to oversee this department.”
Royals will be in charge of all social services programming countywide, including child welfare, adult services, and related programs, reporting to Chief Health and Human Services Officer Tonya Jackson.
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