Sep. 16—Kim Arnett, a child protective service program administrator, has been named director of the Caldwell County Department of Social Services.
Arnett was tapped for the post by the DSS board following the August retirement of former DSS director Will Wakefield.
"We are super excited to have Kim assume the director's role," said Donnie Potter, chairman of the DSS board. "I believe she will do a wonderful job in her new position."
Arnett brings nearly 20 years of social work experience to her new role.
She began her social work career in Burke County in Child Protective Services. In 2011, she joined the Caldwell Department of Social Services as a child protective services social worker.
In 2014, she became a child protective services supervisor and was promoted in 2017 to become the CPS program administrator, said Paige Counts, Caldwell County public information officer.
"I am deeply honored and appreciative that the board of social services has chosen me to fill the role of director of Caldwell County DSS," said Arnett.
"Our department plays a vital role in improving the lives of our most vulnerable population. I have tremendous gratitude for our team at DSS for their dedication and hard work in serving our community. I am excited to lead this agency as we continue to work with community and county partners for the citizens of Caldwell County."
Arnett has an associate degree from Western Piedmont Community College, a bachelor's degree in social work from Appalachian State University and a Master of Public Administration from ASU.