Becky Long photo • Clay County Progress County Manager Debbie Mauney, left, introduces Clarissa Rogers as the Public Health Director, a position of which she has served in an interim capacity for the past few years which included the COVID pandemic.
By Becky Long
Publisher
Clarissa Rogers is marking her eighth year with the Clay County Health Department. She has worked in many capacities there, but perhaps the most important may have been when she stepped into the role of interim public health director in 2021 during the COVID pandemic. The interim has now been dropped from her title.
County Manager Debbie Mauney introduced Rogers in her new role as Public Health Director during the July 20 county commission meeting saying, “She has done a good job. She did a lot of work to get here.”
Board Chairman Rob Peck agreed. “It’s well deserved — you served during trying and uncertain times.”
When asked if it was difficult to step into the leadership role during the pandemic, Rogers confirmed it was at times, but the experience helped her grow in the job.
“It was not always easy, that is for sure,” Rogers said. “It was such a learning curve for me. Attempting to learn daily leadership requirements and duties for the position, coupled with maintaining up to date on public health guidance was overwhelming at times. But, in the end it was worth it.”
As a local, Rogers took her job even more personally.
“I know many individuals in the community and I am thankful to have been able serve the citizens of Clay County in a leadership capacity during that time,” she said. “It was a humbling, yet rewarding experience.”
The health department has 25 full-time employees. Rogers credited these employees for making the transition smoother.
“It also helps that we have some pretty amazing staff at the health department that pulled together and made it easier to lead,” she said.
In her years at the health department, Rogers has worked in many roles that required wearing many hats. She started out as the front desk nurse, providing vaccines and walk-in services like blood pressure checks, EKG’s, etc to patients. After about a year, she began working as the Child Health Program and Immunization Program coordinator.
“In June of 2018, I transitioned as the nursing supervisor and lab manager, while also gaining my training requirements to be the Communicable Disease nurse back-up. Finally, in 2021 I accepted the position as interim health director,” Rogers said.
Throughout the time frame as the nursing supervisor, prior to serving as the interim health director, she stepped in as the program coordinator/back-up for other services like, CMARC, CMHRP, and WIC in response to staffing changes and such.
“Rural public health relies on individuals to wear multiple hats. The additional roles have given me great experience, expanded my knowledge of public health services and strengthened my leadership capabilities,” she said.
Despite her vast range of experience, Rogers had more steps to climb before qualifying for the director’s position.
“I worked closely with county leadership to develop a work plan that included things like leadership trainings, classes, monitoring reports and a mentorship with the county manager/HHS director. I worked with the state to complete required trainings for new health directors, while also providing frequent reports to local leadership, related to state monitoring visits and program evaluations. But, most importantly I worked closely with Debbie Mauney for leadership guidance and direction. Her mentorship has been very beneficial throughout this process,” said Rogers. “I have learned a lot from her and appreciate her investment in my journey.”
Rogers expressed appreciation for the opportunity.
“I just want to thank the board of commissioners and the county manager/HHS director for giving me the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity,” she said. “I am appreciative of the journey that led me here and, look forward to the road ahead. Public health is a special profession that I am so grateful to be a part of.”
In addition to her career, Rogers is grateful for her family. She and husband Robert are the parents of three children.
“I have been so blessed with such a supportive and loving family. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have three amazing daughters,” she said. “The girls keep us on our toes and very busy, but we would not have it any other way. As a family we love to spend time outdoors, especially in Fires Creek.”
Other matters heard by the commissioners:
• Betty Shopp was appointed as alternate to the Hayesville Board of Adjustment.
• Tax Collector Rehnaye Talley reported that tax collections were down slightly this year, from 97.73 percent to 97.68 percent. She was given permission to collect this year’s taxes, a formality that’s part of the tax settlement.
• A change to the county’s personnel policy will delete the required 90 days worked before qualifying for a holiday. Another change will allow the acceptable employee drivers’ license to be any valid license rather than exclusively North Carolina. These changes were made to help with retention and at the request of department heads.
• A variance for a common area at Mountain Harbour was approved, provided the land is attached to a house. Those who qualify for the variance must have a deed and survey that puts their townhouse with the common area property.
• Commissioners agreed to a deed transfer from the county back to the school board regarding the old rock gym on the school campus. The county was deeded the land so that a loan could be taken for renovations in 2002. The loan was satisfied in 2015.
The commission board’s next meeting is Thursday, Aug. 3. Commissioners meet at 6:45 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of the courthouse following the 6:30 p.m. Water & Sewer Board meeting.