His appointment received the unanimous consent of the Health and Human Services Agency Board at its meeting on March 20, 2018. Dove was previously employed as the County Manager of Haywood County, a position he left on Oct. 3, 2017. His prior experience with the county includes DSS Attorney for nine years, as well as, DSS Director for four years. During his time with DSS, he was instrumental in leading the consolidation of the DSS and Health Departments to create the current Health and Human Services Agency.

In making the announcement, Mr. Mashburn stated “the county had received 38 applications for the position, but no applications came from within the organization. Using a panel made up of HHSA board members and county staff, the list of applicants was narrowed to five with three selected for interviews. We received several well qualified candidates for the position but we all agreed that Ira was the best qualified and best suited person for the positon.”

When told of his appointment, Mr. Dove stated he was “grateful to be able to return to serve the good people of Haywood County and excited to be able to work with an organization whose main objective is to make life better for those that live in Haywood County.”

Dove is expected to begin his new duties on Monday, March 26, 2018.