Buncombe County Launches National Search for Chief Equity & Human Rights Officer

Following the approval of the Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget, Buncombe County is proud to announce a national search to fill the newly created position of Chief Equity & Human Rights Officer. This role is an important new addition to the County’s leadership team, reporting directly to an Assistant County Manager.

“This is a key moment in our County’s path moving forward,” said County Manager Avril Pinder. “With work to be done around reparations along with equity driving our strategic plan and racial equity action plan, this position will be a dedicated resource to ensure we are progressing on our goals.”

When the Board of Commissioners declared racism a public health and safety crisis in August of 2020, it signaled the confluence of meaningful community action and a legislative commitment to dismantling systemic racism within Buncombe County governmental operations. The 2025 Strategic Plan places equity as both a foundational focus area and a value, and the Chief Equity & Human Rights Officer will pioneer the implementation of Buncombe County’s goals to integrate equity through practical and impactful policies, procedures, programs, and services.

The Chief Equity & Human Rights Officer will lead the County’s Equity & Inclusion Workgroup, provide support and consultation to departments/offices, and propel the Countywide strategy for advancing equity and inclusion into organizational culture and service delivery. This position will also serve as a key liaison to the community and work to bolster the County’s equity and human rights efforts including the implementation of the County Racial Equity Action Plan and the Board of Commissioners’ reparations resolution.

To learn more about the position, click here.