Buncombe County’s ID Bureau is responsible for handling a high volume of sensitive and important information, and this effort will now be spearheaded by Oscar Wooten IV. During an extensive search for a new Director of the ID Bureau, he emerged as the top candidate for this crucial role in local government. “The work that is done at the ID Bureau is critical to ensuring criminal justice data integrity and public safety throughout Buncombe County,” notes Assistant County Manager DK Wesley. “The Director provides the vision and leadership to ensure consistency of processes, staff support, development, and adherence to statutes and guidelines.” DK says Oscar’s leadership and management experience made him stand out as candidate for this position. “That experience coupled with his ability to cultivate relationships, create an atmosphere of innovation and team development, and effectively manage projects made Oscar the ideal leader for this role. Oscar joins us with over 30 years of both law enforcement, identification, and security experience.”
Oscar joins Buncombe County after working for more than 10 years as an Operations Supervisor for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. As an Army veteran, he brings extensive military and law enforcement experience to the County’s ID Bureau, noting it’s a natural extension of his previous work. “The ID Bureau is a trusted department, and the community relies on us for the entry, processing, and maintaining of sensitive information,” explains Oscar. “Judicial and law enforcement agencies also rely on the department for their success. How we conduct our business and perform our jobs affects the community in many ways.” Oscar says he wants to engage in team building and relationship development as he starts the process of implementing new processes. “My personal mantra is ‘Leadership, mentorship, and fellowship’ and this is a position that includes a culmination of my knowledge, skills, and abilities,” notes Oscar. “I look forward to meeting the employees of Buncombe County along with the community we partner with and serve.” Speaking of community, Oscar’s wife Shannon Edmonds Wooten is already very familiar with Buncombe County as she is graduate of Enka High School, and they are excited about this new chapter in our community.
Oscar is set to start his position as Director of the ID Bureau on June 17, 2024.
Oscar Wooten’s professional biography
Oscar Wooten IV is a North Carolina native and has an extensive background in public service. He has worked in leadership capacities in law enforcement as well as security after a long period of military service. As an Army veteran, Oscar has served his country around the world as a Military Policeman and Aviation Crew Chief. In his law enforcement and security career, he participated in the planning of several high-profile events including Presidential visits, NBA All-Star Weekend, and the Washington Project. Oscar is considered an industry advisor in aviation security and recognized as a member of the National Safe Skies Alliance, Inc. Oscar has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Gardner-Webb University, a graduate certificate in Paralegal Studies from Duke University, and a master’s degree in public safety leadership and administration from Arizona State University.