Wake County Hires Chief Community Vitality Officer
After an extensive, nationwide search, Wake County has selected a local government leader with 34 years of proven experience to serve as its Chief Community Vitality Officer. Derwick Paige will officially start his new role with the county on Jan. 16, 2019.
“Derwick worked his way up from a planner for the City of Winston-Salem to its deputy city manager – an impressive career path that has prepared him well for this new role,” said Wake County Manager David Ellis. “We look forward to using his vast knowledge and diverse skills to help improve the lives of our residents every day.”
Paige will oversee the county’s Human Services and Environmental Services departments, as well as the newly created Department of Housing Affordability and Community Revitalization. These departments offer critical services such as public health clinics, SNAP benefits, water quality testing, restaurant inspections and affordable housing assistance.
“After retiring from the City of Winston-Salem, I couldn’t just sit at home when I knew I had more to give the community,” said Paige. “I’m excited to join the talented team at Wake County where I can put my expertise to work daily for more than 1 million residents and continue to make a difference in my community.”
Paige retired in June 2018 from his position as deputy city manager for the City of Winston-Salem, which he held for 15 years. From 1998 to 2003, he served in several high-profile community and economic development roles for the city. Prior to that, he worked for the city as the minority/women business enterprise director, a budget analyst and a city planner from 1990 to 1998. He began his career as a Winston-Salem police officer in 1984.
Paige holds a Bachelor of Science degree in administrative justice and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as a master’s degree in Public Administration from UNC-Greensboro.
County Manager Ellis formed the chief community vitality officer position when he restructured the county’s executive leadership team. Paige will report to Chief Operating Officer Johnna Rogers.