By NICOLE CARTRETTE
Staff Writer

As the Columbus County Department of Social Services bids one director farewell, the search for a new director is getting started.

Director Marva Scott has accepted a director’s position with the Edgecombe County DSS. Her last day will be March 5.

Assistant Director Mary Thompson was named interim director, effective March 1, at the DSS board meeting Tuesday evening at the Department of Social Services Administration building.

“I do want the board to understand they need to get busy,” said Thompson, who plans to retire this year with 38 years of service. “I do not plan to be an employee during all of 2007.”

Thompson, who has served as interim director in past management transitions, told the board, “I assure you I’ll do my best to fulfill duties that are put before me.”

DSS Board Chairman and County Commissioner Amon McKenzie told the board Thompson was willing to stay on board until the end of June.

He pointed out that the board needed to “get advertising going right away.”

The board voted to begin advertising the job in conjunction with the Columbus County personnel department immediately.

After some discussion regarding how long the advertisement should run, the board agreed with board member Ruth Storms who suggested the advertisement run at least six weeks.

McKenzie said as the board gets applications in they will decide when to start the interviews.

Details of the job description were not discussed but the board discussed including the salary range of $49,000 to $101,000 for the grade-80 position.

Board member Guillermo Noguera encouraged qualified in-house candidates to apply.