Long-time Onslow County Emergency Services Director Norman Bryson appears to no longer be the head of the department after county officials recently announced a change in leadership.
In a press release from Onslow County officials, it was announced that Assistant County Manager Janelle Golloway is now overseeing Emergency Services operations, effective as of Oct. 28.
The release said the Onslow County Board of Commissioners has made Emergency Medical Services system improvements the county’s single most important priority.
Therefore, Cape Lookout Leadership Solutions and Berry Dunn consulting firms have been working specifically with Emergency Services staff to “identify better ways to provide service and improve the culture within the division.”
Studies by the firms revealed significant areas of needed improvement, the release said. Examples of the areas needing improvement were not provided by county staff.
“The board of commissioners and the executive leadership team are committed to making positive changes within Emergency Services as a whole,” according to the news release. “Onslow County Emergency Services continues to serve citizens and visitors with the highest degree of professionalism and compassion in its effort to become the best EMS system in North Carolina.”
According to Bryson’s biography on the county’s website, he has been the director of Emergency Services since June of 2011, and has more than 31 years of experience in the field.
He has worked as the chief coordinating officer for Onslow County during 11 local states of emergency, and currently holds an N.C. Type I Emergency Managers certification, as well as several instructor certifications.
Bryson was not available for comment about the leadership change.
County personnel information continues to list Bryson as employed as the emergency services director. No information has been provided by county management staff or human resources regarding if Bryson is still the director or if he is working in a different capacity for the county.
Personnel records confirm Bryson is still employed by Onslow County.
The reason for the leadership change has not been provided by county officials.
Bryson was hired an Onslow County deputy fire marshal and hazmat coordinator in 2002, personnel records show.
He was promoted to assistant director of emergency services and later as director in 2011.
Bryson earns an annual salary of $136,476.79.
Golloway will not be paid an additional stipend or increase in salary as interim director, officials said.
