Two Johnstonians Appointed To State Commission

RALEIGH – Governor Josh Stein has appointed two Johnston County residents to the North Carolina Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs.

Carla West as Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being for the NC Department of Health and Human Services or designee. West serves as the Division Director for Human Services for NCDHHS. In this role, she leads efforts to integrate and enhance access to person-centered services that support individuals and families in achieving self-sufficiency and overall well-being. West provides leadership to a broad range of programs within a complex, integrated service delivery system – including economic assistance programs within the Division of Social Services and programs in the Division of Aging that encompass housing and homelessness.

Jefferey Rawlings is representing someone with lived experience of homelessness. Rawlings attended NC State University and later Phillips College, receiving a degree in Computer Science. He worked for more than 20 years in the IT support field. Rawlings’ deescalation technique and excellent customer skills were rewarded with multiple advancements and professional awards. Having been previously homeless, he left the field to pursue a career that aligned his skills with his passions. He worked with a local church nonprofit with people experiencing poverty and homelessness. He worked to provide food and volunteered at the local shelter.