Sampson County has a new recreation director, and she is homegrown, full-time and ready to make an impact.

Autryville’s Dana Bullard Hall has been selected as the new full-time Parks and Recreation director for Sampson County, beating out 14 other applicants for the position, it was announced at the county’s Board of Commissioners meeting Monday night.

A graduate of East Carolina University, Hall previously worked for the Sampson Parks and Recreation Department for five years before accepting a position with the City of Wilson where she has worked since 2010, most currently as recreation program supervisor.

“I am very excited to come back to Sampson County, come back home,” said Hall. “I’ve been in Wilson for the past seven years and that has been a big commute for me. I’ve always lived in Sampson County and I wasn’t sure I’d ever get a chance to come back so I’m glad to get the opportunity to come back.”

Along with the Bachelor of Science degree she holds in Recreation and Leisure Studies from ECU, Hall is also a certified park and recreation professional (CPRP) and a member and former regional president of the North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association (NCRPA). She brings a wealth of talent and experience to the position, county officials said.

In her career so far, Hall has worked closely with the state and local recreation agencies, as well as local towns, universities and colleges.

“I’m hoping that coming back to Sampson County we’re going to build a partnership there,” said Hall, who has already been in discussions with Michelle Wells, executive director of the N.C. Recreation and Parks Association. “I let her know that I will be moving here and she is very excited to begin working with us.”

Of the 15 total applicants, five were interviewed before Hall was selected from the group. She officially begins Tuesday, Jan. 17.

As part of deliberations for the 2016-17 budget last year, the Board of Commissioners approved advertising for a full-time recreation director in hopes of filling the position by the beginning of January. The position, last held by former Parks and Rec director Raymond Spell, was previously part-time. Spell worked for the county in a full-time capacity from August 2013-March 2015. At his request, he became a part-time permanent director in March 2015.

The position was changed back to full-time with last year’s budget adoption.

“This is a lady whom I have extremely high expectations for, that she will contribute to Sampson County during her career,” County manager Ed Causey said.

As an active member of the NCRPA and East Carolina University’s Recreation Alumni Board, Hall said she will be “actively seeking opportunities for partnership, training and growth for our department.” She said her experience working in both rural and urban environments, with various budgeting and purchasing processes and managing various levels of staff has given her a diverse knowledge over the years.

“I have an understanding of the importance of goal-setting and look forward to working with the commission board, managers and our existing recreation staff to better serve the citizens of Sampson County,” Hall stated.

Commissioners congratulated Hall, wishing her well and saying they were there for support.

“She has the expertise and she’s from here,” said Commissioner Harry Parker. “She can do Sampson County a lot of good being from here. We’re glad to have you.”

“Thank you for joining us,” said Commissioner Jerol Kivett. “We appreciate all the effort you plan to make.”

Board chairman Clark Wooten

“We want you to have the autonomy to make recreation the best of any of the 100 counties,” Wooten remarked, addressing Hall. “Our children are our future and it’s important to us as a group that we do everything we can to allow them to learn what comes from recreation and sports. A big county brings challenges. We knew we had to have a special person with a special vision to lead that department.”

“It’s a big challenge,” Wooten continued. “There’s a lot to deal with, and we’re looking for great things. Just know we support you.”

Hall’s starting salary is $55,080. Her position, like all positions, will be subject to the salary changes associated with the last two years of the pay plan implementation on July 2017 and July 2018, assistant county manager Susan Holder said.

Sampson resident Dana Bullard Hall was announced Monday as the county’s new full-time Parks and Recreation director. She will start in that capacity next week.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Bullard.jpgSampson resident Dana Bullard Hall was announced Monday as the county’s new full-time Parks and Recreation director. She will start in that capacity next week.
Hall to begin full-time duties Jan. 17

By Chris Berendt

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